smart fortwo Problems and Repair Histories
smart fortwo problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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smart fortwo
smart fortwos for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the smart fortwo problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For smart fortwo problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the smart fortwo problems and repair histories that follow it.
smart fortwo Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2009 | smart fortwo | 44 fortwos, 10.5 months of data per fortwo, average 29800 miles Note low average odometer. Warranty only lasts two years, so these cars are now out of warranty, and owners are more likely to live with minor problems.21 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
see reported repairs see lemon odds |
| 2008 | smart fortwo | 91 fortwos, 10.0 months of data per fortwo, average 43600 miles Note low average odometer. Warranty only lasts two years, so these cars are now out of warranty, and owners are more likely to live with minor problems.40 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
see reported repairs see lemon odds |
Non-members can see only ten smart fortwo problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2009 smart fortwo 2dr Coupe
70-horsepower 1.0L I3 5-speed automated manual RWD
| smart fortwo in Kansas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 3000 | 0 | Headlights could not be turned on. Dealer replaced steering column light stalk. |
| Nov | 2010 | 5700 | 0 | Radio, Lights, other electrics worked. Engine would not turn over. Starter did not spin. Neutral sensor defective. Sensor replaced. |
| Jun | 2011 | 8000 | 73 | Transmission would not engage when car started and gear shift moved to drive or reverse. Required multiple re-starts, and occasionally a 10-20 minute "rest" before it would engage. Required software upgrade which dealer conveniently had. |
| Mar | 2013 | 15000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| smart fortwo in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2009 | 1000 | 0 | Seat heater went out, ordered part. |
| Jul | 2009 | 9000 | 0 | The clear panoramic roof started to come off on the front passenger side. Factory did not let powder coated tridion cell to cure/glue was not made for Texas Temps/all of the above. MB re-glued with no problems. |
| Mar | 2012 | 32000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| smart fortwo in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 0 | Check Engine Light kept coming on even after I cleared the fault with my Scanguage. Dealer ordered and installed a seal. | |
| Jun | 2009 | 1000 | 0 | I noticed that the A/C was not functioning properly in that the "climate control" function could not establish and maintain the cabin at a preset temperature. The only way to cool the car was to keep the A/C in the Maximum setting. Following the last trip to the dealer for the same problem, I again observed that the "climate control" was still not holding a preset temperature. This time the dealer ran a full system check and there were no anomalies and no fault codes present. |
| Jul | 2009 | 1000 | 0 | Having exhausted all diagnostic tests with no success, the dealer agreed to "start replacing parts" to get to the bottom of things. They ordered a temperature control module that has been on national back-order for a month now. |
| Aug | 2009 | 3000 | 0 | The Temperature Control was replaced and there has been some improvement but I'm not sure the problem has been completely eliminated. Dealer is checking with Area Reps for additional assistance. |
| Sep | 2009 | 4000 | 0 | I took the car to the dealer to get copies of the A/C repair orders in order to submit a lemon law claim. The service manager pulled the heat duct temp sensor & re-installed it. There's no explanation for it but that seems to have solved the problem. |
| Mar | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| smart fortwo in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 2000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 8000 | 0 | The panoramic roof came unglued from the body. Airbag light came on. Loose connection at weight sensor connector under passenger seat. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| smart fortwo in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2009 | 1000 | 0 | Left tailgate latch broken. |
| Jun | 2010 | 20000 | 0 | AC was leaking coolant after a prior damage repair. |
| Mar | 2013 | 55000 | 650 | Exhaust system. Muffler failed. |
2008 smart fortwo 2dr Coupe
70-horsepower 1.0L I3 5-speed automated manual RWD
| smart fortwo in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2008 | 0 | Shifter did not allow the button to press in and the car was either in Drive or Neutral. Wouldn't go into Park or Reverse. Dealer repaired shift lever. | |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| smart fortwo in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2008 | 0 | Reset the engine light. Not a problem. | |
| Sep | 2008 | 5000 | 0 | Passion tailgate alignment was low on driver side so that glass was rubbing the body panel. Black plastic cover on upper tailgate has a loud, intermittent, high-pitched rattle. Mechanic said it was the cargo cover and normal. Problem persists. |
| Dec | 2009 | 14000 | 0 | steering column sensor had to be replaced |
| Oct | 2011 | 27000 | 355 | code p0442 - leak in evaporator emissions system replace purge valve. |
| May | 2013 | 37000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| smart fortwo in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 1000 | 0 | Dealer requested I bring the car in for inspection of the shift linkage. |
| May | 2008 | 2000 | 0 | The car shut itself off in hard left turns 3 times. |
| Jul | 2008 | 3000 | 0 | Low tire pressure light came on. Checked tire pressures and all were High. Reset to factory recommendation but warning light stayed on. Called dealer and they gave me instructions to reset the light. Now OK. |
| Mar | 2009 | 5000 | 0 | One of the rear window defroster elements was not operating. Dealer diagnosed the problem and ordered part for replacement. |
| Apr | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| smart fortwo in Kansas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2008 | 1000 | 0 | Shifter became difficult to place in Park. Lubed in 5 minute visit to dealer. |
| May | 2010 | 20000 | 0 | It appears that the Subwoofer never worked. They had to electrically trace the wiring and replace part of the wiring harness. |
| Sep | 2011 | 36000 | 100 | Clutch actuator was making noise |
| Mar | 2012 | 39000 | 100 | Failed Shifter total repair cost 877usd |
| Jul | 2012 | 42000 | 0 | Cooling system leaked crank shaft position sensor failed |
| Sep | 2012 | 44000 | 650 | Heater fan & Motor replaced |
| Jan | 2013 | 48000 | 1100 | Tie-rods, torsion bar, All front end parts replaced except steering and struts |
2008 smart fortwo 2-door
3-cylinder automated manual 2WD
| smart fortwo in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2008 | 1000 | 0 | Engine stopped in middle of block while car running. No warning lights, was able to restart, dealer found nothing and was not willing to investigate further. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
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