Generations
MCC1 — First Generation City Coupe
1998–2007
0.6L naturally aspirated, 0.7L naturally aspirated
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Smart (mcc) City Coupe problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Dangerous
Brake hose deterioration
The flexible brake hoses on Smart City Coupe models deteriorate at an exceptionally high rate, with MOT failure rates reaching 68 times the national fleet average. The hoses become damaged, chafed, twisted or stretched, creating a direct safety risk. This affects both 0.6L and 0.7L variants across all mileage ranges and appears to be worsening year-on-year. The compact packaging and tight routing of brake lines in the Smart's design may contribute to accelerated wear.
What happens if ignoredBrake hose failure can result in complete loss of braking on the affected circuit, creating an immediate accident risk. Emergency replacement is required if deterioration is found. The car should not be driven with suspect brake hoses.
Independent garage
£80–£150
Specialist
£100–£180
Main dealer
£150–£250
Parts only
£40–£80
Dangerous
Brake pedal insufficient reserve travel
The brake system on 0.6L City Coupe models develops insufficient pedal reserve travel at a rate 65 times higher than the national average, particularly around 40,000-60,000 miles. This indicates either brake system wear, air in the hydraulic system, or brake adjustment issues. The problem appears to be worsening and may be related to the documented brake hose deterioration affecting this model.
What happens if ignoredInsufficient brake pedal reserve travel indicates a brake system fault that could result in extended stopping distances or complete brake failure. The vehicle should not be driven until the brake system is professionally inspected and repaired.
Independent garage
£100–£200
Specialist
£120–£250
Main dealer
£180–£350
Parts only
£50–£150
Major
Fuel system leaks
Smart City Coupe models experience fuel system leaks at a rate 44 times higher than the national fleet average, affecting both engine variants. The leaks typically occur in the fuel lines, connections, or filler cap system. This issue spans a wide mileage range from 20,000 to 100,000 miles and appears to be worsening, suggesting a design or material issue with the fuel system components.
What happens if ignoredFuel leaks present a fire risk and cause MOT failure. Active fuel leaks must be repaired immediately. The vehicle should not be driven with confirmed fuel system leaks due to the fire hazard.
Independent garage
£60–£150
Specialist
£80–£180
Main dealer
£120–£250
Parts only
£20–£100
Major
Suspension component wear
Suspension pins, bushes and joints wear at rates up to 32 times higher than the national fleet average on Smart City Coupe models. This affects both engine variants across a wide mileage range, with over 3,000 MOT failures recorded. The compact suspension design and potentially under-specified components for the vehicle's weight distribution appear to cause premature wear of bushings and joint components.
What happens if ignoredWorn suspension components affect handling, steering precision, and tyre wear patterns. Severely worn components can cause MOT failure and create handling unpredictability. Progressive replacement is typically required rather than individual component fixes.
Independent garage
£120–£300
Specialist
£150–£400
Main dealer
£250–£600
Parts only
£50–£200
1 more known issues tracked
Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems.
MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Smart (mcc) City Coupe fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Light unit fault
Lights & Electrics · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 87x the fleet average
Sample: 437 tests
Brake hoses perished or damaged
Brakes · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 68x the fleet average
Sample: 316 tests
Service brake pedal has insufficient reserve tr...
Brakes · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 66x the fleet average
Sample: 1,844 tests
Fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective ...
Bodywork · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 46x the fleet average
Sample: 3,853 tests
Emissions failure
Exhaust & Emissions · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 36x the fleet average
Sample: 1,849 tests
Suspension pin, bush or joint worn
Suspension · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 33x the fleet average
Sample: 2,792 tests
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Related
- Smart (mcc) City Coupe buyer's guide
- Smart (mcc) City Coupe service history check
- Smart (mcc) City Coupe service schedule & costs
- Smart (mcc) City Coupe MOT failure rates
- Buying a car without service history
- Smart (mcc) City Coupe car check £7.49
- Free car faults check
- Free MOT failure rate check
- Free car check
Smart (mcc) City Coupe reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Smart (mcc) City Coupe?
The Smart (mcc) City Coupe has 5 known issues across 2 severity levels. The most serious are: Brake hose deterioration, Brake pedal insufficient reserve travel.
Is the Smart (mcc) City Coupe reliable?
The Smart (mcc) City Coupe has 2 dangerous and 3 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 (mcc) City Coupe problems?
Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Brake hose deterioration) costs £80–£150 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.