Smart Fortwo III (453) (2014 – 2019)

Reliability score : 6.8/10

The Smart Fortwo III (generation 453), developed in partnership with Renault (platform shared with the Twingo III), marks a major technological breakthrough for the two-seater city car. Gone is the dreaded slow and fragile automated manual gearbox (Softouch) of the 450/451 generations: the 453 adopts a manual gearbox or an excellent dual-clutch transmission (Twinamic). Still featuring a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive architecture, it offers a record turning circle (6.95 m) that makes it the undisputed queen of the city. However, despite generally robust Renault-sourced engine blocks, the model suffers from a mixed reliability record. Statistics from the TÜV (21.5% defect rate at 3 years) and What Car? (score of 2/5) place it below the average for its segment, penalized by cooling, electroni

✅ Strengths

Exceptional maneuverability (6.95 m turning circle)
Twinamic automatic gearbox (dual-clutch) infinitely superior to the old Softouch
Renault-sourced petrol engines (H4D/H4Bt) with timing chain, generally durable
Surprising interior space for the two passengers
Unmatched ease of parking

⚠️ Weaknesses

Very high TÜV defect rate (21.5% at 3 years) and poor What Car? score (2/5, 35% breakdown rate)
Vulnerable cooling system on petrol versions (especially 0.9 Turbo)
Very firm suspension, degraded comfort on bumpy roads
Soundproofing could be improved (wind and road noise on highways)
High maintenance costs in the Mercedes-Benz network for a city car

🎯 Verdict

The Smart Fortwo III (453) is undoubtedly the best generation produced. The abandonment of the jerky automated manual gearbox in favor of the Twinamic and the adoption of Renault engines have transformed the driving experience. However, reliability data (TÜV, What Car?, ADAC) urges caution: with 21.5% of defects noted at the technical inspection at 3 years and 35% of owners reporting breakdowns, it remains a temperamental car. Problems are often concentrated on cooling (especially on the 0.9 Turbo), electronics, and assembly defects (seals, windshield). Buying advice: Favor a 1.0 MPI 71 hp version with the Twinamic gearbox for maximum reliability in 100% urban use. If you opt for the 0.9 Turbo (more versatile), demand an impeccable service record, with particular attention paid to the cooling system. Avoid models that have neglected the maintenance of the dual-clutch gearbox.

Common issues

Comportement de la boîte automatique Twinamic (DCT) Medium

🔧 Dès 30 000 km (comportement), 80 000 – 120 000 km (usure embrayage/mécatronique)

💶 150 – 300 € (mise à jour logicielle), 1 200 – 2 500 € (remplacement embrayage/mécatronique)

Tester la boîte auto à basse vitesse, vérifier l'historique des mises à jour.

Problèmes électroniques mineurs (infodivertissement, capteurs) Low

🔧 Variable, dès 20 000 km

💶 100 – 500 € (diagnostic, mise à jour, remplacement capteur)

Tester toutes les fonctions électroniques et l'infotainment avant achat.

Usure prématurée des freins arrière Low

🔧 40 000 – 80 000 km

💶 250 – 450 € (disques et plaquettes arrière)

Vérifier l'état des freins arrière lors de l'entretien ou l'achat.

Fuites d'huile moteur (0.9 TCe) Low

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 200 – 600 € (selon l'origine de la fuite)

Inspecter le moteur et le sol sous le véhicule pour des traces d'huile.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Clutch	£800 – 1 600
Complete brakes	£250 – 450
Estimated annual budget	£500 – 1 000

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.