2005 Smart Fortwo 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 2005 Smart Fortwo problems
The Smart Fortwo 2005, while a unique and quirky vehicle, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the gearbox. The Smart Fortwo's gearbox is known for being jerky, which can make it difficult to detect any faults during a test drive. Therefore, it is crucial to check the service history thoroughly for signs of past problems. Some Smart owners have reported that problems with the gearbox are common, and these issues could be hard to spot during a test drive due to the car's jerky gearchange.
Another problem area is the steering joints, which are said to be problematic and have needed adjustment or repair on many cars. However, it is still crucial to ensure that the engine is in good working condition before purchasing a Smart Fortwo 2005.
The Smart Fortwo 2005's transmission is another area where problems have been reported. The transmission is not fully automatic, and the driver must use the plus and minus buttons to change gears manually. This can be a source of frustration for some drivers, and it is essential to ensure that the transmission is working correctly before purchasing the car. Additionally, the brakes are another component that should be thoroughly checked before purchasing a Smart Fortwo 2005.
Another common problem with the Smart Fortwo 2005 is related to parking. Due to the car's small size, some drivers may find that they are boxed in when they park. This can make it difficult to get out of tight spots, and it is essential to brush up on parking skills when driving a Smart Fortwo 2005.
The Smart Fortwo 2005's engine is another area where problems have been reported. The engine is a Mitsubishi 1 Liter 3 Zylinder Engine, and it is capable of 300,000 km at least with good maintaining. It is essential to ensure that the engine is in good working condition before purchasing a Smart Fortwo 2005.
The Smart Fortwo 2005's electrical system has also been known to cause problems. Some owners have reported issues with the car's computer not communicating properly with diagnostic systems, which can make it difficult to diagnose and fix any electrical issues
. Additionally, the alternator is located on the front of the engine and is difficult to access, which can make repairs more challenging and expensive.
In summary, the Smart Fortwo 2005 is a unique and quirky vehicle, but it has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These problems include issues with the gearbox, steering joints, engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system. It is crucial to thoroughly inspect and test drive a Smart Fortwo 2005 before purchasing it and to ensure that all components are in good working condition. Additionally, it is essential to check the service history thoroughly for signs of past problems and to be aware of the car's small size and potential parking issues.
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)
What is the fuel consumption of smart fortwo 2005?
Smart Fortwo 2005 Fuel consumption
The Smart Fortwo currently offers fuel consumption from 5 to 5L/100km.
How long do Smart engines last?
Smart Life expectancy
I'd say the engine can probably go 200k with regular maintenance and the suspension components/drive train (as in CV joints and boots) maybe 100K.
What is the safety rating on a 2005 Smart Car?
A four-star Euro NCAP rating, strong safety cell, ABS, twin front airbags and stability control are standard. You also need to have your foot on the brake to engage reverse and the keys can only be removed when the car is in neutral – two quirky built-in safety features.
2005 Smart Fortwo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Smart Fortwo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Smart Fortwo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2005 Smart Fortwo complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Smart Fortwo.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-02
- VIN: WME4503321J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILED AND THE FUEL TANK FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 01/31/2017*CT
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-08
- VIN: WME4504321J
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I CAN GET NO INFORMATION ABOUT RECALLS FOR THIS CAR, BUT ESPECIALLY WHETHER OR NOT THE AIRBAGS IN THIS CAR ARE PART OF THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. MERCEDES USA CAN'T HELP. MERCEDES GERMANY WON'T HELP. THE COMPANY THAT PURCHASED THESE CARS, BROUGHT THEM TO THE US, AND MODIFIED THEM TO MEET US STANDARDS, REFUSES TO ANSWER MY QUESTION. NO ONE CAN HELP ME FIND OUT IF MY AIRBAGS ARE PART OF THE RECALL.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Smart Fortwo problems:
Smart Car Diesel Problems: Q&A on Common Issues & Reliability
Sep 3, 2013 ... What problems to look for when buying a 2005 Smart Car, diesel or gas? - Answered by a verified Mercedes Mechanic.
Thinking of Buying One - What are Common Issues? | Smart Car of ...
Feb 17, 2020 ... Thinking of Buying One - What are Common Issues? · For cars in the rust belt, reluctor rings will rust out and cause ABS and traction control ...
Used Smart ForTwo engine common problems - Operation and ...
Jan 30, 2007 ... The turbos are prone to failure, and one of the three cylinders seems to lose compression easily, usually following the cracking of the exhaust ...
2005 smart fortwo - city coupe Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Mar 14, 2008 ... It's roomy, fun to drive, cheap to run, cheap to ensure, has FANTASTIC safety, and is totally reliable. I'm in mine for at least 2 hours each ...
Problems with smart cars - Club smart Car
May 28, 2008 ... Received my smart passion May 1, 2005 and just rolled over the 140,000km mark. In the beginning there was headlight issues with bulbs burning ...
Other years of Smart Fortwo
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