2010 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 2010 Smart Fortwo problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are the common problems with the Smart Fortwo 2010 based on complaints from owners:
- Electrical Faults:
- Owners have reported encountering electrical faults in Smart Fortwo cars, with instances of problems emerging around 75,000 miles. These issues can be significant and may lead to the need for repairs or replacements, impacting the overall reliability of the vehicle.
- Parts Availability:
- Finding parts for the Smart Fortwo can be challenging, especially in the United States where Smart cars are no longer sold. Owners may face difficulties in sourcing specific components for repairs, requiring them to contact specialized dealers or seek parts overseas, leading to potential delays in maintenance and repairs .
These common problems highlight key issues faced by owners of the Smart Fortwo 2010 model, ranging from transmission issues to electrical faults and challenges in obtaining necessary parts for repairs. Understanding these issues can help potential buyers make informed decisions and be prepared for maintenance challenges that may arise with this particular vehicle.
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)
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.
How safe is a 2011 Smart car?
In side impacts, the Smart was awarded a perfect five out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Smart its highest rating of "Good" for both frontal- and side-impact protection.
Does a 2010 smart ForTwo have power steering?
Power steering is optional on the Smart ForTwo, and without it the steering is surprisingly heavy for such a small car, so its worth taking. Pulse models come with a self-shifting manual gearbox, which is smoother than the automatic – that can be jerky and slow unless you back off the throttle during changes.
2010 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 problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
- Visibility problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2010 Smart Fortwo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2010 Smart Fortwo complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Smart Fortwo.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEK3BA0AK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
- Summary: MY CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE FREEWAYWHEN IT SEIZED. WHEN STOPPED THE ENGINE IN THE BACK CAUGHT FIRE, MY VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND, THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THIS THE YEAR BEFORE, (FOR THE 2009 SMART CAR) THERE ARE VIDEOS DOCUMNTING THIS ON YOU TUBE. MY BROTHER WHO WORKED FOR MERCEDES (THE PARENT COMPANY OF SMART) AS A MECHANIC TOLD ME TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-15
- VIN: WMEEJ3BA4AK
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE BLOWER MOTOR DID NOT WORK AND CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED SMART CENTER ALBUQUERQUE AT 877-316-3208 (LOCATED AT 1220 S RENAISSANCE BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87107), BUT WAS UNABLE TO REACH ANYONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-22
- VIN: WMEEK3BA6AK
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I PURCHASED A NEW 2010 SMART FOR TWO ' CABRIOLE IN MAY, 2011, FROM SMART CENTER PALM BEACH [FL] (AKA. MERCEDES-BENZ OF PALM BEACH). ON DECEMBER 27, 2013, I EXPERIENCED LOUD NOISES UNDER THE FRONT HOOD. I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SMART CENTER ' GAINESVILLE [FL] (AKA. MERCEDES-BENZ OF GAINESVILLE) WHERE THEY 'FOUND THE RADIATOR COOLING FAN TO HAVE EXCESSIVE PLAY CAUSING THE NOISE.' [SEE R/O NUMBER 6022634 /1, COPY ATTACHED.] THE ODOMETER READ 51501. THE COST FOR THIS REPAIR WAS $962.65, INCLUDING A COURTESY $50- DISCOUNT. ON JUNE 22, 2016, I, AGAIN, EXPERIENCED LOUD NOISES UNDER THE FRONT HOOD AND DROVE THE CAR TO THE SMART CENTER ' TAMPA [FL] (AKA. MERCEDES-BENZ OF TAMPA) WHERE THEY FOUND 'CAUSE: RADIATOR FAN IS FAULTY'. [SEE INVOICE 473583, COPY ATTACHED.] THE ODOMETER READ 93833. THE COST FOR THIS REPAIR WAS $946.69. THE INVOICE AT $991.69 INCLUDES A CHARGE OF $45- FOR WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP REPLACEMENT. I BELIEVE THE SMART FOR TWO RADIATOR FAN ASSEMBLY IS: FIRST, DEFECTIVE IN DESIGN BECAUSE REPLACEMENT REQUIRES THE COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE CAR FRONT END FASCIA, THE BUMPER, THE WIPERS AND WIPER COWL, THE FRONT SUB FRAME, AND THE COMPLETE REMOVAL OF BOTH THE AIR CONDITIONING ASSEMBLY (INCLUDING RECOVERY OF REFRIGERANT & REPLACEMENT) AND THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY (INCLUDING COOLANT REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT); AND SECOND: DEFICIENT & SUB-STANDARD IN MATERIALS AND/OR MANUFACTURING BECAUSE ITS USABLE LIFE IS EXCEPTIONALLY SHORT. THE FIRST RADIATOR FAN FAILED AFTER 32 MONTHS / 51,500 MILES AND THE SECOND FAN FAILED AFTER 30 MONTHS / 42,300 MILES. EACH TIME MY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE WAS APPROXIMATELY $950-. I CAN UNDERSTAND THE FAN ASSEMBLY COSTING APPROXIMATELY $170-; BUT INSTALLATION AT A MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP FOR OVER $600- IS BOTH OUTRAGEOUS AND A TESTAMENT TO THE MANUFACTURER'S DEFICIENT FORETHOUGHT & DESIGN.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-15
- VIN: WMEEJ31X49K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 7 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,900.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-19
- VIN: WMEEJ3BA8AK
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY CAR WAS IN PARK AND I COULD NOT MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT TO DRIVE. I AM TRYING TO SELL THE CAR. SOMEONE BOUGHT THE CAR YESTERDAY AND I AM WORRIED THEY WILL WANT TO BRING THE CAR BACK TO ME. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-24
- VIN: WMEEJ3BA1AK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: SMART CAR REPEATEDLY CUTS ENGINE POWER DURING ACCELERATION. *TR
Negative 2010 Smart Fortwo car reviews
Positive 2010 Smart Fortwo car reviews
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Hey there! I'm excited to share my experience with the 2009 smart passion coupe that I bought in September of this year. Living in Southern California, I've taken it on the 10, 605, 57, 60, and 15 freeways and it handles like a dream! It's great in all lanes and I feel confident driving next to big rigs or in windy conditions. I've never had to replace the shocks on any car I've owned and this one is no exception. I love feeling the true essence of the road and this car delivers that perfectly. I always drive it in manual mode and it's an absolute blast! The seats are also incredibly comfortable, which is a huge plus. Recently, I took a bunch of stuff to a local thrift store and the guy unloading it was amazed at how much this little car could hold. Even at 6'5
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I'm so glad you're interested in this car! It's definitely a great choice. At first, the shifting might feel a little strange, but after a couple of days, you'll get in sync with the car. It's nimble and quick, and performs great at highway speeds.
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This car is not just for youngsters, as older people have also discovered its benefits. When asked about its gas mileage, I proudly respond that it has the best gas mileage of any non-hybrid car sold in America. While it may not be suitable for speeding over speed bumps or narrow 2 lane streets, it does have a number of impressive features, including a panorama roof, paddle shifters, auto air, electric windows/locks, and ABS/stability control. Despite being an economy car, it has a unique style that sets it apart from others in its class. Additionally, it is surprisingly spacious for two people and has enough room in the back for a week's worth of groceries. With its Mercedes-like features and affordable price, it is sure to hold its resale value against even the most popular Japanese imports and the Corvette.
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I absolutely adore my Smart Passion! When I turned 18 and had to start paying for things on my own, I traded in my BMW 5 series for this little gem. It's my only car and I do a lot of driving in the city, on the highway, and in the suburbs every day. I just love driving it! While I do wish it had better gas mileage, it still beats my old BMW. The two-seater is no big deal and there's plenty of storage space. The car handles great and parking is never a problem. I always get looks and comments on it, and I just love the design. Overall, I would highly recommend it to anyone!
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I originally bought a blue with silver tridian coupe back in July. Unfortunately, I had issues with water retention in the rear hatch and had to bring it in for repairs. During the repair process, I was given a cabriolet smart loaner and I fell in love with the convertible. I immediately upgraded to a red with a black tridian convertible because of the 1.2% APR financing promotion, despite the $3000 depreciation for trade-in. I have no regrets and I absolutely LOVE the convertible. Please read my other review for the coupe, as the same applies to this car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2010 Smart Fortwo problems:
Expected mileage out of a smart car before major issues : r/SmartCar
Jul 15, 2022 ... I just got a 2010 Smart Fortwo with 36k miles. I used to have a 2009 passion cabriolet but I started to run into many problems including ...
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 ...
2010 Smart Fortwo Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Smart Recalls · Vehicle Stalls Due To High Voltage Battery Failure · Engine Compartment Insulation Deforms Becoming Fire Hazard · Parking Brake Does Not Securely ...
smart cdi starting problems (valve seat damage) | Smart Car of ...
Jul 3, 2011 ... Ok, common problem. In short city relation ... When I stop car after driving, I can start up engine ... Posted by smart142 Updated Nov 8, 2010.
Other years of Smart Fortwo
Are you having problems with your 2010 Smart Fortwo?
Westley Wilderman 2024-11-14
This car may struggle with hills and mountains, so it may not be the best choice for those living in such areas.
Lucious Howell 2024-10-18
The 2008 and 2009 smart cars have had issues with the paint peeling off within a few years, despite being well taken care of. As a senior who saved for three years to purchase my car, I am disappointed to see the paint peeling off like crazy. I have taken impeccable care of my car, garage kept, washed with water only, and with no accidents. I brought this to the attention of Mercedes and the smart headquarters to apply for their 'goodwill out of warranty process', but unfortunately, I was denied twice. Despite their approved place recommending to replace the panels or paint the car, they have refused to do so. It is disheartening to see the clear coat peeling off the whole car, and it is not something that should happen to a car that was well taken care of. I have contacted Mercedes and smart, but they have not taken any ethical or moral responsibility to fix the deficient paint job that was initially put on the car. I have posted two signs on my smart car to warn others about the paint issue. It is important to be cautious when buying these cars, as it will cost $2800 to fix my car. As a senior on social security, I cannot afford this, nor can I sell the car the way it looks. I hope that smart/Mercedes will take responsibility and make it right for their customers. Thank you for your attention to this matter.Mercedes failed to back their car up and the transmission failed on me for the 3rd time. As of 2019, I have gotten rid of the car. Although I initially loved the car, it became unreliable and I grew to hate it. The convertible top started to be temperamental in putting it up and down. I just left it shut as I was afraid I would not be able to get it back up, kept getting caught up com where. I auctioned it with proceeds going to Wheels for Wishes. I am confident that I made the right decision and would not deal with Mercedes again.