Smart Roadster (452) Problems by Year
The Smart Roadster (Type 452) is a brilliant, flawed masterpiece that attempted to revive the spirit of the classic British lightweight sports car using the platform of the original Fortwo. Sitting incredibly low to the ground and weighing just 800kg, it offers sublime, unassisted steering and go-kart handling on B-roads. In the UK, it is a highly prized cult classic, but ownership requires massive patience due to catastrophic water leak issues and the frustratingly slow automated manual gearbox. If the SAM unit (fuse box) gets wet, the car will die completely. It is strictly for enthusiasts who have a garage and want maximum driving fun at low speeds.
Select a year below to see the specific problems affecting that model year, with estimated repair costs and severity ratings.
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Browse Smart Roadster (452) in our Directory
View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for the Smart Smart Roadster (452).
View Smart Roadster (452) DirectoryBuying Tips for the Smart Roadster (452)
- ✓Water ingress is the absolute priority; check the carpets, the SAM unit (fuse box) under the dash, and the boot for any dampness.
- ✓Ensure the automated gearbox shifts; the clutch actuator requires regular greasing, and the gearbox mapping should ideally be remapped by a specialist.
- ✓Inspect the turbocharger on the 698cc engine for smoking or boost leaks; the engine requires meticulous servicing to survive past 70,000 miles.
- ✓Test the electric folding soft top or removable hardtop for smooth operation and tight seals.
- ✓Check the air conditioning pipes, which run the length of the car and frequently corrode and leak.
- ✓Listen for worn wheel bearings and check the condition of the front suspension springs, which are prone to snapping.