IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2019 Smart Forfour (453)

The 2019 restyle rebranded the petrol Forfour alongside the EQ Forfour, with updated exterior and interior trim. Petrol production ended in 2019, but the electric EQ Forfour continued until early 2022. The 0.9 turbo and 1.0 naturally aspirated engines were carried over with the Twinamic DCT or manual gearbox.

What changed for 2019

  • •2019 restyle and EQ rebrand
  • •Petrol production ended in 2019
  • •EQ Forfour continued until early 2022
  • •0.9 turbo and 1.0 NA petrol engines with Twinamic or manual

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Twinamic gearbox judder at low speeds
  • !Rear door handle cable failure
  • !Rapid brake pad wear at 25k-30k miles
  • !Suspension bottoming out on speed bumps
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 2019 Smart Forfour (453)

  • The 2019 cars are the last petrol Forfours made
  • Test the Twinamic gearbox in stop-start traffic for judder
  • Check all door handles from inside and outside
2016–20182020–2021
Check a 2019 Smart Forfour (453) by Registration