The car that parks where others cannot even dream
The Smart ForTwo is the ultimate purpose-built city car, designed exclusively for urban driving with its tiny two-seat layout and class-leading manoeuvrability. It occupies a niche no other car truly competes in, being nearly 1.5 metres shorter than a Ford Fiesta. It appeals to city dwellers who prioritise easy parking and zippy urban commuting over all-round versatility, and the electric EQ version found a loyal following among eco-conscious urban buyers.
We track 5 known issues across the Smart (mcc) Fortwo range, with 3 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Smart (mcc) Fortwo? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
450 (1998–2007) — Petrol options included the 0.6L Petrol, with 0.8L CDI on the diesel side.
451 (2007–2014) — Petrol options included the 1.0L Petrol, with 0.8L CDI on the diesel side. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 3 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Engine mount failure (£300–£500 to address).
453 (2014–2020) — Engine options included the 0.9L Turbo, 1.0L Petrol. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 3 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Engine mount failure (£300–£500 to address).
The engine mounting brackets on 1.0L petrol engines deteriorate and crack, causing excessive engine movement. MOT data shows this model fails at 16.4x the national average for engine mount defects between 20,000-80,000 miles. The rear mount is particularly prone to failure due to vibration from the three-cylinder engine layout. Failed mounts cause harsh vibration through the cabin, poor gear selection, and can damage surrounding components.
Failed engine mounts cause increasing vibration, make gear selection difficult, and can lead to damage of exhaust components, electrical connections, and cooling hoses if the engine moves excessively. Replacement involves engine-out work at a specialist. Driving is possible but uncomfortable and risks secondary damage.
Check all auxiliary systems during the test drive — air conditioning (both hot and cold), engine mounts (excessive vibration at idle or clunking when pulling away) and all belt-driven accessories. Listen for squealing or chirping from the belt area.
Lambda sensor failures cause emissions to exceed manufacturer limits and trigger management light illumination. MOT data shows this model fails emissions tests at 8.6x the national average, with particular issues on 0.9L turbo engines from 20,000 miles. The three-cylinder engine layout creates uneven exhaust pulses that stress the lambda sensors, causing premature failure. Failed sensors result in poor fuel economy, rough running, and MOT failure.
Failed lambda sensors cause MOT failure, poor fuel economy, catalyst damage if left untreated, and potential engine damage from incorrect fuelling. The car remains driveable but will fail MOT and may trigger limp-home mode. Replacement is straightforward but catalyst replacement can be expensive if damage has occurred.
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.
Smart Fortwo models from the 451 and 453 generations (2007-2020) can develop significant oil leaks from various engine seals and gaskets, particularly affecting the oil pan, valve cover, and transmission areas where the compact engine bay concentrates heat and accelerates seal deterioration. These leaks typically emerge between 20,000-80,000 miles and may progress from minor seepage to substantial fluid loss that can create hazardous road conditions or lead to catastrophic engine damage if oil levels drop critically low. Oil leaks can result in MOT failure under dangerous defects if they pose a risk to other road users or significantly affect braking components. Professional inspection should assess leak severity and source, as some repairs may require engine removal due to the Fortwo's unique rear-mounted engine configuration.
Significant fluid leaks cause MOT failure when they pose safety or environmental risks. Oil leaks can lead to engine seizure on small-capacity engines if levels drop critically. Coolant leaks cause overheating and potential head gasket damage. Most leaks are repairable but require immediate attention on these small-capacity engines.
Check the oil level before the engine is started. Ask the seller how often they top up the oil between services. After a test drive, check the level again and look behind the car for blue or grey exhaust smoke under acceleration.
Suspension bushes and joints wear at 3.8x the national average, typically affecting front suspension components from 40,000 miles. The short wheelbase and firm suspension setup on Smart cars places higher loads on bushes and ball joints. Front anti-roll bar bushes and track rod ends are most commonly affected. Worn components cause poor handling, tyre wear, and MOT failure.
Worn suspension components cause poor handling, rapid tyre wear, and MOT failure. The car remains safe to drive but handling becomes progressively worse. Individual components are relatively inexpensive but labour costs add up if multiple items need replacement simultaneously.
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 noise suppression system fails at 12.1x the national average, typically affecting cars from 20,000 miles with the problem worsening over time. Heat shields become loose or corroded, and exhaust mounting points deteriorate due to the compact engine bay design and vibration from the three-cylinder engine. This causes rattling, excessive noise, and MOT failure for insecure exhaust components.
Failed exhaust noise suppression causes MOT failure due to insecure components, excessive cabin noise, and potential damage to surrounding components from rattling. The car is safe to drive but will fail MOT until repaired. Heat shield replacement is relatively inexpensive.
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 (mcc) Fortwo common problems page.
Based on 118k real DVSA MOT tests, the Smart (mcc) Fortwo fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det... at 38x the fleet average, followed by emissions failure (18x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Smart (mcc) Fortwo MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Smart (mcc) Fortwo service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Smart (mcc) Fortwo is a solid choice on the used market, though not without its quirks. The issues we track are well-understood and largely avoidable if you know what to look for. A thorough inspection and complete service history go a long way. 2016-2019 third-generation (453) petrol models are the most reliable, benefiting from Renault-sourced engines and a wider, more refined body. The 2017-2019 EQ electric versions are the most sought-after, with improved software stability and the lowest mechanical risk. Avoid 2008-2009 second-generation cars which had cooling system and engine issues.
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 (mcc) Fortwo, 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 (mcc) Fortwo issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.