What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD.
The Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
451 (2007–2014) — Engine options included the 1.0 MHD. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Brake pipe corrosion (£200–£400 to address).
The brake pipes on the 451 generation Smart ForTwo are prone to premature corrosion, particularly where they run along the chassis rails and around wheel wells. The small car's low ground clearance increases exposure to road salt and water spray. MOT data shows this model fails brake pipe inspections at 7.8 times the national fleet average, with failures occurring across all mileage bands including very low mileage examples. This is a safety-critical failure that can result in complete brake system failure.
Corroded brake pipes can rupture without warning, causing complete loss of braking to one or more wheels. This creates an immediate danger to occupants and other road users. Replacement typically requires multiple sections of brake pipe and professional pressure bleeding of the system. The car should not be driven if brake pipe corrosion is suspected.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The brake calipers on the 451 Smart ForTwo are prone to seizing, causing the brake pads to remain in contact with the discs even when the brake pedal is released. MOT data shows this model records binding brakes at 7.2 times the national fleet average, particularly affecting cars between 40,000-60,000 miles. The problem is often caused by corrosion of the caliper slide pins or contaminated brake fluid causing the caliper piston to stick.
Binding brakes cause excessive brake pad and disc wear, reduced fuel economy, and can lead to brake failure through overheating. The affected brake may fade or fail completely under heavy use. Prompt repair involves caliper overhaul or replacement and brake fluid change. Continued driving risks complete brake component failure.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The coil springs on the 451 Smart ForTwo are prone to fracturing, particularly the front springs. MOT data shows spring failures at 3.2 times the national fleet average, affecting cars with 40,000+ miles. The springs can fracture near the end coils due to corrosion or metal fatigue. A broken spring affects ride height, handling, and can cause tyre damage if the broken end contacts the wheel.
A fractured spring reduces ride quality and handling stability. The broken end can damage the tyre sidewall or foul against the wheel rim during suspension movement. In severe cases, a completely collapsed spring can cause loss of vehicle control. Replacement requires both springs on the same axle to maintain balanced handling characteristics.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The front suspension bushes on the 451 Smart ForTwo show accelerated wear, particularly the lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar bushes. MOT data shows suspension component wear at 7.0 times the fleet average for cars with 60,000-80,000 miles. The short wheelbase and urban driving patterns typical of Smart cars place high stress on the suspension components during parking manoeuvres and tight cornering.
Worn suspension bushes cause poor handling, uneven tyre wear, and increased road noise. While not immediately dangerous, continued use leads to accelerated wear of other suspension components and tyres. Replacement involves fitting new rubber bushes to the suspension arms, typically requiring specialist tools for pressing.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The exhaust system on the 451 Smart ForTwo suffers from premature corrosion, particularly at the rear silencer and the flexible section near the engine. MOT data shows exhaust failures at 4.5 times the national fleet average for cars with 20,000+ miles. The short urban driving cycles typical of Smart car use mean the exhaust system does not reach full operating temperature regularly, leading to internal condensation and accelerated corrosion.
Exhaust leaks reduce engine efficiency and can allow dangerous fumes to enter the cabin. A failed exhaust system will cause an MOT failure and may result in excessive noise. Repair typically involves replacement of the affected section, with rear silencers being the most common failure point on this model.
Check for any engine warning lights on the dashboard. Ask about the car's MOT emissions history — repeated failures suggest underlying issues. A pre-purchase diagnostic scan is especially worthwhile to check for stored emissions fault codes.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD common problems page.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.