Ignition coils
usually 120,000–280,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Misfire, flashing engine light
Fix: Replace coil
€80–200
Common faults, service intervals and costs
smart fortwo / forfour (453)
2014–2024
1
engines covered
4
known faults
43,147
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
12
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The smart fortwo / forfour (453) was built from 2014 to 2024.
For this generation we cover 1 engines and 4 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Mechatronic unit (7-speed dry DCT): it usually appears at 60,000–150,000 km and costs €1,200–2,500 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 50–100 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (11.5 %), tyres and wheels (8.1 %), suspension (5.1 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: tyres and wheels, lights, wipers and visibility, exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 / 1.0 TCe & 1.0 SCe (H4B / H4D) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 / 5W-40 · Renault RN0700 / RN17 · ~4.1 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults by engine
0.9 / 1.0 TCe & 1.0 SCe (H4B / H4D)
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
Dual-clutch (dry, 7-sp)
Mechatronic unit (7-speed dry DCT)
usually 60,000–150,000 km · High risk
Signs: Flashing gear indicator, no drive
Fix: Repair or replace mechatronic
€1,200–2,500
Clutch pack judder
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Judder pulling away
Fix: Replace clutch pack
€800–1,500
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 0.9 / 1.0 TCe & 1.0 SCe (H4B / H4D) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 43,147 tests.
| thousand km | 0–50 | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2.2 % | 4.0 % | 5.9 % | 6.5 % |
| Suspension | 1.5 % | 5.1 % | 9.4 % | 12.6 % |
| Steering | 0.1 % | 0.2 % | 0.9 % | 2.2 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 4.4 % | 8.1 % | 11.0 % | 12.6 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 7.0 % | 11.5 % | 16.6 % | 20.3 % |
| Body and corrosion | 0.5 % | 1.6 % | 3.3 % | 4.1 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 1.6 % | 4.7 % | 8.9 % | 11.5 % |
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (12). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Other The bonding of the windshield might not meet specifications13/09/2021 · R/2021/265
- Steering Steering knuckle incorrectly manufactured20/10/2017 · R/2017/252
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Handbrake may not hold25/09/2017 · R/2017/245
- Gearbox Vehicle may roll away10/10/2016 · R/2016/198
- Doors / locks / lids Maintenance flap may detach from vehicle15/06/2016 · R/2016/092
- Steering Directional control may be affected28/08/2015 · R/2015/153
- Gearbox Vehicle may roll away25/08/2015 · R/2015/147
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Unintended acceleration or deceleration25/08/2015 · R/2015/146
The other recalls (4) are listed in the app.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 07/10/2026