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.
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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
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She drove from Alabama to Pennsylvania to Florida and back again without ever having any trouble. Although she could feel a semi-trailer passing by, she always felt safe and comfortable. The electric windshield wipers were amazing and all cars should have them for safety reasons. When inside the car, it felt spacious. Her husband met her in Pennsylvania and drove the car back to Alabama. He was so impressed with it. Although she just traded it in, I'm thinking of getting one myself. We currently own a Jetta wagon and we love it, but as you all know, we have to trade it in. We're considering getting another Golf wagon and maybe a Smart car too. She had the car for 7 years and cried when she had to give it up.
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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 isn't the best, those are the only complaints I have. The turbo engine is awesome and makes it easy to reach 85mph on the highway. Additionally, the electric power steering is fantastic, and the heated seats and JBL sound system are great features. Overall, I am very happy with this little beast!
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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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- 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.
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Before making a purchase, it's always a good idea to check if your dealership offers warranty work. Unfortunately, Leith in Raleigh does not provide this service. However, there are two Mercedes-Benz dealerships near me, one in Charlotte, North Carolina and the other in Hampton, Virginia. Although they are a bit of a drive, they may be able to assist with any necessary recalls. Despite needing a recall fixed, my car is still running and I still enjoy driving it. While the gas tank isn't perfect, I've learned when to refuel.
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?
Hans Muller 2025-09-25
I have experienced no issues, although the range is limited to 60 miles when utilizing air conditioning or heating.
Camron Kreiger 2025-03-27
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 made it difficult for me to use the car. While the dealer and manufacturer have said this is normal, I wish I had known about this before purchasing the car. Overall, I am happy with the car's features, but the battery range is a concern for me in the winter months.
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.