2013 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 2013 Smart Fortwo problems
The Smart Fortwo 2013 is a compact city car that has gained popularity due to its unique design and fuel efficiency. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its problems. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the Smart Fortwo 2013:
Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are the most commonly reported issues by Smart Fortwo 2013 owners. The car often has trouble switching into reverse gear, and transmission failure is the most common mechanical issue for this model
. The 2008 and 2009 Fortwo model years were especially problematic, so if you own one of those, you should keep a close eye on your transmission
Suspension Problems: Suspension problems are also a common issue with the Smart Fortwo 2013. Owners have reported failing muffler pipes, busted heater blower motors, and something called "crazing," which refers to a condition where a car's roof becomes covered in small cracks due to wear and tear
Electrical Failures: Electrical failures are another common problem with the Smart Fortwo 2013. The Smart Fortwo EQ, in particular, can experience issues with the electrical charging unit
Engine Failure: Although rare, engine failure is also a reported issue with the Smart Fortwo 2013. The car's 3-cylinder engine has been known to have issues, particularly with the timing chain
Tire Wear: Tire wear is a common issue with the Smart Fortwo 2013, with many owners reporting that the car eats through tires quickly. This is due to alignment issues, particularly with the rear wheels, which often have some toe.
Radiator Fan: The radiator fan is another common issue with the Smart Fortwo 2013. Some owners have reported having to replace the radiator fan, which can be a pain to do yourself but is doable in your driveway if you have the time.
Exhaust and Rear Crash Bar: Rust is a common issue with the Smart Fortwo 2013, particularly with the exhaust and rear crash bar. This is especially true for older models, such as the 2007 ForTwo.
Clutch: The clutch is another common issue with the Smart Fortwo 2013, particularly with higher mileage cars. Some owners have reported having to replace the clutch, which can be a significant expense.
Body Panels: The body panels of the Smart Fortwo 2013 are also a common issue, with many owners reporting that they need to be replaced due to clear coat peeling. This is particularly true for older models, such as the 2008 ForTwo.
Overall, while the Smart Fortwo 2013 is a reliable car, it is not without its issues. Transmission problems, suspension issues, electrical failures, engine failure, tire wear, radiator fan, exhaust and rear crash bar, clutch, and body panels are all common issues reported by owners of this car. If you're considering purchasing a Smart Fortwo 2013, it's essential to be aware of these potential problems and budget accordingly.
What is the most common problems with a smart car?
According to getjerry.com, here are a few common troubles with Smart cars:
- Suspension issues.
- Clutch/malfunction failure.
- Electrical failures.
- Transmission/gearbox issues.
- Engine problems.
Are 2013 smart cars safe?
The 2013 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is the latest electric vehicle to have undergone the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's crash test procedures. Following frontal crash, side impact, and side pole impact tests, the Electric Drive was awarded four from a possible five stars overall.
What is the range of a 2013 smart fortwo?
Smart's 90-mile range claim is right in line with most EVs currently on the market, but thanks to quicker charging of just 3-½ hours to 80% on 240-volts, you can get back on the road sooner, as well as fully charge on 120-current overnight. EPA range estimates are 76-City, 59-Highway, and 68-Combined.
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!
2013 Smart Fortwo complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Smart Fortwo.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Negative 2013 Smart Fortwo car reviews
Positive 2013 Smart Fortwo car reviews
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I checked out the smart car because it's made/engineered by Daimler. As a Mercedes owner myself (I still have a 1972 450SL and my current one is a 2009 R350), I was curious. Despite having only a 75 HP engine, the acceleration met my expectations and more. The transmission shifting was a little different at first, but it reminded me that I didn't buy a race car, but one that gets me where I want to go with some nice euro style creature comforts. I'm a big guy at 6'4
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I don't own one of these, but I use Car2Go in Austin, which is a car sharing company that uses only Smart cars. I was pleasantly surprised by how fun this thing is to drive, even outside of the city and on the highway. Despite having only 75hp, it really moves quickly. The interior space is also great. However, I do agree with Edmonds' cons. The transmission can be pretty harsh, and the brake pedal takes some getting used to. It feels like it won't stop at first.
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I am delighted to share my experience with the Smart 4/2 on a 58 plate. I have owned this car for a year now and it has been a reliable companion on my trips North and West from Somerset. Despite a minor issue with the actuator, the car has performed exceptionally well, taking me from 93000 miles to 97000 miles. My wife, who has been diagnosed with Dementia, enjoys getting out and about, and the Smart car with its nice canvass roof allows her to enjoy the sunshine in the summer without any discomfort. I am thrilled to announce that I have recently purchased a newer Smart car, a 2013 model with echo drive and satnav. We are eagerly looking forward to picking it up next week and experiencing its many features. I highly recommend the Smart Car for its safety features. I have driven it in snow and taken corners a little too fast, but the car has always stuck to the road without any skids or tipping over. The safety cage is an added assurance that both my wife and I would be safe in case of any unfortunate event. The Smart car is perfect for two people and has ample room inside. I can easily fit my wife's walker trolley and even carry a 6 pack of water, 5 bottles of milk, and 4 full shopping bags of groceries in the boot without any problem. The roof can be pushed back by a switch, and even if it rains while driving, a touch of the switch will close the roof even at 70 miles an hour. I highly recommend finding a good garage in your area that is familiar with the Smart car to avoid any issues. Overall, the Smart car is a great car for winter and summer, and I cannot recommend it enough.
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I needed a commuter car for my 34-mile one-way commute. I first saw the Smart car in Germany in '06 and was glad to see it come to the US in '08. I waited a couple of years before purchasing it. I bought it new from a Tulsa dealer for its 'cuteness' factor and MPGs. I did purchase an extended warranty because it was a 'benz. It ran great until 24K miles when I took it to the OKC Mercedes/Smart and needed a new engine (2nd cylinder out - seems to be a known issue). I had to fight to get them to honor the warranty, but finally, they did (had a salesman actually tell me they 'hated' the Smart but had to sell them for the 'offset' credit). I had no issues with the new engine. It drove without a flaw until '17 (6yrs) when I needed a new coil. It drove great until a shifting issue arose in Nov '18. I took it to a Euro shop and they said it was the master cylinder (which controls shifting) and it was a $1K repair. It is currently in the shop (Jan 20) for a busted motor mount, master cylinder, and bent arm (? $2K). I am also discovering ways to 'reset' the computer to adjust shifting issues - wondering about the first mechanic now... Currently, it has 114K miles and has been a bit costlier to drive (repairs) but my '95 F150 never met a gas station it didn't love, so I have enjoyed this Smart! It costs me only $20/week in fuel and it is a fun car to drive! While I hope to get a couple more years out of it, I will be selling it (maybe) because I now have 2 grandchildren and - most importantly - when I do need a repair, I have to haul it a minimum of 60 miles to the nearest mechanic that works on Euro cars (hassle factor). If I were in a city with local repairs available, or was younger and could work on it myself, I would drive this car into the ground. Other than the listed repairs, I have only done basic maintenance. I have enjoyed my Smart - it has worked well for the reason I purchased it!! It's interesting, but I am also looking at a Honda Fit as a replacement (see ErnieB's post) :-)
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The cabin of the smart car is surprisingly roomy for two people, and the tall, flat-bottomed storage area in the back is actually quite useful. Although the ride can be a little rough, it's still fun for 40 minutes, and thoughtfully designed in almost all respects, such as the replaceable plastic body panels. The electric drive version is a real game changer, with no motor noise to speak of and very snappy performance. While the EPA range of 68 miles is limiting, it's not as much as you'd imagine. Of course, this can't be your only car, but if you get the cabrio, you'll have the only EV convertible on the market. With the top down and side rails removed, you'll really get a great open air effect. It's totally fun for errand running, making some former chores into fun little drives. As their ads said back in the day, 'You'll pour milk down the drain for an excuse to drive to the store.' However, the non-cabrio ED's are not as nice as the Fiat 500e. All of these were pricey when new, but as used cars, they can be a ton of fun for under $10k. The panoramic roof on Passion level smarts is neat though. I test drove the smart gas version and I didn't really care for it. It was slow and had lots of engine noise. Perhaps expensive repairs as the years go by.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2013 Smart Fortwo problems:
A small car with a not so small problem. CAR WIZARD reviews a ...
Dec 12, 2020 ... The CAR WIZARD ♂️ reviews this cute, little 2013 Smart FourTwo. See what has brought it into his shop and what it takes to fix the ...
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.
Why It's Dumb to Buy a Smart Car - YouTube
Mar 27, 2018 ... ... Common Sense 2. 4k Camera: http ... A small car with a not so small problem. CAR WIZARD reviews a 2013 Smart FourTwo ... The Smart Fortwo vs the ...
2013 Smart Fortwo Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
The Smart Fortwo Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 16th out of 21 for subcompact cars. The average annual repair cost is $751 which means ...
Buy used fourtwo electric? Hidden problems? | Smart Car of ...
Mar 17, 2020 ... If the campaign had not been done, the line would show a date of 2013/29/1. ... It could be a fun car for $5000. Being preowned with no known ...
Other years of Smart Fortwo
Are you having problems with your 2013 Smart Fortwo?
Reilly Jerde 2025-01-27
I was in the market for a commuter car and decided to review the 2011 Smart for Two Passion for its costs and performance stats. After test driving it, I bought a new one for $15460. The car was comfortable, gave good service, and ran fine for eight years. However, during the mandatory CA smog test in May 2019, it failed indicating a miss in one of the three cylinders. I took it to a local Mercedes repair shop (not an authorized dealer) because the nearest authorized dealer is 60 miles away and required a lot of coordination to get there and back. The local repair shop tested all cylinders and found #2 to be very weak and recommended replacing the complete engine at a significantly high cost. I then talked with the service rep at the authorized Smart for Two dealer in Santa Barbara, CA to discuss problems and costs to repair. Unfortunately, they informed me that they are no longer in the Smart Car business and basically suggested I donate the car to charity. Next, I called Daimler Vehicle Innovations (Smart) and pleaded for help. The result was,
Efren Gibson 2025-01-27
When I first got my smart car, I was a bit skeptical. I was looking for a small, reliable car and decided to go with the smallest car out there with the Mercedes Benz reputation for car reliability. I was thrilled to find a 2012 smart car with only 10k miles. It was a great car at first and I maintained the oil changes well. However, I did notice that the brakes wore out quickly, needing replacement every 8 months. Then, I started having trouble with the car starting regularly. I took it to the Mercedes dealership and found out that I needed a whole new engine. Thankfully, I had basic warranty which covered me for 4 years or 50k miles. After a whole year of travels, my car had 19k miles and I never expected the engine to need replacement so soon. The dealership is taking care of it now, but it's taking almost 2 weeks for ordering new parts. I asked the dealership how much it would be without the warranty and I was shocked to find out that it would cost $14k for the new engine! That is way more than what I originally paid for the car. I hope no one else experiences any of my issues, but please be advised. I will trade in this car as soon as I get it back from the dealership.
Darian Powlowski 2024-11-23
If you have a short commute of 5-10 miles each way, this car would be a great option for you, especially if you live in NYC where parking can be a nightmare for larger cars. However, it's worth noting that the cabin can get quite cold when the temperature drops below 35 degrees, even with heated seats, and using the heat consistently can reduce your range by 20-40%. Additionally, the 70hp boost that is advertised doesn't seem to kick in often when you step on the pedal. I've been using this car for 4 months now (since Nov '13) and during the polar vortex days, range anxiety was a major issue for me. Despite my 15-mile commute, I always get home with just 20% of power from a 100% charge. Overall, if the range could be extended to 100 miles with heat/AC on, this car would be perfect for short commutes.
Brock Abshire 2024-10-12
I love parking in the city! My car is very tiny and can fit into tight spaces. It's perfect for sneaking into spots where other cars can't fit. However, there are a few downsides to the car. The low beam headlights are quite weak, and the transmission can be slow to shift when trying to pass other cars. Additionally, the car's short wheelbase can make for a slightly rough ride, so it may not be the most comfortable for long trips. Overall, it's a great car for getting around town at an affordable price!
Kristopher Mosciski 2024-03-19
My first impression of this car was that it would be fuel efficient, but unfortunately, it is not. Despite reading reviews that suggested otherwise, I convinced myself that I was buying a quality product. However, after six months of use, I can confirm that it is not efficient for its class. Although it is a small car with little power, it does not provide significantly better mileage than a larger car like the Corolla. Additionally, I experienced a flat tire due to a small piece of metal at only 2000 miles, and roadside assistance took 5 hours to arrive in a rural area near a smart center. Overall, I find the car to be inefficient and uncomfortable. I regret my decision to purchase it, but I hope that others can learn from my experience.