2017 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 2017 Smart Fortwo problems
The Smart Fortwo 2017 is a compact city car with a small footprint, making it an ideal choice for urban dwellers who face parking challenges. However, the car has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the transmission and other mechanical issues.
Transmission issues are the most frequently reported problems with the Smart Fortwo 2017. Many owners have experienced difficulty 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, it is crucial to keep a close eye on your transmission
Suspension problems are another common issue with the Smart Fortwo 2017. Owners have reported failing muffler pipes and busted heater blower motors
. Additionally, a condition called "crazing" can occur, where a car's roof becomes covered in small cracks due to wear and tear
The Smart Fortwo EQ, an electric variant of the Fortwo, can experience issues with the electrical charging unit
. Both the Fortwo and the Fortwo EQ receive lukewarm quality and reliability ratings from J.D. Power, with scores of 73/100 and 74/100, respectively
Specific to the 2017 Smart Fortwo, some owners have reported issues with the Direct-Shift Gearbox (DCT) transmission. These issues include the car being indecisive about gear choice at low speeds, refusing to upshift, causing a "washing machine"-like effect at low speeds, and experiencing a delay in throttle response.
In summary, the Smart Fortwo 2017 has several common problems, primarily related to the transmission and other mechanical issues. While these problems can be concerning, it is essential to note that the car has received mixed reviews, with some owners praising its compact size, fuel efficiency, and reliability. If you are considering purchasing a Smart Fortwo 2017, it is crucial to be aware of these potential issues and ensure that the car is thoroughly inspected before making a decision.
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.
Do smart cars need a lot of maintenance?
Electric Smart Car Service Requirement
Unlike conventional cars, electric cars require less maintenance. Since electric cars eliminate most mechanical components used in traditional vehicles, they don't need tune-ups, fluid flush, engine or transmission servicing, spark plugs, or drive belts replacement.
Is Smart car a safe car?
Smart Car Safety Ratings
The Smart ForTwo, the main 2018 model Smart Car, received a four-star NHTSA rating in its category. Some of its safety features include a hefty steel frame and high-tech front and side airbags. It's not just the NHTSA that rates the Smart ForTwo high either.
2017 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2017 Smart Fortwo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2017 Smart Fortwo complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Smart Fortwo.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-28
- VIN: WMEFJ9BA2HK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The car won't charge over 20% due probably a faulty manufacturer part of N83 high voltage control box. This could cause very serious electrical/battery issues if the high voltage box is faulty.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-01
- VIN: WMEFJ9BAXHK
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. THERE WERE COUPLE OF TIMES WHILE IN TRANSIT ON CITY ROAD, I HAD TO APPLY BRAKE SUDDENLY AND SEAT BELT FAIL TO ENGAGE TO HOLD THE PASSENGER BACK . ALL THE TIME , BOTH SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT TO THEIR HOME POSITION WHEN NOT IN USE AND CAR IS STOPPED AND PARKED, THIS CAUSED DENTS TO THE CAR'S BODY AND FRAME AROUND THE DOOR WHEN WE CLOSE THE DOORS. I REPORTED TO THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER SEPTEMBER 2018. IN DECEMBER, THEY COULD ONLY REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. THE PASSENGER SIDE'S BELT HAS BEEN CLAIMED TO BE BACKED ORDER TILL NOW. I HAVE CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES TO FOLLOW UP FOR THE REPAIR AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR OVER 6 MONTHS FOR THIS FAULTY SEAT BELT TO BE REPAIRED. I DON'T FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE MY CAR. I LEASE THIS NEW CAR SINCE OCTOBER 2017 AND THE SAFETY ISSUE HAPPENED ONLY WITHIN A YEAR.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-21
- VIN: WMEFJ9BA7HK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FOR TWO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTING AND REAR WIPER WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARAGE ISLA VERDE LLC (LOCATED AT AVE, BALDORIOTY DE CASTRO KM 10.3, PR 00979, (787) 620-1313), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,334. **TR CONSUMER COMMENT IN SPANISH. UPDATED 10/30/18*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-01
- VIN: WMEFJ9BA0HK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT FULLY CHARGE TO THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED MILEAGE RANGE. IN ADDITION, IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MERCEDES-BENZ OF BOSTON (259 MCGRATH HWY, SOMERVILLE, MA) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-22
- VIN: WMEFJ5DA7HK
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V447000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SOUTH BAY (3311 PACIFIC COAST HWY, TORRENCE, CA) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-01
- VIN: WMEEK31X68K
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER SEAT BELT STOP SECURING THE BUCKLE NO APPARENT REASON
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-28
- VIN: WMEEK31X88K
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CAR HAS A INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. WHEN SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION LEVER TO THE REVERSE POSITION THE SHIFT INDICATOR ON THE INFORMATION CENTER WILL SHOW BLANK AND A HIGH PITCH BEEPING SOUND WILL BE HEARD.
2017 Smart Fortwo recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2017 Smart Fortwo.
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 smart fortwo and smart fortwo Cabriolet vehicles. Casting imperfections may result in the failure of the left front axle steering knuckle.
- Consequence: Failure of the left front axle steering knuckle could affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle steering knuckle, replacing any from the affected batch, free of charge. The recall October 13, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Negative 2017 Smart Fortwo car reviews
Positive 2017 Smart Fortwo car reviews
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For those living in crowded cities, this car is a perfect fit. It has a small footprint, which makes parking and maneuvering a breeze. Driving it feels like an amusement park ride - so much fun! The newer design by Mercedes is impressive, considering the difficulty and expense of miniaturizing all the components while ensuring safety and performance. The engine's torque pulls this lightweight car (approx. 2,000 pounds) quickly, even on steep hills. The 'cross wind assist' function is a great feature that evens out high-speed driving during windy days. Overall, this car is a work of art!
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What a trouble-free car! I originally intended to own it for just a year or two when I ordered one of the first boatloads online before there was a dealer. That was eight years ago and I'm now looking for a new one. I've owned everything from DKWs, NSU, 4 Renaults, 2 Mercedes, Toyotas, Hondas, and early minis. Obviously, I like small cars, but never as much as I love this one. Despite being sixty-nine years old with two bad knees, it's the easiest car to get in and out of! It's great around town, but has also made a few long trips. The seats are great, the A/C is fantastic (I've never even touched it), the heat is great, and the seat heaters are super hot. My only complaint is the terrible auto transmission, which has all the qualities and sophisticated technology of the 59 Renault Dauphine Push Button Automatic. YUK! I'm really looking forward to the new automatic or a stick and the turbo! I've only had to replace two light bulbs and a heater blower fan, which was the exact same one that went out on my Mercedes. I bought it on eBay and it only took 20 minutes to install on the Smart (just twisted in!). You don't want to see the installation bill on the Mercedes. I got every option I could order except rain-sensing wipers. If I knew how great they worked, I would have bought those too. By the way, when you read a bad road test, it's usually obvious they were never in the car!
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The 2016/2017 model of the SMART For Two is a significant improvement from previous years. The ride is smoother and the six-speed transmission shifts seamlessly. The interior finish and appointments are of high quality and reflect Mercedes' input. The car handles windy driving conditions with ease and has an unparalleled turning radius. The cabin temperature controls are effective and the entertainment center produces outstanding sound. The new tires and reduced highway operating sound level are also great improvements. The only issue I have encountered is with the windshield wiper on the driver's side, which doesn't wipe well. Although the mileage is not quite as good as my previous SMARTs, I still consistently get 42/44 miles per gallon on the throughway. As a previous owner of a 2011 and 2013 coupe and cabrio, I can confidently say that I would not have returned for two more SMARTs if I did not like the previous ones I owned!
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I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my 2017 convertible. I drive 80 miles a day to work and back, and I have to say, the car is fantastic! Despite having already driven 30k miles, it still runs like a dream. As someone who is 6'2 and 250lb, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was still plenty of room inside. While it can be a little bumpy on uneven surfaces, and the fuel economy could be better, those are the only complaints I have. The turbo engine is awesome and makes cruising at 85mph on the highway a breeze. The electric power steering is fantastic, and the heated seats and JBL sound system are great additions. Overall, I am very happy with this little beast!
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- This car is surprisingly roomy for its size and feels like a full-size car. There is also good storage space in the back. The outside look and shape are cute, while the inside decor is unusual and fun. Although marketed as a city car, it performs great on the highway. The turbo lag is a bit of a problem, but it has great acceleration. However, the turbo lag can be dangerous in situations where smooth instantaneous acceleration is needed, such as merging from a stop or starting on a curve. The car drives at highway speeds (70+) like a full-size car and has good power, requiring less downshifting when going uphill compared to bigger cars. The cruise control is excellent and hardly ever shifts to maintain speed. U-turns are amazing and too fun, and parking is a breeze as it fits in very small places. Although it appears to be a full-size car from the front and rear, the driver must keep the small size in mind at all times. The brakes are good but don't come on smoothly. Constant road noise can be a problem for some, but it can be ignored or tuned out. The ride is good on smooth pavement but rough on rough roads like a one-ton pickup. Overall, this car is a great choice for those who prioritize maneuverability, acceleration, shifting, highway driving, cabin space, and fuel economy. However, it is important to keep in mind the turbo lag, road noise, ride on rough surfaces, and high insurance cost.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2017 Smart Fortwo problems:
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 ...
How many miles is on your Fortwo and what sort of repairs have you ...
Mar 14, 2023 ... I'm considering getting a 2013 or 2014 Smart car, but want to know what I can expect. ... It had the common problem with the horn not ... Anti-roll ...
2017 smart fortwo (453) - how normal is this transmission behavior ...
Sep 5, 2020 ... I also bought a 25000mile smart 453, same jerky problem, refuse upshift when full throttle. sometime 0 throttle response . I wonder if you solve ...
2017 Smart ForTwo Reliability - Consumer Reports
Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 ...
2013 Smart Fortwo Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 2013 Smart Fortwo repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Smart mechanics near you.
Other years of Smart Fortwo
Are you having problems with your 2017 Smart Fortwo?
Micheal Prosacco 2025-08-27
The new 2017 electric car has many great features, but unfortunately the battery range is not as good as my previous 2016 model. In the winter in Massachusetts, I have noticed that the range can drop to as little as 39 miles, which has been a bit of a challenge. While the dealer and manufacturer have said this is normal, I do wish the range was better, especially in colder weather. Overall, I am still enjoying the new car and its features, but I do hope that future models will have improved battery range for those of us in the North.
Stuart Fritsch 2024-10-04
This 2016 smart car is not worth buying. My car gets awful gas mileage, averaging only 30 miles per gallon. I am having to put high-grade fuel in this car and only get 30 miles to a gallon. Additionally, there is a bad delay in turbo charge when taking off, and resale value is low when you go to trade or sell the car. I would advise anyone that is thinking about buying a 2016 Smart car not to buy one! Best regards, Linda.
Donnell Sawayn 2024-05-27
Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that the car seems to be getting less than 30 mpg, instead of the advertised 39/36. Also, it looks like the gas gauge might not be calibrated properly and the driver side window tends to lift off and whistle during windy conditions. I noticed that these issues haven't been addressed during the past two services. Just thought you should know!
Griffin Barton 2024-04-24
I'm so sorry to hear about your smart car! It's really frustrating that something as seemingly harmless as a wig could cause such a serious issue. It's understandable that you're feeling discouraged and hesitant to purchase another smart car. Hopefully, the company can take this feedback into consideration and make improvements to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.