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Smart · Micro Car · 2020–2024

Smart ForTwo 453-FL

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Body Variants

The Smart ForTwo 453-FL is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Coupé
1 Engines
view Coupé →
Cabrio
1 Engines
view Cabrio →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Smart ForTwo 453-FL is available with one engine variant at 75 hp.

EQ ForTwo · Elektro· 82 PS
2020 2024
Be Careful 0 weaknesses

The Smart EQ ForTwo (Elektro, 82 PS) has the Smart-ED (Elektromotor) — rated: "Be Careful".

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖DC-DC Converter Defective — Charging Abort

A faulty DC-DC converter prevents the 12V battery from charging; without sufficient 12V voltage, the HV contactors cannot close. Vehicle no longer moves under its own power.

Symptoms: Fault message 'charging not possible – visit workshop', vehicle stationary, 12V voltage measurable below 13 V
from 70,000 km
Ad Smart EQ DCDC WandlerSmart EQ DC-DC converter
 High
!12V Battery Drains Quickly

The 12V lead-acid battery is not designed for the charge/discharge conditions of a BEV and sulphates. After 3–4 years a complete failure that renders the vehicle undriveable is typical.

Symptoms: App shows 12V warning, vehicle cannot be started, charging aborts with red battery symbol
from 40,000 km
Ad Varta N60 EFBVarta A8 AGMSmart EQ 12V battery
 Low
!Sporadic Charging Aborts at Wallboxes

Charging aborts without warning, especially with managed charging current or mains disturbances. Statistically occurs approximately every 30,000 km and usually resolves itself after a 15-minute wait.

Symptoms: Charge cable LED flashes red, error message 'charging not possible', clears after unplugging/replugging and a 15-minute pause
from 30,000 km
 Low
●Smart Control App — Connection Errors and Pre-Conditioning

The official app regularly loses the vehicle connection. The immediate boost for pre-conditioning functions reliably in only about 50% of cases after overnight parking.

Symptoms: App shows vehicle as offline, pre-conditioning does not start, daily re-login required
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 7 weaknesses have been documented for the Smart ForTwo 453-FL (2020–2024). Typical issues affect Electronics, HVAC, Other.

What to watch out for with the Smart ForTwo? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Smart ForTwo 453-FL have? +
No known weaknesses have been documented for the Smart ForTwo 453-FL.
What should I look for when buying a used Smart ForTwo 453-FL? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: Smart-ED (Elektromotor). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the Smart-ED (Elektromotor).
Which Smart ForTwo 453-FL engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Smart ForTwo 453-FL — rated: "Decent". {description} Clearly better than the 451 ED — more power, better battery. Still only a city car with ~160 km range.
Is the Smart ForTwo 453-FL worth buying used? +
The Smart ForTwo 453-FL requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Smart ForTwo 453-FL? +
The Smart ForTwo 453-FL is available with engine variants from 75 to 82 hp.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee