The world's smallest convertible, built for cities
The Smart ForTwo Cabriolet is the open-top version of the iconic city car, offering a unique proposition as essentially the only ultra-compact convertible on the market. It appeals to urban dwellers who want open-air motoring without the size or cost of a traditional convertible. With a turning circle tighter than a London taxi, it is purpose-built for city life and nothing else.
We track 5 known issues across the Smart (mcc) Fortwo Cabriolet range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Smart (mcc) Fortwo Cabriolet? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
450 (2000–2007) — Engine options included the 0.7 Petrol, 1.0 Petrol. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Brake hose deterioration and failure (£150–£300 to address).
451 (2007–2015) — Petrol options included the 0.7 Petrol, 1.0 Petrol, with 1.0 CDI on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Brake hose deterioration and failure (£150–£300 to address).
MOT data shows Smart ForTwo cabriolets fail flexible brake hose inspections at 39.3 times the fleet average, primarily affecting 0.7L petrol variants. The brake hoses become excessively damaged, deteriorated, chafed, twisted or stretched at unusually low mileages. This affects the structural integrity of the brake hydraulic system and represents a critical safety risk. The issue appears to be worsening across the tested period 2020-2024.
Brake hose failure results in immediate loss of braking ability to the affected wheel or complete hydraulic system failure. This creates an extreme safety risk and the vehicle becomes undriveable. Emergency repair is required immediately. Total brake system failure can occur without warning.
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.
Smart ForTwo models show brake pipe corrosion and damage at 6.8 times the fleet average according to MOT data. The compact chassis design routes brake lines close to road spray and salt, particularly around rear suspension mounting points. Corroded brake lines represent an extreme safety risk as they can fail suddenly under braking pressure, causing complete brake system failure.
Brake line failure causes immediate and total loss of braking ability. This represents an extreme safety risk and the vehicle becomes undriveable instantly. Brake line failure typically occurs without warning and often under maximum braking load when failure consequences are most severe.
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 three-cylinder engines in these cars generate significant vibration that accelerates rubber mount degradation. Failed mounts cause excessive drivetrain movement, gear selection issues, and potential damage to surrounding components.
Failed engine mounts cause excessive vibration, premature wear of other components, and potential damage to exhaust system, brake lines, or electrical connections. The car remains driveable but comfort is severely compromised and secondary damage may occur if not repaired promptly.
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.
MOT testing reveals Smart ForTwo models show significant brake effort with no brake applied at 19.2 times the fleet average, indicating binding brake calipers. The compact brake system design and exposure to road salt accelerates caliper piston and slider pin corrosion. Binding brakes cause premature pad and disc wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential brake overheating.
Binding brakes cause rapid brake component wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential brake fade or fire in extreme cases. The affected brake may overheat and lose effectiveness completely. Immediate repair is required as the condition typically worsens rapidly.
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.
MOT data shows Smart ForTwo models suffer suspension bush and joint wear at rates significantly above fleet average. The compact suspension geometry places high loads on bushes and joints, particularly shock absorber bushes which fail at 10.7 times the fleet average. Worn suspension components cause handling deterioration, noise, and uneven tyre wear patterns.
Worn suspension components cause poor handling, increased tyre wear, and potential MOT failure. While not immediately dangerous, continued driving with worn suspension accelerates tyre replacement costs and may compromise vehicle control in emergency manoeuvres.
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.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Smart (mcc) Fortwo Cabriolet common problems page.
Based on 24k real DVSA MOT tests, the Smart (mcc) Fortwo Cabriolet fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det... at 89x the fleet average, followed by brake hoses perished or damaged (39x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Smart (mcc) Fortwo Cabriolet 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 Cabriolet service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Smart (mcc) Fortwo Cabriolet has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues 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. The 453 generation (2016-2019) is the best Smart ForTwo Cabriolet to buy, with a much-improved Twinamic dual-clutch gearbox replacing the awful automated manual, better build quality, and a more refined Renault-sourced engine. Pre-April 2017 registered cars qualify for zero road tax. Avoid early 451 models (2007-2010) which had the worst transmission calibration.
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 Cabriolet, 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 Cabriolet issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.