2015 Smart Fortwo problems

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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.

2015 Smart Fortwo

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Common 2015 Smart Fortwo problems

Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems with the Smart ForTwo 2015 based on complaints from owners:

  • Interior Design: While the interior of the Smart ForTwo is praised for its spaciousness and amenities, there are complaints about certain design aspects. Owners have mentioned issues like the lack of a footrest for the left foot, which can be uncomfortable for taller drivers, and reflections from the dashboard cloth affecting visibility, which can be distracting while driving.
  • Wind Noise: Another common complaint among owners is the wind noise experienced while driving the Smart ForTwo. Excessive wind noise can be a nuisance for drivers, affecting the overall driving experience and comfort level inside the car.

These problems highlight some key areas of concern for owners of the Smart ForTwo 2015, ranging from performance issues like acceleration and handling to interior design flaws and noise disturbances. Addressing these issues can help improve the overall driving experience and satisfaction for Smart ForTwo owners.

2015 Smart Fortwo engine

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 engine does a 2015 Smart Fortwo have?

Used 2015 smart fortwo - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size1.0 L
CylindersInline 3
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower70 hp @ 5,800 rpm

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 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!

2015 Smart Fortwo complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Smart Fortwo.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

Negative 2015 Smart Fortwo car reviews

  1. Odell Cremin 2024-11-11

    That's a cute car! It's great and efficient. However, the price seems a bit high. Unfortunately, it has devalued quite a bit, making it difficult to resell. I understand how frustrating that can be.

  2. Anderson Rippin 2024-09-25

    The mileage could be improved.

  3. Alvis Kub 2024-07-04

    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.

  4. Reagan Howell 2024-02-21

    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!

  5. Alfonzo Boehm 2024-01-28

    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, and I hope this review helps others make a more informed choice.

Positive 2015 Smart Fortwo car reviews

  1. Darren Schulist 2025-02-12

    I recently purchased a used 2013 Smart Fortwo with 27k miles from a Mercedes dealer and I absolutely love it! I drive it 50 miles round trip daily to work and it averages an impressive 38mpg. Initially, I was a bit hesitant about driving it at high speeds or in heavy traffic, but my experiences have been nothing but positive. Of course, like with any car, I don't appreciate it when someone is tailgating me while I'm going 70mph. On the inside, the car doesn't feel small at all. Although it's narrower than most cars, the majority of the car is devoted to passenger space, so there are no issues with leg or headroom. I'm 6'1You can almost hear the 1000cc Mitsubishi engine purring in the back.

  2. Dusty Schamberger 2025-01-20

    The car may look small from the outside, but as a 6-foot-tall passenger, I was able to stretch my legs all the way out in the seat. It's also fuel-efficient and has plenty of get-up-and-go, making it easy to reach 80 on the highway. Smart cars are made by Mercedes and are known to be a bit loud, with the engine located in the rear. However, they are actually very safe due to the safety cell that provides better protection than most vehicles. Overall, the Smart car is a great and fun choice, whether it's your first car or just for pure enjoyment!

  3. Kurt King 2025-01-16

    I'm thrilled to share my experience with the Smart car! After driving Class 8 trucks for over 20 years, I was looking for something small, fuel-efficient, and fun. Last fall, we bought our Smart car and have absolutely no regrets. I appreciate the Smart car's sweet little gear box, which is as smooth as silk when shifted manually. Even when left to shift on its own, it still performs well and can get anyone from A to B without grinding the gears or wasting the clutch. With 2 million miles under my belt juggling big rigs, I can confidently say that Benz got this right. This great little ride gets us 34 MPG in the city and we've even seen 60 MPG on the highway!

  4. Myles Tremblay 2024-10-24

    This is my 3rd Smart Car. The dealer was great! Even though I had to travel 46 miles, I was in and driving out in just 2 hours. It was the fastest car buying experience I have ever had.

  5. Kaley Christiansen 2024-10-23

    I absolutely love my 2013 Smart Fortwo 62kw Cabrio 84hp! From its engineering technology to its comfort and performance, it's truly one of a kind. I've owned a Mercedes 200 Sedan, a Nissan Pathfinder, a Hummer One, and a Chrysler long-wheel-base Voyager, but nothing compares to the joy I get from driving my Smart Fortwo. It's a breeze to drive, especially in automatic mode, which is the best way to enjoy it. The Turbo gives it an incredible acceleration and it leaves all other cars behind at traffic lights. Even though I don't get the advertised mileage of 340kms for the 33-litre tank capacity, averaging 10kms per litre, I don't really care because the performance pleasure is worth it. To me, the Smart Fortwo [1st and 2nd Generation] is the only car that is easily identifiable. All other cars, except a few makes, look-alike until you check the logos. I prefer the 1st and 2nd Generation because they have a unique look. It's a wonderful car to own and I'm always looking for an excuse to drive it. On the road, other drivers often wonder what this small car [Kid] is doing on the road, like the road is no place for it, until they see it leave them behind at traffic lights. I understand that the 52 kw 70hp has the same performance with an aspirated engine, but I have yet to drive one. Either way, the Smart Fortwo is the car for me. It's easy to maintain and I change the oil as much as possible for a smoother engine sound and ride. When I start the car in the mornings, I don't rev it. I just let it get to the number ONE on the idle-speed indicator on the dashboard counter, which may take about two minutes, and then I notice and hear the difference in engine sound from kick-start to idle-speed. Like all things in life, if you look after it, it will look after you. I don't plan on getting another car!If you need to move our family of seven in one go or block, the long-wheel-base Chrysler Voyager is a great option. However, if you want to make a statement and grab attention, the Smart Fortwo is the perfect choice. It's a unique car that will leave a lasting impression on the ladies and children, and even the men with their huge cars will envy it. Remember, it's not always about having a big car, but rather having a smart and well-engineered one. Whether you love it or hate it, the Smart Fortwo is a car worth talking about. Please forgive any typos.

Leave your review of 2015 Smart Fortwo

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2015 Smart Fortwo problems:

2015 Smart ForTwo: Long Term Test Wrap Up - YouTube
2015 Smart ForTwo: Long Term Test Wrap Up - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E140gglYrcE

Jan 3, 2022 ... I owned two..2010 and a 2012 and I love them both!! I also did most of the maintenance myself and had very few issues.

2015 Forfour clutch problems | Smart Car of America Forum
2015 Forfour clutch problems | Smart Car of America Forum
https://www.smartcarofamerica.com/threads/2015-forfour-clutch-problems.161965/

Sep 20, 2023 ... My daughter has a manual 2015 1.0 Forfour ( Chassis WME4530422Y058824 Engine M281.920 (H4DA400)) which has a problem with the clutch pedal ...

Thinking of Buying a Smart ForTwo 451 (2008-2015)? - YouTube
Thinking of Buying a Smart ForTwo 451 (2008-2015)? - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R44EOSclsMI

Apr 9, 2020 ... What to look for when shopping used smart fortwo 451s in North America. This is the 2008-2015 model in Canada and the United States.

2015 smart fortwo Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2015 smart fortwo Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/smart/fortwo/2015/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2015 smart fortwo? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Smart Car 2015 Coupe Review Whats Horrible about the smart car ...
Smart Car 2015 Coupe Review Whats Horrible about the smart car ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf9rZGs54qU

May 17, 2015 ... My review of the smart car 2015 Coupe just some things I hate about the smart car Update: The Smart car did get in a crash and was destroyed ...

Other years of Smart Fortwo

smart fortwo 2016 photo
Fortwo 2016
Smart

0

1

12

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
smart fortwo 2017 photo
Fortwo 2017
Smart

7

1

12

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
smart fortwo 2018 photo
Fortwo 2018
Smart

0

0

12

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
smart fortwo 2005 photo
Fortwo 2005
Smart

2

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
smart fortwo 2008 photo
Fortwo 2008
Smart

138

2

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
smart fortwo 2009 photo
Fortwo 2009
Smart

99

1

31

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2015 Smart Fortwo photo