IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2020–2021 Smart Forfour (453)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2020–2021 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

The 2020–2021 period has 1 more issue than the Smart Forfour (453) average across all year periods.

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.

Most affected: Twinamic models

Estimated cost: £300–£1,200Affects: 2015–2021Often appears around: 30,000–60,000 miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test the car in stop-start traffic to see if the gearbox remains smooth when hot

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.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £200–£500Affects: 2015–2021Often appears around: 20,000–50,000 miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive over speed bumps to check for bottoming
  • ✓Inspect front suspension arms and bushes
  • ✓Check tyre wear patterns

Rapid Brake Pad Wear

MinorBrakes

Brake pads wear out significantly faster than average, typically lasting only 25,000–30,000 miles compared to the normal 40,000 miles. Rear brake drums can also corrode.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £100–£250Affects: 2015–2021Often appears around: 20,000–30,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Squealing brakes
  • •Reduced braking performance
  • •Visual wear on pads

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check pad thickness at each service
  • ✓Inspect rear drums for corrosion
  • ✓Test braking performance during drive

Buying Tips for the 2020 Smart Forfour (453)

  • ✓Check the rear door hinges and latches; they are quite lightweight and can get damaged.
  • ✓Verify that the rear seat folding mechanism works smoothly.
  • ✓The 0.9 turbo is the better choice for carrying four passengers.
2015–2019 Smart Forfour (453)

Browse 2020–2021 Smart Forfour (453) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2020–2021 Smart Forfour (453) vehicles.

View 2020–2021 Directory

Other Smart Forfour (453) Year Periods

2015–20192020–2021

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