Smart EQ ForTwo
Electric variants of the ForTwo and ForFour. Various battery sizes depending on generation and facelift.
Electric cabrio
Silently electric through the city with the roof down — a unique concept. Range is sufficient for everyday use.
Vehicle Weaknesses 12
Vehicles built in November 2020 were bonded with non-specification adhesive. In a crash, the passenger airbag might be unable to use the windscreen as a backstop. Recall should have been rectified free of charge at a workshop.
Manufacturing defect in the front axle steering knuckle: the knuckle can break, leading to complete loss of vehicle control. Recall affected several model years; vehicles should have been inspected at a workshop.
On models from 2016–2019, failures of the emergency braking assistant were documented. Repairs were usually covered under warranty. On used vehicles outside warranty, repair costs are to be expected.
The 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (twinamic) judders and bucks especially when pulling away in city traffic and in cold conditions. Mainly affects the 66 kW engine. Software updates help partially; at heavy wear, clutch replacement is necessary (approx. €3,500).
The rear brake drums of the 453 rust heavily on seldom-used vehicles. The rust is not always cleared by braking and can permanently damage the drum. A well-known problem particularly for city drivers with short standing periods.
Particularly model years 2015–2016 were delivered with weak batteries, and the 453 did not warn of lights left on. Many owners report battery failure after just 2–3 years. Regular checks before winter are recommended.
On the 453 cabriolet, the electric hood motor fails prematurely. The gearbox housing of the left motor frequently cracks. The hood then jams or can no longer be fully opened or closed.
On the 453 cabriolet, water enters along the lower edge of the rear window and at the transition between the roof and tailgate. Often the cause is sealant omitted at the spoiler screws during workshop work.
The Smart Media System touchscreen freezes and no longer responds to input. The known quick fix: pull fuse no. 26 (yellow 20 A fuse) from the glove box and reinsert after one minute. Software updates from the dealer provide a lasting fix.
As with its predecessor the 451, the front drop links wear and cause rattling noises over bumps and cobblestones. Cheap repair, but a typical MOT advisory from approx. 60,000 km.
Typical short-trip city use means condensation water in the exhaust system never dries out. The exhaust rusts from the inside and outside. Particularly visible at the rear silencer. Replacement required.
The AC evaporator becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mould when the air conditioning is not regularly dried out with fresh air. Musty, stale smell when switching on the AC, especially after standing periods.