IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2014–2018 Smart Fortwo (453)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2014–2018 Smart Fortwo (453). None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

4
Known Issues
0
Serious
1
Moderate
3
Minor

The 2014–2018 period has 3 more issues than the Smart Fortwo (453) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

DCT Gearbox Clutch Actuator Motor Failure

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The dual-clutch transmission uses electric actuator motors that can corrode or seize, causing loss of even or odd gears. The lower motor (M15) is accessible but the upper motor (M14) requires intake manifold removal.

Most affected: Twinamic DCT models

Estimated cost: £300–£800Affects: 2014–2024Often appears around: 40,000–80,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Loss of even or odd gears
  • •Gear selection failure
  • •Clunking or rattling from gearbox
  • •Gearbox warning light

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test all gears during the drive
  • ✓Listen for rattling from the gearbox area
  • ✓Check for gearbox fault codes

Air-conditioning Condenser Leak

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The condenser is highly exposed at the front of the car and is easily damaged by road debris or corrosion.

Most affected: All petrol models

Estimated cost: £350–£550Affects: 2014–2021Often appears around: 20,000–50,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Air conditioning not blowing cold
  • •Hissing sound from vents

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Look for oily stains on the condenser through the front bumper

12V Battery Failure

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The standard 12V batteries on 453 models seem to have a short lifespan, leading to a cascade of scary but false electrical warning lights.

Most affected: All petrol models

Estimated cost: £100–£180Affects: 2014–2018Often appears around: 3–5 years old

Typical symptoms

  • •Multiple error messages on dash
  • •Start-stop system not working
  • •Slow cranking

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check the age and health of the battery if the car has weird electrical glitches

Electronic Module Glitches and Software Bugs

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Various electronic modules including central locking, power windows, and the on-board computer can suffer from software bugs, bad contacts, or connector corrosion.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £100–£400Affects: 2014–2024Often appears around: Any age

Typical symptoms

  • •Central locking failures
  • •Infotainment freezing or rebooting
  • •Power window malfunctions
  • •Random warning lights

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test all electronic features
  • ✓Check for software update history
  • ✓Inspect connectors under seats for corrosion

Buying Tips for the 2014 Smart Fortwo (453)

  • ✓The 0.9 turbo engine is more desirable for motorway use but check for turbo lag or boost leaks.
  • ✓On Twinamic models, ensure the shifts are seamless; it should be much smoother than the older single-clutch Smarts.
  • ✓Check the infotainment system for software updates; early versions were prone to crashing.
2019–2021 Smart Fortwo (453)

Browse 2014–2018 Smart Fortwo (453) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2014–2018 Smart Fortwo (453) vehicles.

View 2014–2018 Directory

Other Smart Fortwo (453) Year Periods

2014–20182019–20212022–2024

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