2007 Smart Forfour
2007 Smart Forfour
Overview
The 2007 Smart Forfour, a unique city car developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi, aimed to offer practicality and distinctive styling. While generally praised for its maneuverability and compact dimensions, its reliability can be a mixed bag, with certain components showing more propensity for issues than others. This analysis focuses on common technical problems reported by owners and mechanics, excluding routine maintenance. Understanding these potential pitfalls can help prospective buyers and current owners make informed decisions regarding upkeep and potential repairs. The data presented here is based on aggregated owner feedback and repair shop records.
Engine
1.1L (3-cylinder) Petrol
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
1.3L (4-cylinder) Petrol
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
1.5L (4-cylinder) Petrol
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Transmission
5-speed Manual
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
6-speed Softouch (Automated Manual)
Clutch Actuator Failure
- Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, ‘clunking’ noises, transmission warning light illuminated, car may not move.
- Solution: Replacement of the clutch actuator unit.
- Cost: $500 - $900
Gearbox Grinding
- Symptoms: Grinding noise when engaging gears, particularly first and reverse.
- Solution: Inspection and potential repair or replacement of gearbox components, or adjustment of clutch.
- Cost: $700 - $1500
Suspension
Standard Chassis
Worn Bushings
- Symptoms: Clunking or knocking noises over bumps, vague steering feel, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of worn suspension bushings.
- Cost: $250 - $500
Front Shock Absorber Leaks
- Symptoms: Bouncy ride, visible fluid leaks on shock absorbers, reduced damping.
- Solution: Replacement of front shock absorbers.
- Cost: $400 - $700
Electrical
General Electrical System
Battery Drain
- Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely, car struggles to start, electrical components malfunction intermittently.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify parasitic drain (faulty module, accessory, or wiring) and repair.
- Cost: $300 - $800
Instrument Cluster Malfunctions
- Symptoms: Gauges not working, warning lights staying on or flickering, display issues.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
- Cost: $500 - $1000
Exterior
Body Panels and Trim
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Interior
Cabin Components
Air Conditioning System
- Symptoms: Reduced cooling performance, unusual noises from the A/C unit.
- Solution: Recharge refrigerant, repair leaks, or replace compressor/condenser.
- Cost: $300 - $700
Central Locking Issues
- Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking consistently, individual door lock actuators failing.
- Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of faulty door lock actuators or control module.
- Cost: $200 - $500
Summary Verdict
The 2007 Smart Forfour presents a mixed reliability profile. While the petrol engines are generally robust, the automated manual ‘Softouch’ transmission is a notable area for potential issues, particularly with the clutch actuator and gearbox operation. Suspension components like bushings and shock absorbers can wear, leading to common driving comfort and handling complaints. Electrical gremlins, such as battery drain and instrument cluster faults, are also reported. Interior components like the air conditioning and central locking can also require attention. Owners should be aware of these potential weak points, especially when considering a used model, and factor in potential repair costs for the transmission and electrical systems.