Smart Forfour (2014–2021)Faults with the timing chain

Timing chain of the Smart Forfour: problems and faults

Critical severity: Timing chain or tensioner failure · 0.9 TCe engine
Low severity: Chain-driven timing: no documented pattern of faults · 1.0 SCe (B4D) engine

Most serious fault: Critical severity

Reviewed on 27 September 20263 sources How we work

Faults by engine

From most to least important. Check the affected years and versions on each page.

Forfour 0.9 TCe

- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain or tensioner failureThe 0.9 TCe's timing chain tensioner can lose effectiveness over time. It is a minority of cases, but when the chain jumps the damage is serious: there is a documented case with a complete engine replacement at 80,000 km.

Forfour 1.0 SCe (B4D)

- Low severityFrequency: RareTimingChain-driven timing: no documented pattern of faultsUnlike engines with a timing belt, the 1.0 SCe barely records any mentions of the timing in the sources consulted: 1 case out of 117 combined reviews of the Sandero II, the Logan II and the Twingo III, with no further detail. It is not a fault that we can document as a pattern on this engine.

Symptoms these faults cause

Parts for the Smart Forfour for faults with the timing chain

The same search across several shops so you can compare prices. The part number varies with the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Timing chain with tensioner and guides
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. More information

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the timing chain does the Smart Forfour have?

In the Smart Forfour there are 2 documented faults with the timing chain: timing chain or tensioner failure (0.9 TCe engine) and chain-driven timing: no documented pattern of faults (1.0 SCe (B4D) engine). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and how to check for it.

Which engines of the Smart Forfour have faults with the timing chain?

The documented faults affect the 0.9 TCe and 1.0 SCe (B4D) engines. Check the years and versions on each page: they do not always affect every unit.

Have you had a fault with the timing chain on your Smart Forfour? Tell us at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

Fiabilité des 0.9 TCeFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes du Renault CapturFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes de la Dacia Sandero 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French