Smart Fortwo coupe problems
The Smart Fortwo (stylized as "smart fortwo") is a two-seater city car built by the Smart division of the Mercedes-Benz Group from 1998 to 2024. In its third generation, the Fortwo has a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a one-box design.
The first generation was internally designated as the W450, launched at the 1998 Paris Motor Show. The second generation W451-build series was launched at the 2006 Bologna Motor Show. The third generation Fortwo (2014–) was internally designated as the C453 build series, and debuted globally on July 16, 2014, at the Tempodrom in Berlin along with a closely related four-door version, the Smart Forfour, co-developed and sharing the same platform and engines with the third-generation Renault Twingo.
Marketed in 46 countries worldwide, Fortwo production had surpassed 1.7 million units by early 2015. The brand name Smart supposedly derives from its early history as a cooperative venture between Swatch and Mercedes: Swatch Mercedes ART. The Fortwo nameplate derives from its two-person seating capacity. Until 2002, the Fortwo had been marketed as the smart City-Coupé.
Social links
Smart Fortwo coupe model years
Common Smart Fortwo coupe problems
The Smart Fortwo Coupe has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the gearbox, particularly in the earlier models. The gearchange in the Smart Fortwo Coupe is known for being jerky, which can make it difficult to detect any faults during a test drive. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly check the service history for signs of past problems related to the gearbox.
Another issue that has been reported by many Smart Fortwo Coupe owners is related to the steering joints, which have required adjustment or repair on numerous cars. This can be a significant concern, as it can affect the vehicle's handling and safety. Therefore, it is essential to check the steering joints for any signs of wear or damage during a pre-purchase inspection.
In the more recent models of the Smart Fortwo Coupe, there have been some recalls related to the maintenance flap becoming detached from the car, which can pose a risk to following road users. This issue affects Fortwos produced between April 2014 and October 2015, and most should have been fixed by now. However, it is still worth checking with a local Smart dealer to ensure that this work has been completed on the car you are looking at.
Additionally, the interior of the Smart Fortwo Coupe can be prone to dirt and scuffs, particularly in the lighter colours, due to the use of hard, scratchy plastics. Therefore, it is essential to check the interior for any signs of wear or damage during a pre-purchase inspection.
While the Smart Fortwo Coupe is generally considered to be a reliable vehicle, it is essential to be aware of these common problems and to thoroughly check any potential purchase for signs of these issues. By doing so, you can ensure that you are making a wise investment and avoiding any potential headaches down the road.
What are the most common problems with a Smart Car?
17 Smart Common Problems They Don't Want Us To Know
- Anti-Brake System Problem.
- Clutch Malfunction.
- Quick-Wearing Brakes. ...
- Electrical Failures.
- Gears Slip Out of Place.
- Jerks in the Gearbox.
- Brakes Squealing and Grinding.
- Slipping & Grinding Clutch – Manuel Cars Only.
How reliable is a Smart Fortwo?
Are Smart cars reliable? According to repairpal.com, the Smart car receives a ⅘ in reliability, putting it at 10th compared to 32 other car brands. It has an 8% probability of the necessary repair being severe, and users will take their Smart car to the repair shop an average of 0.3 times a year.
What are the weaknesses of a Smart Car?
Smart cars are typically only big enough to seat 2 people. This can be a real issue if you have a family of 4. Since they are not really geared towards families, this can be a decided disadvantage to owning one. Never mind the 20 trips you'd have to make to take your daughter's soccer team to practice!
Are smart cars cheap to fix?
But don't forget that the cost of maintaining a typical car can be as slow as $1,200 per year. It goes to say that maintaining a Smart Car costs as much as maintaining a typical car. There are no big disparities. A Smart Car is sensitive and requires regular maintenance, you know, just like any other type of car.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Smart Fortwo coupe years
We have researched Smart problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Smart Fortwo coupe cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Smart Fortwo coupe model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Smart Fortwo coupe model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Smart Fortwo coupe years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Smart Fortwo coupe car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Smart Fortwo coupe , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Smart Fortwo coupe vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Fortwo coupe model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Fortwo coupe model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Smart Fortwo coupe . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Smart Fortwo coupe vehicles.
List of Smart Fortwo coupe complaints
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-02
- Date Complaint: 2020-06-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WMEEJ31X58K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FAILS WHILE DRIVING AND BECOMES LIKE STEERING A MAC TRUCK EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL FORCING THE VEHICLE TO GO STRAIGHT INSTEAD OF TURNING CAUSING THE CAR TO COME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2016-10-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEJ31X08K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE NORTH DALLAS TOLLWAY I HEARD A SUDDEN LOUD "POP" NOISE IN THE BACK OF MY CAR WHERE MY ENGINE IS LOCATED. IT WAS STARTLING ENOUGH TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND EXIT MY CAR IMMEDIATELY TO SEE WHERE THE NOISE CAME FROM. UPON EXITING MY VEHICLE, I SAW COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR WHERE THE ENGINE IS LOCATED FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY REMOVED MYSELF FROM THE VICINITY OF THE CAR AND WITHIN MOMENTS MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. HAD I NOT PULLED OFF TO THE SHOULDER WHEN I DID, MY STORY WOULD NOT BE COMING DIRECTLY FROM ME BUT FROM MY OBITUARY STATING MY CAUSE OF DEATH. I CHECKED WITH MY AUTO INSURANCE TO SEE IF ANY RECALLS HAD BEEN MADE ON MY CAR BUT NONE HAD BEEN MADE. I CURIOUSLY SEARCHED THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANY OTHER PEOPLE HAD EXPERIENCE SOMETHING SIMILAR WITH THERE SMART CARS TO FRIGHTENINGLY COME UPON THE WEBSITE WWW.SMARTCARSSUCK.COM. TO MY HORROR I SAW PHOTO AFTER PHOTO OF CARS IN VARIOUS STAGES OF BEING ENGULFED IN FLAMES. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE I SEE THAT MERCEDES BENZ HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS DEATH TRAP YET HAVE NOT CHOSEN TO RECALL OR CHECK INTO THE ISSUE. I WAS INFORMED AS THERE HAS NOT BEEN A DEATH OR INJURY ATTACHED TO THIS OCCURRENCE NO CHANGE WILL BE MADE. IT IS VERY TRAGIC THAT A COMPANY AS LARGE AS MERCEDES BENZ HAS BEEN A DERELICT IN HOW THEY HAVE HANDLED THIS ISSUE. I WAS ALWAYS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THEY STRIVED TO MAKE THE SAFEST VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. IT WILL BE MY MISSION TO INFORM PEOPLE OF THE DANGERS OF THIS VEHICLE AND UNTIL THIS ISSUE IS RESOLVED THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE PURCHASED. I WILL ALSO INFORM AS MANY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES OF THIS AND TO NOT INSURE THESE VEHICLES UNTIL IT IS RESOLVED. I CONSIDER MYSELF ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES WHO WAS ABLE TO GET OUT ALIVE AND WILL TAKE THIS SECOND CHANCE AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MY MESS INTO A MESSAGE AND SAVE LIVES. *TR
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-23
- Date Complaint: 2015-09-25
- VIN: WMEEJ31X48K
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: SEVERAL TIMES MY 2008 SMART WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE GEAR.OR START SOMETIMES AS EXPLAINED IN MANY OTHER POST HERE. MB SAID THAT ITS MY CLUTCH ASSEMBY, MB REPORT SAYS (1) TRANSMISSION NEED TO BE REMOVED INSPECT CLUTCH DISK PRESSURE PLATES AND THOWOUT BEARING/ CLUTCH WILL NOT TEACH IN CAUSING ENGINE LAMP COST $1359.00 AND IF THAT DONT WORK (2) CLUTCH ASSEMBY REPLACEMENT OF CLUTCH THOWOUT BEARING PRESSURE PLATE IF NEEDED WHEN TRANSMISSION IS OUT PARTS ONLY $1031.20 THIS CAR ONLY HAS 38,326 MILES ON IT I AM THE 2ND OWNER PAD GOT THE CAR WITH 4,500 MILES ON IT. MB AND SMARTUSA HAVE BEEN NO HELP AT ALL IN THIS MATTER
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2015-09-01
- VIN: WMEEJ31X88K
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS CAR HAS PERIODICALLY FAILED TO GO INTO REVERSE AND DRIVE. LAST EVENT THAT I EXPERIENCED IS WHEN I ACTUALLY REALIZED IT TO BE AN SAFETY ISSUE. I GOT INTO MY CAR THAT WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL. I STARTED THE CAR AS USUAL AND PROCEEDED TO PLACE IT IN REVERSE. IT WAS BACKING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AS I BELIEVED IT SHOULD. A CAR WAS COMING DOWN THE ROAD WHICH WOULD NORMALLY NOT BE A PROBLEM BUT THIS TIME IT WAS DIFFERENT MY CAR WAS NOT TRULY ENGAGED INTO REVERSE AND WOULDN'T AND ALSO WOULDN'T GO INTO DRIVE. MY CAR ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY INTO THE ROAD INSTEAD. I HAVE A PROBLEM MANEUVERING OUT OF THE WAY AS THE OTHER DRIVER WAS EXPECTING ME TO BE ABLE. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT. THE OTHER DRIVER THAT WAS HEADING MY WAY HAD TO SLAM THE BRAKES AND NEARLY HIT US. I BROUGHT THIS PROBLEM UP WITH MERCEDES AND SMART CAR. THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS. WHEN I WAS AT THE SERVICE STATION FOR A TMPS PROBLEM THAT NO ONE ELSE COULD FIX, I TOLD THEM THEN. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT NEEDED A COMPUTER UPDATE. I TOLD THEM THAT THEY COULD FIX IT BUT I COULDN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR IT. THEY ALLOWED ME TO LEAVE WITH THE CAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT MANY SMART CARS LIKE MINE ARE EXPERIENCING. THERE IS A YOUTUBE VIDEO OUT. I FEEL THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN HURT BY THIS DEFECT. I FEEL THAT OTHERS COULD BE GETTING HURT BY THIS DEFECT. SMART CAR HAS NEVER NOTIFIED ME OF THIS DEFECT BEFORE. THEY ARE ONLY WILLING AT MY EXPENSE TO FIX IT. I TOLD THEM THAT THEY NEEDED TO NOTIFY OTHERS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THAT WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO DO. PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO MAKE THIS COMPANY FIX THEIR PRODUCT AND SPARE THE LIVES OF INNOCENT VICTIMS. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE PROBLEM AND THIS IS NOT MY VIDEO. FOLLOW THIS LINK HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=4IWBPVZKSZE
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-19
- Date Complaint: 2013-11-19
- VIN: WMEEJ31X98K
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I OWN 2 OF THE 2008 SMART FORTWO AUTOMOBILES (PURE & CABRIO). BOTH HAVE PERIODICALLY BEEN BALKY SHIFTERS (STUCK WHEN TRYING TO MOVE THE GEAR SELECTOR OUT OF PARK). ONE HAS BRIEFLY REFUSED TO SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, INDEPENDENT OF THE GEAR INDICATED. BOTH HAVE BRIEFLY REFUSED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK... UNTIL TODAY WHEN MY WIFE WAS STUCK IN PARK AT A RED LIGHT. THE ABS LIGHT HAD COME ON, MY WIFE DECIDED TO SEE IF SHE COULD CLEAR THE INDICATOR. SHE QUICKLY PUT IT IN PARK, ENGINE OFF THEN ON, BUT VEHICLE REMAINED STUCK IN PARK. A DEPUTY MOVED TRAFFIC AROUND HER. I ARRIVED & AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS FOR 20 MINUTES, IT FINALLY RELEASED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE. I DROVE IT HOME & THOROUGHLY LUBRICATED THE SHIFTER MECHANISM PER POSTS ON THE SMART CAR OF AMERICA FORUMS. AS I RE-READ THIS THREAD CONTAINING 4 YEARS OF CONTRIBUTORS, THERE IS AN IMPRESSION THAT THE FACTORY RELEASED A 1ST, THEN 2ND GENERATION OF SHIFTER REPLACEMENT HARDWARE. THERE IS ABUNDANT OWNER FEEDBACK THAT THERE IS A RELIABILITY ISSUE IN GEAR-SHIFTING, AT LEAST ON THE 2008 MODEL. PER MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN ST CHARLES, IL, THERE IS NO FACTORY RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP WILL RUN A $120 DIAGNOSTIC, BUT REPAIR IS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OWNER. APPARENTLY, I AM ON MY OWN TO PURCHASE UPDATED SHIFTER HARDWARE, OR SELF-MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT LUBE ON THE ORIGINAL, BALKY SHIFTER HARDWARE. IF ONE EVER PULLS OVER IN A REMOTE OR DANGEROUS AREA & PUTS THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK, HE MAY BE STUCK THERE PERMANENTLY, UNTIL RESCUED. IN DANGEROUSLY COLD WEATHER, THIS MECHANICAL FAILURE COULD BE FATAL. IN TRAFFIC, THIS COULD HAVE LED TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ON WHAT OTHER VEHICLE WOULD THIS BEHAVIOR BE TOLERATED? IF 2 OUT OF 2 OF MY VEHICLES EXHIBIT THIS ISSUE, IT IS WIDESPREAD, & A DANGER TO OPERATORS OF THIS VEHICLE. I'M GOING TO ALSO REPORT IT USING MY OTHER 2008 SMART FORTWO VIN NEXT. *TR
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-20
- Date Complaint: 2013-08-15
- VIN: WMEEJ31X78K
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THIS BEING A 2008 SMART PASSION FOR TWO......A LEAKING GAS TANK ON A 4 YEAR OLD VEHICLE......CONTACTED MB/SMART AT THEIR HEADQUARTERS IN NJ...TRYING TO GET THEM TO REPLACE THIS UNDER THE MANUFACTURER DEFECTIVE PART TO NO AVAIL. LOCAL MB/SMART DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME $1717 FOR ITS REPLACEMENT.....NO VEHICLE SHOULD LOSE ITS GAS TANK BEING ONLY FOUR YEARS OLD, ANY BRAND.
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-10
- Date Complaint: 2011-09-10
- VIN: WMEEJ31X38K
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: DRIVING ON CA70 SOUTH TOWARDS PLUMAS LAKE BLVD. EXIT, BRAKING LIGHTLY FROM 55 MPH TO 35MPH TO EXIT THE FREEWAY CAUSED ABS AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)((ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL)) EXCLAMATION LIGHTS TO LIGHT UP WHICH DENOTED THE ABS AND ESP DISABLED. WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT THE STOP SIGN, THE SMART WAS SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED TO RESET THE ABS AND ESP FOR SAFETY ONLY TO FIND THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND WAS LOCKED INTO PARK. THIS CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO BE SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL TO MOVE THE CAR INTO THE SHOULDER AND THE CAR WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH CARS EXITING THE FREEWAY (HAZARD LIGHTS WERE ON). TO GET OUT OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION, AN ONLINE FORUM THAT DISCUSSES THE SMART CAR (WWW.SMARTCARSOFAMERICA.COM) SHOWED THAT IF THE SHIFTER IS STUCK INTO PARK TO CHECK AND SEE IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN THE REAR WERE WORKING. THE BRAKE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE CHECKED AND THERE WAS NO LIGHT EMITTING FROM THEM. THE SITE STATED THAT IF THERE WAS NO BRAKE LIGHT THEN THAT POINTED THE PROBLEM TO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WHICH IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE SMART FORTWO NA451 MODELS. A REMEDY WAS RECOMMENDED TO GET OUT OF PARK BY RAPIDLY PRESSING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET THE LIGHT TO COME ON WHICH WOULD DISABLE THE PARKING LOCK ON THE SHIFTER. THAT WORKED AND GOT ME OUT OF A DANGEROUS POSITION ON THE ROADWAY WHERE THERE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TIME TO CONTACT THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL OR A TOW TRUCK TO GET ME OFF THE ROAD. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND A RECALL TO BE DRAFTED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON ALL SMART NA451 MODELS AS THEY CAN BE DEFECTIVE. *TR
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-08
- Date Complaint: 2011-02-08
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1.HIGH FAILURE RATE OF HEATER BLOWER MOTORS. 2.HIGH REPLACEMENT COST $340+ (PRICE GOUGING) FOR A BLOWER MOTOR BASED ON THE BELIEVED HIGH CURRENT FAILURE RATE. 3.3 BLOWER FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED IN 54K MILES. 4.VEHICLE WAS NEW IN 4/2008, I AM ORIGINAL OWNER 5.NO HEAT CREATES A HIGH SAFETY RISK TO CONSUMER WHO USE THE VEHICLE IN EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS. 6.NO HEAT CAN CREATE VISIBILITY ISSUE DUE TO INABILITY TO PROPERLY DEFROST THE WINDOWS. 7.NO HEAT PRESENTS A HEALTH ISSUE TO OLDER USERS IN COLD WEATHER WHO MAY HAVE LIMITED CIRCULATION. 8.NO HEAT PRESENTS A SAFETY ISSUE TO OTHER DRIVERS DUE TO: A.POOR VISIBILITY B.DRIVER DISTRACTION DUE TO COMFORT C.DRIVER DISTRACTION DUE TO GAGE PANEL MANIPULATION 9.NO HEAT CREATES A HEALTH ISSUE IN THE EVENT OF BEING STRANDED DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER. FAILURE TO HEAT THE OCCUPANT SPACE COULD LEAD TO SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. 10.DISASSEMBLY AND REPAIR OF THE BLOWER MOTOR IS NOT PART OF THE CONSUMER REGULAR SERVICE REQUIREMENTS. 11.SMART DOES NOT RECOMMEND CHANGING OF THE BLOWER MOTOR DURING REGULAR SERVICE INTERVALS. SO FAR SMART HAS DONE ALL SERVICE TO THE VEHICLE AT 10, 20, 30, 40, AND 50K. NOT ONCE WAS BLOWER MOTOR A SUGGESTED SERVICE ITEM. 12.SMART THEREFORE BELIEVES THE BLOWER MOTOR TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT LIFE AND DOES NOT NEED SERVICE. *TR
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-07
- Date Complaint: 2011-01-19
- VIN: WMEEJ31XX9K
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE PLASTIC ROOF IN MY 2009 SMART FORTWO HAD BEEN CRACKING SUBSTANTIALLY FROM EITHER HEAT OR CLEANING CHEMICALS. *TR
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2010-08-26
- VIN: WMEEJ31X28K
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CRAZING AND FAILURE OF MAKROLON (POLYCARBONATE) ROOF ON ALL SMART FOR TWO COUPES FROM 2008 TO PRESENT. POLYCARBONATE (PC) MATERIAL THE TRANSPARENT ROOF PANEL IS MADE FROM DISINTEGRATES FROM UV SUNLIGHT OR HEAT BEYOND ITS 150F RATING EXACERBATED BY SMART'S SUNSHADE INSIDE THE CAR. PC IS NOT RESISTANT TO OZONE AND OTHER CHEMICALS LISTED HERE: HTTP://WWW.SHEFFIELDPLASTICS.COM/WEB_DOCS/MAKROLON%20CHEMICAL%20RESISTANCE.PDF MANY OF WHICH ARE IN THE AIR AND IN CLEANING SUPPLIES. FROM THIS MFG WEB..."EXPOSING MAKROLON SHEET TO REPEATED STEAM CLEANING OR DISH WASHING CAN CREATE HYDRAULIC CRAZING. THE RESULT CAN BE A CLOUDING OF THE SURFACE AND ULTIMATELY A LOSS OF PHYSICAL STRENGTH PROPERTIES." TEMPERATURES MEASURED BETWEEN SUNSHADE AND MAKROLON ROOF PANEL IN SC PARKING LOT FAR EXCEEDS 150F SPEC, CAUSING THE OBSERVED FAILURES. THESE FAILURES WILL, EVENTUALLY, CONSUME THE PLASTIC ROOF WHICH WILL FALL ON OCCUPANTS OR EXPLODE OUTWARDS ONTO FOLLOWING TRAFFIC WHEN, NOT IF, THE PLASTIC FINALLY FAILS, STRUCTURALLY. THE FAILURE IS SLOW AND TAKES A YEAR OR MORE TO MATERIALIZE. AS THIS MODEL IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD, JUST OUT OF WARRANTY, SMART HAS DONE NOTHING TO RECALL/REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MATERIAL, STONEWALLING THE CUSTOMERS TO THE PROBLEM. BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT, OR THIS PANEL FAILS AND FALLS ON THE CHILDREN OR CAUSES PANIC TO THE DRIVER, THIS ROOF PANEL SHOULD BE RECALLED, EVEN OUT OF WARRANTY BECAUSE IT TAKES MORE THAN THE 2-YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD FOR THE FAILURE TO OCCUR, BY FORCE OF GOVERNMENT IF NECESSARY. SMART REPLACES ONE DEFECTIVE PANEL WITH ANOTHER UNDER WARRANTY, WHICH DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF DEFECTIVE MATERIAL, SO THE PROBLEM REPEATS. A FORCED RECALL TO REPLACE WITH OTHER MATERIAL MORE REALISTIC TO INTENSE UV SUNSHINE IN A HOT PARKING LOT IS WARRANTED BECAUSE OF THE COMPANY'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS PROPER REPLACEMENT WITH A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER. *TR
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2010-03-25
- VIN: WMEEJ31X18K
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: I HAVE A 2008 SMART FORTWO AND FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS NOW THE BLOWER MOTOR HAS BEEN WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. I CAN'T SEEM TO DETECT ANY PATTERN FOR WHEN IT DOES AND DOES NOT WORK. IT SOMETIMES WILL WORK AS SOON AS I START THE CAR, IF NOT IT WILL EVENTUALLY WORK AFTER DRIVING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. IT HAS ALSO NOT WORKED AT ALL FOR HOURS OR SOMETIMES DAYS AND THEN WORK PERFECTLY FOR HOURS AND SOMETIMES DAYS. I CALLED THE DEALER (SMART CENTER OF ENGELWOOD (NJ)) ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THEY ARE INCREASINGLY COMING ACROSS ISSUES THAT I HAVE DESCRIBED AND THEY RECOMMEND REPLACING THE BLOWER MOTOR AT A COST OF ALMOST $400.00. I WENT ONTO A SMART CAR BLOG WEBSITE AND THERE ARE AN AWEFUL LOT OF SMART CAR OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. IT COULD BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF THE WINDSHIELD BECOMES FOGGED UP AND THE BLOWER MOTOR DOES NOT FUNCTION, OUTSIDE VISIBILITY WOULD BE DANGEROUSLY OBSTRUCTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME BUT I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OPEN THE WINDOWS UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO SEE THROUGH THE WINDOWS AGAIN.I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE BLOWER MOTOR YET BUT WILL BE IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. IT SEEMS TO ME THIS IS A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE DEFECT WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR AND AT THE VERY LEAST, AN INVESTIGATION BY YOUR AGENCY IS IN ORDER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS MATTER.
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-11
- Date Complaint: 2010-02-09
- VIN: WMEEJ31X78K
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES SMART CAR FORTWO COUPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACTUATOR AND CLUTCH PLATE WERE REPLACED TWICE WITHIN A YEAR. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. WHENEVER HE SHIFT GEARS FROM PARK AND ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL THE GEARS WERE STUCK. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS; HOWEVER, THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 03/04/10 *BF UPDATED 06/02/10
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-25
- Date Complaint: 2010-01-11
- VIN: WMEEJ31X99K
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE SERVICE FLAP (HOOD) ON MY 2009 SMART CAR HAS DETACHED TWICE. IN EACH INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED BEHIND A MOTORHOME. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT THE DEALERSHIP SENT ME A NEW HOOD AND I INSTALLED IT MYSELF AS THERE WAS NO DEALER WITHIN 1,500 MILES OF MY LOCATION. AFTER THE SECOND TIME AND WITH MORE DAMAGE DONE SMARTUSA IS CLAIMING THAT THE HOOD WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED BY ME CAUSING IT TO COME OFF. THIS TIME EXTENSIVE DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE VEHICLE. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND THAT IN ALL INSTANCES SMARTUSA FAULTS THE OWNERS FOR NOT PROPERLY REPLACING THE HOOD. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THIS IS A CONTINUING ISSUE AND ALSO HAPPENS WHEN THEN CAR IS NOT BEING TOWED THAT A HOOD FLYING OFF COULD CAUSE A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD. THE HOOD REMAINS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE BY A STRAP AND WILL FLAP IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER UNTIL SPEED IS REDUCED. THIS COULD CAUSE PANIC AND AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT. *TR
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2009-12-31
- VIN: WMEEJ31X99K
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I HAVE OWNED MY 2009 SMART FORTWO SINCE DECEMBER 2008 AND HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM OCCUR TWICE. WHILE TOWING THE SMART ON A TRAILER BEHIND MY MOTORHOME ONE OF THE PINS HOLDING THE HOOD BROKE CAUSING THE HOOD TO COME OFF. THE HOOD IS HELD ON BY TWO PLASTIC PINS AND A CLOTH STRAP. THE STRAP RESTRAINED THE HOOD CAUSING IT TO FLAP AROUND THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THIS CAUSED DAMAGE TO ALL THE FRONT PANELS AND THE WINDSHIELD. LUCKILY I WAS NOT DRIVING THE CAR AT THE TIME. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *TR
Smart Fortwo coupe 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-15
- Date Complaint: 2009-11-05
- VIN: WMEEJ31X78K
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL GAUGE STICKS AT 7/8 - MANY REPORTS TO SMART CAR OF AMERICA FORUMS. WILL NOT PROPERLY REPORT FUEL LEVELS. *TR
Recalls Smart Fortwo coupe
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Smart Fortwo coupe.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Smart Fortwo coupe 2016
- Report Received Date: 2017-03-16
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Smart Fortwo vehicles. The horizontal headlight adjustment mechanism on these vehicles may not have been properly sealed off to prevent future adjustment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: If the headlight can be adjusted horizontally, the headlight may be adjusted outside of the designed specifications, reducing the driver's visibility and potentially blinding oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct sealing caps to prevent the headlights from being adjusted horizontally, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Model: Smart Fortwo coupe 2015
- Report Received Date: 2015-03-31
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Smart Fortwo Coupes and Convertibles, and 2014 Fortwo Coupe Electric and Fortwo Convertible Electric vehicles. The affected vehicles have steering gear mounting bolts which may break during vehicle operation.
- Consequence: If the steering gear mounting bolts break, vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began on May 8, 2015. Owners may contact Smart customer service at 1-800-762-7887.
Are you having problems with your Smart Fortwo coupe?
