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 got this car for my wife's 13-mile commute and it has been great so far. In the last two fill-ups, we have gotten 43mpg (mostly highway) and 39mpg (50/50). What's even better is that you don't have to try to get good mpg in this car, it just happens! We have the Passion coupe with the wide wheels and it's a great second car. You can drive it when you need to save on gas and for easier parking, and save your larger car for when you need it. The transmission may be a little funky, but you get used to it in no time and you never feel underpowered. Overall, it's a great car to have.
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I just love how this car is pretty good on gas and has easy and low-cost services. So far, I've driven 60,000 miles and never had any problems. It's a perfect little engineering machine!
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During my 55 years of driving, I have owned quite a few of those 'highly recommended' status symbols. However, my smart car has exceeded every measure of what anyone should reasonably expect in terms of quality and reliability. I believe that the writers who criticized the smart car really missed the mark. Instead of relying on magazine writers, I suggest talking to an owner to get a better understanding of the car's intended purpose. It's unfair to compare the smart car to a 455hp sports car in terms of acceleration. If you truly want to know about any car, talk to an owner. They can provide you with a more personal and honest perspective than a paid manufacturer review.
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You will either love it or, if it's not for you, hate it. True smart lovers are a class unto themselves.
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My wife has been interested in the Passion coupe since it was introduced to the US in 2008, so I recently purchased one for her. She used to drive a 2008 New Beetle Convertible, but it was becoming a hassle to maintain due to reliability issues. As many reviews have pointed out, the smartfor2 has a rather unusual 5-speed automatic transmission that can also be shifted manually using the steering wheel mounted paddles or the floor shifter. My wife usually keeps the car in auto mode, which causes it to constantly shift, even on small inclines. When I drive the car, I prefer to use the manual mode. It actually gets better gas mileage than advertised.
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?
Waylon Cormier 2025-06-04
As a teacher, I was delighted to take advantage of the extra discount and generous trade-in offer for my 10-year old New Beetle. I have to say, the car has been a lot more fun to drive than I expected. However, I do agree with other reviewers that leaving it in pure auto mode can result in a less-than-ideal ride. Even in 'manual' mode, shifting from 1st to 2nd can be a bit of a drag. The engine can struggle on hills and inclines, but it drops seamlessly into 4th gear with an easy pull of the shift lever. On the plus side, the gas mileage has been better than advertised. While there is plenty of vertical room, I do find that my legs end up jammed against the door and shifter when in 'manual' mode. Additionally, the seats could be more comfortable, which makes me a bit hesitant about taking long trips.
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!