IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2016–2019 Smart Forfour (453)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2016–2019 Smart Forfour (453). None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

3
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Twinamic Gearbox Judder

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The dual-clutch transmission can develop a judder, especially when pulling away from a standstill or in heavy traffic.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Vibration when pulling away, Hesitation when shifting between 1st and 2nd

What to Inspect:
  • Test the car in stop-start traffic to see if the gearbox remains smooth when hot
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Suspension Bottoming Out and Rapid Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The suspension is quite stiff and can bottom out on speed bumps or rough roads. Front suspension arms and silent blocks wear rapidly, especially with kerb impacts in city driving.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£500
Warning Signs:

Knocking over speed bumps, Reduced stability, Increased tyre wear, Bottoming out on rough surfaces

What to Inspect:
  • Drive over speed bumps to check for bottoming
  • Inspect front suspension arms and bushes
  • Check tyre wear patterns
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Rear Door Handle Cable Failure

MinorBodywork & Rust

The cables inside the rear doors can snap or become detached, meaning the door cannot be opened from the outside.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£200
Warning Signs:

Exterior rear door handle feels loose, Door only opens from the inside

What to Inspect:
  • Test all door handles from both inside and outside
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2016–2019 Smart Forfour (453)

  • ✓On petrol models, check the boot floor temperature after a test drive; the engine sits directly underneath and poor insulation can cause the boot to get very hot.
  • ✓Test the turning circle at full lock; listen for any clunking from the steering rack.
  • ✓Verify the operation of the manual gearbox or the Twinamic dual-clutch; the Twinamic is vastly superior to older Smart automatics but check for hesitation.
  • ✓Check the infotainment screen for dead pixels and ensure smartphone mirroring works reliably.
  • ✓On EQ (electric) models, verify the health of the 12V auxiliary battery, as failure will immobilize the car.
  • ✓Inspect the front bonnet cover (which slides forward) to ensure the retaining straps are intact.
20152020–2021
Check a 2016–2019 Smart Forfour (453) by Registration