Generations
452 — First Generation
2002–2007
0.7 Turbo
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Dangerous
Engine mounting severe deterioration (452)
The engine mounts on the Smart Roadster deteriorate severely causing excessive engine movement that can damage surrounding components and affect handling. The turbo engine creates additional vibration stress that accelerates rubber mount degradation. This is a safety-critical defect as excessive engine movement can affect steering response.
What happens if ignoredIf the engine mount fails completely, the engine can contact surrounding components causing damage to the radiator, exhaust system, or wiring. Excessive movement affects handling and can make the car dangerous to drive. Complete replacement of all engine mounts typically required once deterioration begins.
Independent garage
£200–£350
Specialist
£300–£500
Main dealer
£400–£650
Parts only
£80–£150
Dangerous
Flexible brake hose deterioration (452)
The flexible brake hoses deteriorate at an exceptionally high rate on the Smart Roadster, failing MOT tests at 21.2 times the national fleet average. Peak failures occur at 40-60k miles, suggesting the brake hose material or mounting arrangement is inadequate for the application. The convertible design may expose brake lines to additional environmental stress. This is a critical safety defect as brake hose failure leads to complete loss of braking ability.
What happens if ignoredFailure of a brake hose results in complete loss of braking ability to that wheel or circuit, creating an immediate safety risk. The car should not be driven if brake hose deterioration is suspected. Emergency repair requires immediate professional attention.
Independent garage
£100–£180
Specialist
£120–£220
Main dealer
£180–£300
Parts only
£30–£60
Dangerous
Brake pipe corrosion (452)
Brake pipe corrosion affects Smart Roadsters at 9.2 times the national fleet average, with 2,563 MOT failures recorded across all mileage bands. The convertible design and potential water ingress points may accelerate corrosion of brake lines. Early failures from 20k miles suggest inadequate corrosion protection on brake pipe materials or routing through vulnerable areas. This represents a critical safety defect that can lead to brake system failure.
What happens if ignoredCorroded brake pipes can fail without warning, leading to complete loss of braking ability. Even minor corrosion creates safety risks as brake fluid pressure can cause rapid deterioration once corrosion begins. The car should not be driven if significant brake pipe corrosion is present.
Independent garage
£150–£300
Specialist
£200–£400
Main dealer
£300–£600
Parts only
£50–£120
Major
Shock absorber bush premature wear (452)
The shock absorber mounting bushes deteriorate prematurely on the Smart Roadster, showing MOT failure rates 24.6 times higher than the fleet average. Peak failures occur as early as 20-40k miles, indicating a design weakness in the suspension bush material or mounting system. The roadster's shorter wheelbase and stiffer suspension setup places higher loads on these components. This affects ride comfort and handling precision.
What happens if ignoredWorn shock absorber bushes reduce handling precision and ride comfort. If completely failed, the shock absorber can become detached, leading to dangerous loss of vehicle control. Typically requires replacement of complete bush sets rather than individual components.
Independent garage
£150–£250
Specialist
£200–£350
Main dealer
£300–£500
Parts only
£50–£100
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 Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det...
Bodywork · 60-80k miles
MOT failure rate: 35x the fleet average
Sample: 1,276 tests
Wheel bearings worn
Suspension · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 34x the fleet average
Sample: 240 tests
Light unit fault
Lights & Electrics · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 29x the fleet average
Sample: 1,211 tests
Electrical wiring fault
Lights & Electrics · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 27x the fleet average
Sample: 540 tests
ABS fault
Suspension · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 25x the fleet average
Sample: 285 tests
Brake hoses perished or damaged
Brakes · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 21x the fleet average
Sample: 1,211 tests
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Related
- Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) buyer's guide
- Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) service history check
- Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) service schedule & costs
- Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) MOT failure rates
- Buying a car without service history
- Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) car check £7.49
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Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd)?
The Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) has 5 known issues across 2 severity levels. The most serious are: Engine mounting severe deterioration (452), Flexible brake hose deterioration (452), Brake pipe corrosion (452).
Is the Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) reliable?
The Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) has 3 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 Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) problems?
Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Engine mounting severe deterioration (452)) costs £200–£350 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.