Known APK problem
Smart Fortwo II (451): brake lines
On the Smart Fortwo II (451) the APK inspector finds brake lines problems 70% more often than on cars of the same age: at 16+ years 2.3%, against about 1.4% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Rusty or leaking brake lines. An A-problem at the APK because braking is at risk.
How to check it at the viewing
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Ask the seller: Have the brake lines ever been (partly) replaced?
By age
Share of inspected Smart Fortwo II (451)s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | Fortwo II (451) | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 – 12 years | A | 1.0% | 0.3% | 3.9× |
| 13 – 15 years | A | 1.5% | 0.6% | 2.5× |
| 16+ years | A | 2.3% | 1.4% | 1.7× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 16+ years
| Model | Brake lines | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Fortwo II (451) | 2.3% | 1.7× |
| Kia Picanto I | 1.3% | 1.0× |
| Chevrolet Spark | 1.3% | 1.0× |
| Opel Agila B | 1.5% | 1.1× |
| Renault Twingo II | 3.8% | 2.8× |
Looking at a Smart Fortwo II (451)? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Smart Fortwo II (451)s of the same age.
All weak spots of the Smart Fortwo II (451) · Brake lines: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Smart Fortwo II (451) often have brake lines problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 16+ years the inspector found a brake lines defect on 2.3% of inspected Smart Fortwo II (451)s, against about 1.4% of all cars of the same age (1.7×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the brake lines on a used Smart Fortwo II (451)?
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know