2016 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.
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Common 2016 Smart Fortwo coupe problems
The Smart Fortwo Coupe 2016 is a compact and unique city car that offers easy parking and low running costs. However, it has some common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.
One of the main issues with the Smart Fortwo Coupe is its size, which can lead to refinement and noise problems. The car's smaller size means that drivers are closer to the sources of noise, and there is less space for dampening materials to insulate them from it. The engine, in particular, can become a drone on long motorway journeys, and other noise sources such as tyre roar and wind noise can also intrude at higher speeds.
Another issue with the Smart Fortwo Coupe is its safety equipment. While the car has been designed to be as safe as possible for its size, it may not be as safe as larger conventional cars. Euro NCAP tested the Smart Fortwo Coupe in 2014 and gave it a four-star rating overall, with scores of 82 per cent for adult protection and 80 per cent for child protection. However, the car's scores for pedestrian mitigation and safety assist were less impressive, at 56 per cent.
The Smart Fortwo Coupe also has some specific mechanical issues that have been reported by owners. For example, the rear tires can wear quickly due to the car's camber, and it can be difficult to find the right sizes in stock. The car also requires full synthetic 0w-40 motor oil, which is not cheap. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the front knuckles, transmission, and brakes, as well as problems with the doors and latch mechanism.
Despite these issues, the Smart Fortwo Coupe has some advantages that may make it worth considering for city dwellers. Its tiny dimensions make it easy to park, and it has a good standard specification and quality feel. It is also relatively inexpensive to run, with low fuel consumption and emissions. However, potential buyers should be aware of the car's limitations and the common problems that have been reported by owners. It is important to try the car in all possible conditions before purchasing, and to be prepared for the possibility of higher maintenance costs due to the car's unique design and size.
What are the issues with Smart ForTwo?
Common Problems
- Electrics (11 cases)
- Suspension, Other (1 case)
- Other (7 cases)
- Electrics, Other (1 case)
- Gearbox / clutch, Suspension (1 case)
- Brakes (2 cases)
- Engine (4 cases)
- Electrics, Engine (2 cases)
Which is the best Smart ForTwo to buy?
Best Smart Fortwo for...
- Best for Economy – Smart ForTwo 0.9 Turbo Prime. ...
- Best for Families – Smart ForTwo 0.9 Turbo Prime Premium. ...
- Best for Performance – Smart ForTwo 0.9 Prime Turbo. ...
- One to Avoid – Smart ForTwo 1.0 Prime Premium Plus auto. ...
- Engine 0.9 Turbo. ...
- Trim level Passion Premium.
Why was smart car discontinued?
In 2006, after dwindling sales and heavy financial losses, Smart GmbH was liquidated and its operations were absorbed by DaimlerChrysler directly. Until April 2019, Smart operated under the Mercedes-Benz Cars division of Daimler AG, offering the Fortwo coupé, Fortwo convertible and Forfour hatchback.
Are smart cars low maintenance?
So, how much does it cost to maintain a Smart car? Electric Smart cars are much cheaper to maintain since they don't need oil, fan belts, air filters, timing belts, head gaskets, cylinder heads, and spark plugs, making them less expensive compared to conventional automobiles.
2016 Smart Fortwo coupe complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Smart Fortwo coupe.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2016 Smart Fortwo coupe recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2016 Smart Fortwo coupe.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Smart Fortwo coupe problems:
Thinking of Buying One - What are Common Issues? | Smart Car of ...
Feb 17, 2020 ... ... issues that particularly affect the smart car ... problem my car's truly ... coupe cdi -- 2008 passion coupe -- 2012 passion coupe -- 2016 edition # ...
How reliable is Smart? : r/SmartCar
Oct 21, 2023 ... Also, any advice on what to look for when buying a Smart/common problems would be appreciated. ... I own a 2012 ForTwo City Coupe with about 70k ...
Buy used fourtwo electric? Hidden problems? | Smart Car of ...
Mar 17, 2020 ... If the battery tests good, then that sounds like a great price. Len 2014 EV Coupe 20,000 miles 2014 EV Cabriolet 17,500 miles. Len 2014 EV Coupe ...
Expected mileage out of a smart car before major issues : r/SmartCar
Jul 15, 2022 ... I remember with my old 2009 smart passion, I sometimes had problems switch to reverse. Read it was a common problem unfortunately.
Q&A: 2009 Smart Fortwo Brabus - Common Problems & Solutions
Feb 28, 2020 ... I have just recently acquired a 2009 Smart car ForTwo Brabus. Twice, when I have slowed down or stopped and tried to - Answered by a ...
Other years of Smart Fortwo coupe
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