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Smart City Passion 61 Problems & Known Issues

The most common Smart City Passion 61 problems ranked by severity — what to watch for, what it costs to fix, and what happens if you ignore it.

Generations

W450 — First Generation
1998–2007
0.6L Petrol, 0.7L Petrol, 0.8L CDI

Top issues to watch for

The most serious Smart City Passion 61 problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.

Dangerous
Flexible brake hose deterioration (W450)
W4501998–200740k–120k miles
Flexible brake hoses on the Smart City deteriorate and fail at 29.4 times the national average rate, particularly in the 40-60k mile range. The small brake system has limited redundancy, making hose failure immediately dangerous. This appears to be a material or design issue specific to this model's brake hose specification. Failure can cause complete brake loss without warning.
What happens if ignoredBrake hose failure causes immediate loss of braking ability on the affected circuit. On a car this light, total brake failure can occur rapidly. The vehicle must not be driven with suspected hose deterioration. Repair typically requires replacement of all flexible hoses due to age-related deterioration affecting the full set.
Independent garage
£150–£250
Specialist
£200–£300
Main dealer
£300–£450
Parts only
£80–£120
Dangerous
Brake pipe corrosion (W450)
W4501998–200720k–100k miles
Brake pipes corrode at 7.7 times the national average rate, with failures starting as early as 20-40k miles. The brake pipe routing or material specification appears vulnerable to corrosion. This is a critical safety issue as brake pipe failure can cause complete brake system failure without warning.
What happens if ignoredCorroded brake pipes can fail suddenly, causing immediate loss of braking ability. This is a life-threatening failure mode. Any signs of brake pipe corrosion require immediate professional inspection and likely replacement of the affected circuit or complete brake pipe renewal.
Independent garage
£250–£400
Specialist
£300–£500
Main dealer
£450–£700
Parts only
£80–£150
Major
Suspension component excessive wear (W450)
W4501998–200720k–100k miles
Suspension pins, bushes and joints wear at 50 times the national fleet average on the Smart City, with the worst failure rates occurring at relatively low mileages. The short wheelbase and light weight appear to create unusual loading patterns that accelerate wear of suspension components. This is the most statistically significant fault on the model.
What happens if ignoredWorn suspension components affect handling and can cause dangerous instability, particularly concerning on a short-wheelbase car. Failed components can damage tyres through poor alignment. Complete suspension overhaul may be required once wear begins due to the interconnected nature of the components.
Independent garage
£300–£500
Specialist
£400–£700
Main dealer
£600–£1,000
Parts only
£150–£300
Major
Engine mounting deterioration (W450)
W4501998–200760k–80k miles
Engine mounting brackets fail at 35.8 times the national average rate, particularly around 60-80k miles. The rear-mounted engine configuration places unusual stresses on the mounting system. Severe deterioration results in excessive engine movement that can damage surrounding components and make the car unpleasant to drive.
What happens if ignoredFailed engine mounts allow the engine to move excessively, potentially damaging fuel lines, electrical connections, or exhaust components. The car becomes unpleasant to drive with increased noise and vibration. Complete mount replacement is typically required as the failure mode affects all mounts simultaneously.
Independent garage
£200–£350
Specialist
£300–£450
Main dealer
£450–£650
Parts only
£100–£200

1 more known issues tracked

Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems.

Looking at a specific Smart City Passion 61?

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Related

Smart City Passion 61 reliability FAQs

What are the most common problems with the Smart City Passion 61?

The Smart City Passion 61 has 5 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most serious are: Flexible brake hose deterioration (W450), Brake pipe corrosion (W450).

Is the Smart City Passion 61 reliable?

The Smart City Passion 61 has 2 dangerous and 2 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.

How much does it cost to fix Smart City Passion 61 problems?

Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Flexible brake hose deterioration (W450)) costs £150–£250 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.