Smart Forfour: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 4,671 Smart Forfour cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2004 and 2019.
In a sample of 392 cars, 63.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (18.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 9 recalls for this model; 5% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.3% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Smart Forfour
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 18.1% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 14.3% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 12% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 11.2% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 11% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 8.4% |
| Tyre damaged | 7.7% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 6.4% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 3.6% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 3.3% |
Share of 392 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 17.9% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 4.8% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 4.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 4,671 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 5% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.3% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2004 to 2019 |
All Smart Forfour passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-17 | brakes | serious | 848 |
| 2020-05-19 | not specified | – | 0 |
| 2017-11-08 | steering | serious | 470 |
| 2017-11-07 | brakes | – | 1,597 |
| 2017-03-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 11 |
| 2016-08-23 | brakes | – | 9 |
| 2016-08-04 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 785 |
| 2015-07-23 | suspension | serious | 200 |
| 2015-06-25 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 1 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Smart Forfour fail the APK?
In a sample of 392 cars first registered 2012–2021, 63.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Smart Forfour?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (18.1%), tyre pressure incorrect (14.3%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (12%).
Does the Smart Forfour have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 9 recalls. 5% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Smart models
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.