TESTIGO'S OWN DATABASE
Faults and recalls.
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15 entries · page 1 of 1
Roadster 452: water leaksBody / sealing
- Engine / equipment
- Roadster/Roadster-coupé 452 body, seals and drains.
- Period mentioned
- 2003 guide and MY2003–2005 supplement.
- Symptoms
- Interior water not removed by drains.
- Possible cause described
- Faulty seals, drains or panel adjustment depending on entry point.
- Check for the garage
- Rain-test, locate entry, repair per guide and retest. Do not mix MY2003/04 and MY2005 seal families.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entrySingle clunk from the rear drive shaft when moving off or changing direction (smart and Mercedes-Benz)Transmission
- Engine / equipment
- smart fortwo and forfour 453 and Mercedes-Benz cars with rear drive shafts
- Period mentioned
- 2014 onwards
- Symptoms
- A single sharp clunk at a rear wheel when moving off or switching from reverse to forward (or the other way round); it makes no noise while driving.
- Possible cause described
- Micro-movement or a cracked micro-weld between the wheel bearing inner race and the drive shaft's outer joint housing. Mercedes-Benz technical note LI35.30-P-058566 fixes it by coating that contact surface with Molykote paint.
- Check for the garage
- Tell the garage it is a single clunk when changing direction; the technical note says to test by loosening the drive shaft nut by one turn (it is always replaced with a new one).
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entrysmart EQ (453) range that drops suddenly or battery that will not charge, from a voltage difference between cellsHigh-voltage battery
- Engine / equipment
- smart fortwo and forfour EQ / electric drive (453)
- Period mentioned
- The whole electric 453 series
- Symptoms
- The range shown does not match the charge, drops very quickly after a short trip, or the high-voltage battery no longer charges. Possible codes: P0DE616 and P0DE717 (cell voltage too low or too high).
- Possible cause described
- The voltage difference between the highest and the lowest cell of the high-voltage battery is too large (over 100 mV) because a cell self-discharges; in extreme cases the battery management system no longer shows the cell voltages. It is described in Mercedes-Benz XENTRY technical note LI54.10-P-069138.
- Check for the garage
- Take it to the dealer soon: they read the cell voltages with the diagnostic equipment and assess whether it can be transported (the self-discharge gets worse with time). The fix the brand gives is replacing the high-voltage battery. Never handle the high-voltage system.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entry0.6-litre engine and automated gearbox on the smart fortwo 450Known weak points
- Engine / equipment
- smart fortwo 450 (0.6 / 0.7 turbo and 0.8 cdi)
- Period mentioned
- 1998–2007
- Symptoms
- Jerky shifts (especially when warm or in traffic) or the gearbox refusing to shift; oil leaks from the head and valve cover; on early 0.6 engines, oil consumption and serious engine failures, sometimes before 100,000 km; rust on the frame, brake lines and exhaust.
- Possible cause described
- The electric clutch and shift actuator is the most frequent fault and needs a correct adaptation after any work. The early 599 cc engines were known for serious failures; they improved with the 0.7 in mid-2003.
- Check for the garage
- Work out whether the shifting fault is mechanical (clutch) or electronic (actuator, sensors) and always run the guided adaptation; measure oil consumption; check for rust.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
Kfz-Meisterbetrieb Dietrich: typical smart fortwo problemsMotor-Talk (forum): smart fortwo 450, buy or not?
View full entrymhd belt, timing chain, exhaust and automated gearbox on the smart fortwo 451Known weak points
- Engine / equipment
- smart fortwo 451 (1.0 Mitsubishi, mhd and 0.8 cdi)
- Period mentioned
- 2007–2014
- Symptoms
- A chirp that changes with speed and a broken auxiliary belt (mhd); metallic rattle after a cold start; a rusty exhaust; a tailgate that will not open; oil sludge and leaks; harsh shifts from the automated gearbox.
- Possible cause described
- On mhd models (from 2008) the belt tends to break and damage nearby parts. On short trips the engine does not warm up and sludge forms; the chain can stretch if oil changes are neglected. Before the 2010 facelift the catalytic converter and silencer are one part, which is more expensive to replace.
- Check for the garage
- Listen for belt chirp and replace it in time; change the oil every 20,000 km or every year; check the exhaust and tailgate lock; read the gearbox adaptation.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
Gebrauchtwagenberater: smart fortwo (C451), typical problemsKfz-Meisterbetrieb Dietrich: typical smart fortwo problems
View full entryRear middle seat belt and eCall on the smart #1Bodywork
- Engine / equipment
- smart #1 electric (and #3)
- Period mentioned
- 2023–2024
- Symptoms
- In a sharp swerve, the rear middle belt buckle can release the one next to it; eCall failure.
- Possible cause described
- Finnish magazine Tekniikan Maailma found that in a fast manoeuvre the rear middle buckle can press on and open the neighbouring one; the ÖAMTC published the campaign for #1 cars built up to 11/12/2024 (about 10 minutes at the garage). In 2023 there was a first campaign for the eCall, solved by an over-the-air update.
- Check for the garage
- Until the campaign is done, do not carry three adults in the back; check by VIN.
- Cost cited in the source
- Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
Autocar: Smart #1 recall expected as dangerous seatbelt fault foundÖAMTC: smart #1 and #3, rear middle seat-belt problemsMB Passion: first recall for the new smart #1 over eCall
View full entryAutomated gearbox, engine management and battery on the smart forfour 454Known weak points
- Engine / equipment
- smart forfour 454 (Mitsubishi petrol and 1.5 cdi)
- Period mentioned
- 2004–2006
- Symptoms
- A six-speed automated gearbox (Softouch) that jumps out of gear, lurches at low speed or sticks in a gear; failed clutch or actuator; engine management that fails and strands the car; a short-lived starter battery; brakes and suspension worn with age.
- Possible cause described
- It is almost identical to the Mitsubishi Colt and, according to CarWiki, reliable apart from these points. Honest John records cases of a replaced actuator and a failed ECU afterwards.
- Check for the garage
- Test the automated gearbox slowly and in reverse; test the battery.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
CarWiki: known problems of the smart forfourHonest John (archive): smart forfour (2004), what to watch out for
View full entry12 V battery, brakes and campaigns on the smart 453 (EQ too)Known weak points
- Engine / equipment
- smart fortwo and forfour 453 (petrol and electric EQ)
- Period mentioned
- 2014–2024
- Symptoms
- A flat 12 V battery on 2015–2016 cars (no lights-on warning); at inspection, suspension, rusting brakes and lights (and on petrols, oil leaks and a rusty exhaust); electronic faults (radio, a pedal sensor that upsets the stop-start); on the forfour, an emergency-call assistant that does not work.
- Possible cause described
- CarWiki rates the technology as very reliable. Recalls (KBA): the link between the P selector cable and the gearbox, a handbrake cable nut that could come loose and front steering knuckles that could break due to a manufacturing fault.
- Check for the garage
- Test the 12 V battery; brake hard now and then (especially on the EQ); check campaigns by VIN.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entrySmart fortwo (451) 1.0 (Mitsubishi): known faults of the engine according to L'argusEngine
- Engine / equipment
- 1.0 (Mitsubishi) in the Smart fortwo (451)
- Period mentioned
- 2007–2014
- Symptoms
- Oil leak; Engine will not start (between 30/09/2008 and 04/02/2009); Eco mode faults on the mhd version; mhd version will not start
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Oil leak: Rectify the sump sealing. 2) Engine will not start (between 30/09/2008 and 04/02/2009): Fuse and relay box to be replaced. 3) Eco mode faults on the mhd version: Wiring harness or battery sensor (up to 30/06/2009). 4) mhd version will not start: Starter-alternator belt pivot bearing (up to VIN K486604) or belt (from K486605 to K520790).
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entrySmart fortwo (451) 0.8 cdi: known faults of the engine according to L'argusEngine
- Engine / equipment
- 0.8 cdi in the Smart fortwo (451)
- Period mentioned
- 2007–2014
- Symptoms
- Abnormal oil consumption; Loss of power
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Abnormal oil consumption: Turbo intercooler. 2) Loss of power: Loose air ducts, EGR valve, wiring harness to be checked or EGR valve bracket.
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entrySmart fortwo (451): known faults of the gearbox and transmission according to L'argusGearbox
- Engine / equipment
- Smart fortwo (451), all engines
- Period mentioned
- 2007–2014
- Symptoms
- Reverse will not engage (2007–2009); Leak at the right driveshaft (from August 2012)
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Reverse will not engage (2007–2009): Reprogramming. 2) Leak at the right driveshaft (from August 2012): Driveshaft to be replaced.
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entrySmart fortwo (451): known faults of the chassis, steering and brakes according to L'argusSuspension and steering
- Engine / equipment
- Smart fortwo (451), all engines
- Period mentioned
- 2007–2014
- Symptoms
- Steering vibration (up to 18/03/2008); Front axle noises; Noise when turning (up to 03/11/2013)
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Steering vibration (up to 18/03/2008): Steering rack. 2) Front axle noises: Transverse arm bushes (up to 20/12/2010), shock absorber gaiters (up to 19/07/2011) or torsion bar bearing. 3) Noise when turning (up to 03/11/2013): Track rod ends.
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entrySmart fortwo (451): known faults of the electronics and interior according to L'argusElectrical and electronic systems
- Engine / equipment
- Smart fortwo (451), all engines
- Period mentioned
- 2007–2014
- Symptoms
- Repeated brake light switch failure; Doors will not open from inside or rattle; Air conditioning fault from a leak (up to 04/02/2008); Electric window faults; Airbag light on
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Repeated brake light switch failure: Switch plunger. 2) Doors will not open from inside or rattle: Locks. 3) Air conditioning fault from a leak (up to 04/02/2008): Pipe to be replaced. 4) Electric window faults: Control unit. 5) Airbag light on: Control unit.
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entrySmart fortwo (451): known faults of the body according to L'argusBodywork
- Engine / equipment
- Smart fortwo (451), all engines
- Period mentioned
- 2007–2014
- Symptoms
- Water gets into the boot
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Water gets into the boot: Upper tailgate frame.
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryStretched timing chain on the 0.9 and 1.2 TCeTiming system
- Engine / equipment
- 0.9 TCe (H4Bt) and 1.2 TCe (H5Ft) turbo petrol
- Period mentioned
- Approx. 2012–2020
- Symptoms
- Metallic chain rattle, especially when cold or at idle; engine light with a crankshaft–camshaft correlation code; in serious cases the chain jumps and damages the valves.
- Possible cause described
- The chain, meant to last the engine’s life, can stretch early; tensioners and plastic guides wear, and very long oil-change intervals speed up the wear.
- Check for the garage
- With any chain noise or a P0016 code, diagnose straight away: measure the stretch and check the tensioner and guides before the timing jumps. Shorten oil-change intervals.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote for the chain kit.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.