2018 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.
Social links
Common 2018 Smart Fortwo problems
The Smart Fortwo (2014-2018) has a lower-than-average reliability score, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by MotorEasy.
When it comes to the Smart ForTwo EQ (2018-present), reported problems are few, and owners seem happy with their cars so far.
The 2018 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Cabrio has not been associated with any major common problems, but it is essential to note that the information available may be limited due to the car's relatively recent release and the fact that it may not be a common vehicle for repairs and maintenance orders.
In summary, the Smart Fortwo (2014-2018) and Smart ForTwo EQ (2018-present) have some common problems related to their engines and gearboxes, which can lead to high repair bills. However, the 2018 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Cabrio has not been associated with any significant common problems, although the information available may be limited. When purchasing a used Smart Fortwo, it is essential to check for kerb damage, scrapes, and interior dirt and scuffs, as these are common issues.
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.
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!
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.
2018 Smart Fortwo complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Smart Fortwo.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Negative 2018 Smart Fortwo car reviews
Positive 2018 Smart Fortwo car reviews
-
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!
-
After being broadsided in my driver door in 2015, I decided to purchase another Smart car a year later! I love the idea of being in a roll cage, just like a race car! It's a German-engineered car with side and front airbags, making it a steel walnut! I absolutely love my Smart car!
-
Your car is simply wonderful! It's the perfect little machine for your everyday needs.
-
This car may not be for everyone, but it definitely turns heads! I was pleasantly surprised by how much room there is inside, even for people over 6 ft tall and 300 plus pounds. I've been told that the NASCAR design safety cage makes it much stronger and safer than most vehicles. I drive about 50 miles a day and charging it at home costs very little, especially compared to the gas I was using in my old Nissan Murano. It has enough cargo space to carry a week's worth of groceries for my wife and me, and most of the things we need. Although we still have a gas car, we tend to use it for longer trips and not just going out to eat or around town for small shopping trips or sightseeing. The car is surprisingly comfortable, and the heater and air conditioner work very well. While you do get a range hit in the summer, it's not any more than what you would see in other electric vehicles. It negotiates the hills here in Tennessee with ease and is a favorite for little kids all around the subdivision. It's interesting to see other smart cars recognize it and honk or wave almost every time. Overall, I highly recommend this car!
-
After three years, I turned in my car as the lease was up. Throughout the 23,000 miles, the only issue I encountered was the 'check engine' light coming on and a heater/coolant valve getting stuck, causing the engine to warm up slower. The Mercedes dealer who performed the warranty repair informed me that it was the tenth Smart car they had encountered with that problem. Therefore, it may be a vulnerability that should be monitored. Unfortunately, the repair would have cost $500 out of warranty, and the dealer could not guarantee that the 'new' valve was any better than the old valves that had failed in two years.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Smart Fortwo problems:
2018 Fortwo ED whistling windshield air leak | Smart Car of America ...
Mar 30, 2022 ... It is now a common problem with many 453's with a whistling windscreen. The cause: is by a robot in the factory which did not install the ...
Thinking about buying a 2008 Smart ForTwo - Buying/Selling - Car ...
Oct 16, 2018 ... ... smart thing to do. The issues are well known and even with no transmission problems they didn't function all that well. Now if they had left ...
2018 Smart Fortwo EV 453 - Symptoms of PTC issues? - Slow/low ...
Feb 22, 2023 ... 2018 Smart Fortwo EV 453 - Symptoms of PTC issues? - Slow/low power at start, eventually warms up ... It seems like PTC heater issues are a common ...
How many miles is on your Fortwo and what sort of repairs have you ...
Mar 14, 2023 ... It had the common problem with the horn not working, just needed to take the steering wheel off, airbag out and clean the ground contact on the ...
Used Smart ForTwo EQ - 2018-present Reliability & Common ...
Nov 10, 2023 ... Reported problems with the ForTwo EQ are few, though, and owners seem happy with their cars so far. The car didn' ...
Other years of Smart Fortwo
Are you having problems with your 2018 Smart Fortwo?
Laverne Feeney 2024-09-08
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.
Kip Pagac 2024-08-03
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 seems to lift off during windy conditions, which can be quite noisy. I noticed that these issues haven't been addressed during the last two services. Just thought you should know!
Lorenz Lebsack 2024-02-11
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 in the future. Hopefully, the company can take steps to improve the design and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.