Smart problems
Smart (stylized in lowercase) is a German automotive marque established in 1994. Smart Automobile Co., Ltd. is a joint venture established by Mercedes-Benz AG and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in 2019 and aimed at producing Smart-badged cars in China to be marketed globally. The venture is headquartered in Ningbo. It produces small battery electric vehicles in their manufacturing plant in China, while previously the marque was known to produce microcars and subcompacts, primarily the Fortwo and Forfour, at Smartville in Hambach, Moselle, France and in the Revoz plant (Novo Mesto, Slovenia). Its distribution, marketing and aftersales activities in Europe are currently handled by smart Europe GmbH which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
The marque was founded in 1994 by Micro Compact Car AG (MCC), a joint venture between SMH and Daimler-Benz. MCC became a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler-Benz in 1998, and was subsequently renamed MCC smart GmbH, then smart GmbH. smart GmbH was then absorbed by DaimlerChrysler (later Daimler AG) in 2006, making smart a marque within the Mercedes-Benz Cars division.
The name Smart derives from the cooperation of the Swiss company Swatch with Mercedes-Benz: "Swatch Mercedes ART". In its branding, the company lowercases its logotype and the logo incorporating a "c" and an arrow for the car's "cute", "compact", and "forward-thinking" styling, respectively.
Social links
Smart models
Common Smart problems
Based on complaints from owners of Smart cars, here are some common problems associated with these vehicles:
- Transmission Issues:
Smart cars often face challenges with switching into reverse gear, with transmission failure being a prevalent mechanical issue. Specifically, the 2008 and 2009 Smart Fortwo models have been problematic in this regard. Owners have reported difficulties with transmission, which can lead to significant mechanical issues. - Suspension Problems:
Another common issue reported by Smart car owners is related to suspension. Problems with the suspension system can impact the vehicle's handling and overall ride comfort, affecting the driving experience. - Electrical Failures:
Smart cars have been known to experience electrical failures, which can manifest in various ways, impacting the car's performance and functionality. Issues with the electrical system can lead to malfunctions in different components of the vehicle. - Engine Failure:
Engine problems have also been reported by Smart car owners. Engine failures can be a serious issue, affecting the car's reliability and performance. Addressing engine problems promptly is crucial to prevent further damage. - Other Reported Issues:
- Failing muffler pipes
- Busted heater blower motors
- "Crazing," which refers to small cracks on the car's roof due to wear and tear
- Electrical charging unit issues in the Smart Fortwo EQ model
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise with Smart cars. Owners should be vigilant in monitoring these areas to ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Smart models
We have analysed all the complaints filed against Smart cars and compiled the top 6 most problematic Smart models:
- Smart Fortwo
- Smart Fortwo coupe
- Smart Fortwo cabrio
- Smart Fortwo convertible electr
- Smart Fortwo coupe electric
- Smart Fortwo cabriolet
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Smart brand.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Smart models
We have also compiled a table for you with the number of complaints about specific models of Smart cars:
Distribution of Smart car problems by type
Based on an anlyse of all Smart related complaints and concluded that the most common problems with Smart cars are the following:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
Below is a graph with statistics on all Smart vehicle components and the number of complaints about them.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Smart models
A total of 16 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Smart models
There were a total of 42 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Smart models
There were a total of 19 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Smart models
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
The NHTSA has received 307 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Smart Smart. Below are 15 recent complaints about various Smart models. In order to research complaints about a particular brand you need to select it from the list of available models above.
List of the last 15 complaints about Smart models
Smart Fortwo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEK31X68K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Smart Fortwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000(Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed there was smoke coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught on fire. No warning lights illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle quickly and entered a mechanic shop and a mechanic put on safety gloves to extinguish the fire with a fire hose. The fire was able to be extinguished by the mechanic. The mechanic mentioned that the insulation mat detached from the vehicle and caught on fire. No injuries were sustained. A fire report was not filed since the fire department was not at the scene. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's parents' home where it remained. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts Distribution Disconnect
Smart Fortwo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-08
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEEJ31X28K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA has no service centers on Long Island,NY that might fix the recall issue. For a time they were the only Smart Car service provider after Smart Car dealers were abandoned. MB USA currently will not do the recall and offers no reasonable alternative. The issue is potential engine compartment/total vehicle fire due to compartment insulation failure. Offers no suggestions for doing the recall service except one MB dealer in CT at one time might be able; if I research them.
Smart Fortwo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-06
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEEJ31X48K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact's mother owns a 2008 Smart ForTwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was notified of the recall but informed the contact that the recall could not be serviced at their location. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer that was 180 miles away. The manufacturer was informed that the owner of the vehicle was elderly and would not be able to travel that far a distance yet was offered no additional assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Smart Fortwo 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEEK31X69K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer scheduled an appointment at the dealer; however, the dealer contacted the contact and decline to honor the recall repair appointment. The contact contacted two dealers and was informed that they do not perform repair on Mercedes-Benz Smart Cars. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Smart Fortwo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-30
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEEK31X58K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Smart ForTwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer suggested that the vehicle be towed to another local dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Smart Fortwo 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-29
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEEJ31X99K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz Smart Fortwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and several unknown dealers were contacted and informed the contact that they did not service Smart vehicles. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Smart Fortwo 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-03
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEEJ31X89K
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When starting the car, the transmission will not respond to the shifter being put into any gear. A computer diagnostic says it is a communications issue. Mercedes, who sold the car to me new, refuses to do any repair work as they have discontinued Smart sales in the US. If the communications for the transmission fails during operation, this will be very dangerous. There are numerous reports on the internet of similar issues and owners trying to repair this themselves. Mercedes needs to be forced to repair what they have sold and represented. If this is a software update issue, who has the software to fix this issue? It is outrageous that NHTSA has not enforced these issues with Mercedes Benz of America.
Smart Fortwo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-04
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEEK31X48K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The parts were available; however, the dealer list the manufacturer provided that the recall repair instructions were not available. The contact called multiple dealers however services could not be provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Smart Fortwo 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-28
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-28
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEFJ9BA2HK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The car won't charge over 20% due probably a faulty manufacturer part of N83 high voltage control box. This could cause very serious electrical/battery issues if the high voltage box is faulty.
Smart Fortwo 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-02
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEEJ31X19K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,TIRES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Smart ForTwo. The contact stated that on multiple occasions when the vehicle was parked and the gear shifter was shifted, the transmission would only shift into neutral. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, parts to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Smart Fortwo 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-09
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEEJ3BA1BK
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 175 55 r15 Tge tires wires startes to unravelling and chabgibg the ahape of tge tire.
Smart Fortwo 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2022-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: wmeej31x29k
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2008 Smart Fortwo has a recall open for reprograming the transmission computer because of rough shifting and bucking while shifting and lugging the engine to much before down shifting. Mine is a 2008 but the VIN was not included in the recall and I am having the same problems with mine. Can mine be added to the recall?
Smart Fortwo 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-15
- Date Complaint: 2022-09-15
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEJ31X38K
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: We were driving in Greensboro NC this afternoon on the way to my husbands birthday dinner when off of Bridford? Parkway our 2008 smart car passion for two started malfunctioning all lights flashing on instrument panel & brakes quit & another motorist drove up beside us with window down screaming GET OUT YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE!!! We managed to stop on side of road at woods & jumped out car was on fire looked like under back tires and engine in back! We grabbed what we could save & ran. 911 was called & fire and police came. 2 Witnesses also to event we have photos & videos. Our car burned all the way down to frame! Total loss! We could have died because we couldnt see the fire behind us under car & if not for the man we may have blown up!!
Smart Fortwo 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-08
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-07
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEEJ31X09K
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Smart ForTwo. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated and would not turn off. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the driver’s side air bag replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The independent mechanic had to order the parts for the repair. The dealer was contacted however, the dealer was unable to confirm when the part would be available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Smart Fortwo 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-16
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-18
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMEEK3BA9CK
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The driver side seat belt mount, which in this case is a steel cable, has mostly broken and frayed rendering it unsafe to drive. In the event of an accident, it would certainly break completely. I only noticed it yesterday while cleaning, the breakage would've happened while driving it. I've contacted mercedes USA, and they tell me that my warranty has run out, they can't do anything. Even though this is a mandatory safety feature that has completely failed from normal use.
Latest 5 Smart recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls involving various Smart models.You can learn more about the model you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Smart Fortwo 2008
- Report Received Date: 2018-04-27
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles. The rear insulation mat in the engine compartment may deform, deteriorate, and loosen over time, allowing the mat to contact hot exhaust system components.
- Consequence: If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear insulation mat with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began in July 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018060010.
- Model: Smart Fortwo 2009
- Report Received Date: 2018-04-27
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles. The rear insulation mat in the engine compartment may deform, deteriorate, and loosen over time, allowing the mat to contact hot exhaust system components.
- Consequence: If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear insulation mat with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began in July 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018060010.
- Model: Smart Fortwo 2016
- Report Received Date: 2017-07-16
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 smart fortwo vehicles. In these vehicles, the lock nut that secures the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever may loosen over time, resulting in increased parking brake lever travel before the parking brake engages.
- Consequence: As the parking brake lever travel increases, the holding force may decrease to a point where the vehicle is no longer safely secured in all parking situations, allowing the vehicle to unexpectedly move when parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake cable lock nut, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
- Model: Smart Fortwo 2017
- Report Received Date: 2017-07-14
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 smart fortwo and smart fortwo Cabriolet vehicles. Casting imperfections may result in the failure of the left front axle steering knuckle.
- Consequence: Failure of the left front axle steering knuckle could affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle steering knuckle, replacing any from the affected batch, free of charge. The recall October 13, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
- Model: Smart Fortwo cabriolet 2017
- Report Received Date: 2017-07-14
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 smart fortwo and smart fortwo Cabriolet vehicles. Casting imperfections may result in the failure of the left front axle steering knuckle.
- Consequence: Failure of the left front axle steering knuckle could affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle steering knuckle, replacing any from the affected batch, free of charge. The recall October 13, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Are you having problems with your Smart?