Smart ForTwo 453 (2014-2024): known problems and buying guide

A mid-field car, so test the twinamic from cold, then check for oil leaks and a rotten exhaust before you buy.

Updated 27 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
coupé EQ, 82 PS, single-speed, rear-wheel drive	€287	€14,480	414	Electric	5AL 60	Reduction gear	2020–2023
cabrio EQ, 82 PS, single-speed, rear-wheel drive, convertible	€278	€16,800	127	Electric	5AL 60	Reduction gear	2020–2023

Years: built 2014-2024; petrol until 2019, then the electric EQ only. Rear engine, rear drive.
Reliability: 3/5, because gearbox and suspension repairs cost real money, though breakdown figures sit mid-field.
DIY: 3/5, because brakes, battery and exhaust bolt on at home, but clutch and gearbox work needs a workshop.
Prefer: a manual car with a full service history, a dry engine underside and a recent exhaust.
Avoid: a twinamic that jerks, a rotten rear silencer, or fresh underseal over an oily engine.

1.0 SCe petrol (60 and 71 PS, H4D): Renault-built three-cylinder shared with the Twingo; oil loss and exhaust rust are below.
0.9 TCe petrol (90 PS, Brabus 109 PS, H4B): the turbo engine of the range; no engine fault confirmed in the sources read.
Electric drive and EQ (82 PS, 5AL): no fault confirmed in the sources read; have open campaigns checked by VIN.
Five-speed manual: no fault confirmed in the sources read.
Six-speed twinamic dual-clutch: jerks are below.
Single-speed reduction gear (electric): no fault confirmed in the sources read.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Twinamic jerks	Cars with the twinamic	Not stated	No confirmed price
Front brake wear	All cars	Not stated	620 EUR front, 880 EUR rear (Germany, year not stated)
Exhaust corrosion	All cars	Not stated	525 EUR rear silencer (Germany, year not stated)
Front suspension and axle mounts	All cars	Not stated (5-9 years old)	No confirmed price
Oil loss at engine and drive	All cars	Not stated	No confirmed price
Battery goes flat without warning	Cars built 2014-2016 mainly	Not stated	No confirmed price
Pedal sensor faults	All cars	Not stated	No confirmed price

Twinamic. Test from cold: pull away, reverse, creep. Bad result: slipping, a pause, a jerk or a warning. Have the clutch adaptation values read with a scanner.
Brakes. Check the front discs through the wheel; test the foot brake and handbrake. Bad result: a worn lip on the discs, a long pedal or a handbrake that will not hold.
Exhaust. Tap the rear silencer and heat shields for flakes and holes. Bad result: a rattle, a hole or a loose heat shield.
Front suspension. Push down each front corner; drive over a rough road. Bad result: a knock from the drop links or axle mounts.
Oil loss. Look under the engine and drive units, then at the dipstick. Bad result: fresh oil or a low level.
Battery. Check its age; start the car with the lights on. Bad result: a slow crank or no warning.
Pedal sensor. Let start-stop work a few times in traffic. Bad result: the engine does not restart.
Recalls. Ask a dealer to check open campaigns by VIN.

Operational	€118
Workshop	€82
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€87
Total per month	€287
New-car depreciation (not included)	€34

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.