Before you buy a used Smart #1 / #3 / #5.
Taken only from Testigo's sourced sheets. Use it to question the seller and on the test drive: it does not confirm that any particular car is affected.
The essentials.
- 1 documented, sourced fault for its engine.
- That is not much data: if no other faults show up here, it does not mean it has none.
- It only applies with certain equipment or production dates: ask what this car has.
- 2 official recalls on record: ask for the chassis number (VIN) and confirm they have been done.
Typical faults by engine
The period and mileage are those mentioned by each sheet's sources. They are not a maintenance interval and do not predict that any particular car will fail.
Eléctrico
Electric
- Period mentioned
- 2023–2024
- Mileage mentioned
- The sheet does not mention a mileage.
Applies if: Documented on the #1 and #3; on the #5, confirm by VIN.
Official recalls: ask before you pay
A recall existing does not mean this car is affected or that it is still outstanding: it depends on the chassis number, the market and the production date.
- Ask the seller for the chassis number (VIN): it has 17 characters, appears in the car's documents and can usually also be seen at the base of the windscreen.
- Ask an official Smart dealer, or the brand's official website if it lets you check by chassis number, whether each recall has been done or is still outstanding for that VIN.
- Manufacturer recalls are normally carried out free of charge by the official service network. If one is outstanding, ask for it to be done before you close the sale.
Recall: unintended rear buckle releasePassive safety
How to check it: Check VIN; install centre buckle isolation surround.
View full entrySmart brake recalls (2015–2026)Brakes
How to check it: Check by VIN whether any of the recalls is outstanding (at the dealer or on the DVSA website) and carry out the inspection or replacement it requires.
View full entryOn the test drive: what to look and listen for
Taken from each sheet's symptoms and checks. You can tick off what you have already looked at: it is saved only in this browser.
0 of 1 checked
Bodywork
Look out for: In a sharp swerve, the rear middle belt buckle can release the one next to it; eCall failure.
Ask them to check: Until the campaign is done, do not carry three adults in the back; check by VIN.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these Testigo sheets and their original sources. Sources are not checked in real time.
More Smart buying guides
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- Smart roadster (452)2003–2005
- Smart fortwo (450)2000–2007