2009 Smart Fortwo Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Smart Fortwo, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2823.3%
- Powertrain (other)2722.5%
- Electrical1411.7%
- Body & structure108.3%
- Fuel system97.5%
- Other / unspecified65.0%
- Seat belts54.2%
- Airbags54.2%
- Tires & wheels54.2%
- Brakes32.5%
- Suspension21.7%
- Driver assistance21.7%
- Visibility10.8%
- Heating & air conditioning10.8%
- Interior & seats10.8%
- Exterior lighting10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer scheduled an appointment at the dealer; however, the dealer contacted the contact and decline to honor the recall repair appointment. The contact contacted two dealers and was informed that they do not perform repair on Mercedes-Benz Smart Cars. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz Smart Fortwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and several unknown dealers were contacted and informed the contact that they did not service Smart vehicles. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Smart Fortwo. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The vehicle was turned off, the contact waited, and then restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed. The failure had occurred several times while driving. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to brake immediately and drifted to the left. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard for the vehicle to come to a stop. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS was faulty and retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Codes: 1314 and C1443. The contact stated that the front brake pads were replaced by the dealer, and the rear brake pads were replaced by a certified mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired for the failure to accelerate, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was purchased on July 17, 2025, and the seller kept the repair issues with the vehicle from the contact and failed to provide information on the previous repairs. The contact stated that the failure recurred after retrieving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,254.
The contact owns a 2009 Smart ForTwo. The contact stated that on multiple occasions when the vehicle was parked and the gear shifter was shifted, the transmission would only shift into neutral. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, parts to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
APPEARS THAT MY 2009 SMART FORTWO PASSION AND OTHERS ON THE INTERNET ARE BEING CONFRONTED WITH MANY OF THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO R (REVERSE) AT TIMES AND THE KEYFOB MAY NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED FOR NOT WORKING IN THE VEHICLE AT ALL. DON'T KNOW IF IT IS THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE, TRANSPONDER, OR WHAT. I DO KNOW THAT MANY OWNERS ARE FACING THE SAME CHALLENGE. NO NEED FOR A KEY REMAKE, THE KEYS JUST DO NOT TURN THE CAR ON AT ALL. THE PROGRAMMING EQUIPMENT AND OR ALL THAT TROUBLESHOOTING YET MERCEDES TOP EXECUTIVES HAVE NOT AND WILL NOT ADDRESS OWNER CONCERNS. I CAN PULL INTO A PARKING LOT, HANDLE MY BUSINESS IN LETS SAY A SUPERMARKET. COME BACK OUT TO THE CAR AND PUT IN REVERSE AND ONLY N (NEUTRAL) APPEARS. I HAVE TO GO FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE THEN REVERSE FOR THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO REVERSE. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH 5 MILES ON IT AND HAVE OVER 100K. ONE DAY ON THE WAY TO WORK IT SHOOK BAD. I PULLED OVER. HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE ENGINE ON AT ALL. GAVE IT SOME TIME, THE BATTERY, WINDOWS, RADIO AND DASH LIGHT UP, BUT THE IGNITION ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. AGAIN, I HAVE NOTICED ON SEVERAL SITES MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE KEYS STOPPED WORKING MAY 20, 2020. THE REVERSE ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS, DO NOT HAVE A TIME FRAME OF WHEN I FIRST NOTICED IT. THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE.*DT CONSUMER STATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO DISMISS COMPLAINT.*JB
POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE WITH SMARTCAR 2009, VIN: [XXX] INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH GEARBOX SHIFTER NOT ALLOWING CAR TO BE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN TRYING TO BACK INTO A PARKING SPACE, OR LEAVE A PARKING SPACE. IF A SIMILAR SMARCARS ARE STUCK ON TRAIN TRACKS, AND CANNOT MANEUVER TO GET OFF THE TRACKS THIS COULD BE A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS NOT A ONE OFF ISSUE, IT IS NOTED ON MULTIPLE INTERNATIONAL SMARTCAR BLOGS, HTTPS://WWW.SMARTCAROFAMERICA.COM/FORUMS/F4/REVERSE-DOES-NOT-ENGAGE-140961 HTTPS://WWW.SMARTCAROFAMERICA.COM/FORUMS/F353/WON-T-GO-INTO-REVERSE-SOMETIMES-33556/ HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=4IWBPVZKSZE ADDITIONALLY, THE CONSOLE WILL SHOW A FLASHING "D" AND WRENCHES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT THE CAR AND LESS THAN TWO WEEKS THE TRANSMISSION WENT THERE WAS FLASHING AND BEEPING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. I BOUGHT A 2009 AND IN 2008 THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT MODEL FOR THAT TRANSMISSION PROBLEM SOMETIMES THE CAR WON'T START SOMETIMES NOW AND THE HOOD LATCH IS BROKEN
I REPRESENT THE OWNERS OF THIS 2009 SMART FORTWO VEHICLE. MY CLIENT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AFTER WORK AND PARKED IN THE GARAGE. APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE, MY CLIENT WAS AWOKEN BY HIS SON WHO SMELLED SMOKE. MY CLIENT FOLLOWED THE SMOKE TO THE GARAGE WHERE HE FOUND THE VEHICLE ON FIRE. IT APPEARED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE SPREAD QUICKLY THROUGHOUT THE GARAGE AND INTO THE HOUSE. THE PROPERTY DAMAGE IS EXTENSIVE, INCLUDING TOTALING BOTH VEHICLES IN THE GARAGE AND EXTENSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE HOME.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel pump connectors cracked leaking fuel.
Electric fuel pump inlet and outlet nipples to fuel hoses broke and caused fuel leakage.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR THE CAR BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I NOTICED THE CAR WAS ON FIRE BEHIND ME AND I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AS THE FIRE ENGULFED THE REMAINDER OF THE CAR.
AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH, MY CAR'S RIGHT FRONT WHEEL GOT RIPPED APART AND MY CAR GOT UNSTABLE TO THE POINT I ALMOST KILLED MYSELF. MY CAR WAS TOWED AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR'S TPMS STEM VALVE HOLDER BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENS. THE QUALITY OF THE STEM HOLDERS IS BAD AND BREAKS ALL THE TIME. SMART SHOULD RECALL THESE CARS AND CHANGE THE PIECES THAT COULD SAVE LIVES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT LATCH, I'M USING THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT FOR NOW. I CAN'T HAVE A PASSENGER IN MY CAR BECAUSE OF THAT BROKEN SEATBELT. THIS HAPPENED ALREADY BEFORE, MAYBE A YEAR AGO AND MERCEDES BENZ OF GEORGETOWN WANTED ME TO PAY FOR IT AFTER BEING FIXED BUT I INSISTED THAT IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE AND I SHOULDN'T BE DRIVING FROM THEIR SHOP WITHOUT HAVING IT FIXED. SO FRUSTRATING SAFETY ISSUES THAT NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE CARE OF IT UNTIL SOMEBODY'S DEAD.
SEAT BELTS FOR BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES BECAME TWISTED WITHIN THE FIRST COUPLE OF YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. DESPITE ATTEMPTS BY SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO UNTWIST AND REPAIR THE MECHANISM THE SEAT BELTS REMAIN TWISTED. SEAT BELT LATCH ON DRIVER'S SIDE FINALLY FAILED AT ABOUT 25,000 MILES. BOTH SEAT BELTS HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED AT OUR EXPENSE. ALSO, THE CAR DOESN'T ALWAYS SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE PROPERLY. IT SOMETIMES TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Smart ForTwo. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated and would not turn off. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the driver’s side air bag replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The independent mechanic had to order the parts for the repair. The dealer was contacted however, the dealer was unable to confirm when the part would be available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR WAS DEMOLISHED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Smart ForTwo. The contact stated that on multiple occasions when the vehicle was parked and the gear shifter was shifted, the transmission would only shift into neutral. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, parts to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
WHERE DO I BEGIN? AFTER ABOUT A YEAR OF OWNING MY SMART CAR, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I FEEL MY CAR PULL TO THE RIGHT AND START SHAKING. I PULL SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER TO FIND THE VALVE STEM FOR MY TIRE HAD DETACHED AND MY TIRE WAS NOW FLAT. NOT HAVING A SPARE, I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK. THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED TO THE REMAINING 3 TIRES IN THE FOLLOWING MONTHS TO A YEAR. WHILE DRIVING THE VALVE STEM WOULD DETACH AND ALL AIR DEPLETING FROM THE TIRES. I CALLED THE SMART DEALER TO BE TOLD THIS WAS IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE THE VALVE STEMS WERE BOLTED TO THE RIM, WELL CLEARLY NOT SINCE IT HAD HAPPENED TO EVERY TIRE.I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRES WITH THIS CAR. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ALKALOID TIMING SENSOR. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR FOR MY HEAT AND A/C. MY HEADLIGHTS GO OUT EVERY OTHER MONTH. CAR HAS STOPPED BECAUSE A WIRE CAME LOOSE IN THE BATTERY. WHEN I TURN RIGHT OR GO ON AN ONRAMP, I HEAR THIS AWFUL CLUNKING SOUND AS IF SOMETHING IS HITTING A TIN. WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS MY CAR MAKES A SQUEAKING SOUND. WHEN GOING FROM PARK INTO REVERSE...CAR WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR. MY CAR WILL READ P AND N. I HAVE TO TURN MY CAR OFF/ON MULTIPLE TIMES AS WELL AS MESS WITH MY SHIFTER FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES BEFORE I CAN GO ANYWHERE. THE CHERRY ON TOP HAPPENED TODAY ON MY WAY HOME TO AKRON FROM COLUMBUS. AS I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A SEMI TRUCK BEHIND ME MY CAR STARTED LOSING SPEED, EVEN WHEN PUSHING THE GAS. I ALMOST WAS STRUCK BY THE SEMI DUE TO THE SUDDEN DECREASE OF SPEED BUT THANKFULLY WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. ONCE STOPPED, ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AND CAR SHUT OFF. PUT MY CAR IN PARK TO TRY TO START MY CAR AGAIN, NOTHING. MY ENGINE WILL REV BUT THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER. WILL FIND OUT WHAT THAT IS TOMORROW HOPEFULLY. CAR WAS BRAND NEW WHEN PURCHASED AND BOUGHT THE CAR 5YRS AND 1 MONTH AGO. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Smart Fortwo. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The vehicle was turned off, the contact waited, and then restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed. The failure had occurred several times while driving. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to brake immediately and drifted to the left. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard for the vehicle to come to a stop. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS was faulty and retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Codes: 1314 and C1443. The contact stated that the front brake pads were replaced by the dealer, and the rear brake pads were replaced by a certified mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired for the failure to accelerate, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was purchased on July 17, 2025, and the seller kept the repair issues with the vehicle from the contact and failed to provide information on the previous repairs. The contact stated that the failure recurred after retrieving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,254.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND CAUSED THE TRACTION CONTROL TO ALSO FAIL. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,600.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. THIS IS THE SECOND COIL SPRING TO BREAK WITHIN A ONE YEAR PERIOD. UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ..UPDATED 12/02/15 *BF *CN
THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WITHOUT IMPACT TO THE SUSPENSION. THE SPRING IS CLEAN WITH NO RUST OR CORROSION AT THE BREAK POINT. THE SPRING PAINT STILL LOOKS NEW. THERE IS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT A SPRING SHOULD BREAK AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET FOR SPRINGS BREAKING, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES, ON SMART VEHICLES. THE BREAK WAS AT THE LOWER PORTION OF THE SPRING WHICH MAY PUNCTURE A TIRE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES OR POSSIBLY JAM THE HUB AND THROWING THE VEHICLE OUT OF CONTROL. IF THE SPRING BROKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT SPEED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER MAY BE AT RISK. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
APPEARS THAT MY 2009 SMART FORTWO PASSION AND OTHERS ON THE INTERNET ARE BEING CONFRONTED WITH MANY OF THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO R (REVERSE) AT TIMES AND THE KEYFOB MAY NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED FOR NOT WORKING IN THE VEHICLE AT ALL. DON'T KNOW IF IT IS THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE, TRANSPONDER, OR WHAT. I DO KNOW THAT MANY OWNERS ARE FACING THE SAME CHALLENGE. NO NEED FOR A KEY REMAKE, THE KEYS JUST DO NOT TURN THE CAR ON AT ALL. THE PROGRAMMING EQUIPMENT AND OR ALL THAT TROUBLESHOOTING YET MERCEDES TOP EXECUTIVES HAVE NOT AND WILL NOT ADDRESS OWNER CONCERNS. I CAN PULL INTO A PARKING LOT, HANDLE MY BUSINESS IN LETS SAY A SUPERMARKET. COME BACK OUT TO THE CAR AND PUT IN REVERSE AND ONLY N (NEUTRAL) APPEARS. I HAVE TO GO FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE THEN REVERSE FOR THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO REVERSE. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH 5 MILES ON IT AND HAVE OVER 100K. ONE DAY ON THE WAY TO WORK IT SHOOK BAD. I PULLED OVER. HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE ENGINE ON AT ALL. GAVE IT SOME TIME, THE BATTERY, WINDOWS, RADIO AND DASH LIGHT UP, BUT THE IGNITION ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. AGAIN, I HAVE NOTICED ON SEVERAL SITES MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE KEYS STOPPED WORKING MAY 20, 2020. THE REVERSE ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS, DO NOT HAVE A TIME FRAME OF WHEN I FIRST NOTICED IT. THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE.*DT CONSUMER STATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO DISMISS COMPLAINT.*JB
WITHIN THE SPACE OF THREE MONTHS, IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING MY SMARTCAR, MY DASH DISPLAY HAS GONE FROM SHOWING D (FOR DRIVE) TO N AND THEN FLASHING THREE VERTICAL BARS. I HAVE LOST ALL CONTROL OF DRIVING THE CAR AND LUCKILY THERE WAS SPACE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO COAST TO A STOP. WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON, THE THREE BARS REMAIN. THERE IS A WAY THROUGH THE SHIFTER TO RESTART THE CAR OR AT LEAST GETTING IT INTO NEUTRAL. A SERIES OF PUMPING THE BRAKE, TURNING THE START KEY AND TRYING TO MOVE THE SHIFTER BACK AND FORTH THROUGH GEARS. EVENTUALLY, THE CAR WILL START. UNFORTUNATELY, THE THREE BARS OF DEATH (AS NICKNAMED ON THE SMART CAR FORUMS) CAN HAPPEN FOR ANY NUMEROUS TYPES OF FAULTS SUCH AS WEAK BATTERY TO FAULTY COMMUNICATION WITH THE TRANSMISSION, TO HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING OPERATING UNIT IS DEFECTIVE. THE LIST IS LONG. THE PROBLEM IS MY CAR HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING AND THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON 2/7/2018 THE VEHICLES BLOWER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING. ON RETURNING HOME IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT MANY VEHICLE OWNERS ALSO HAVE HAD THE BLOWER MOTORS FAIL ON THEIR VEHICLES. ONE PERSON REPORTED 3 FAILURES. ANOTHER REPORTED THAT HIS DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT SEVERAL "BAD" BLOWER MOTORS WERE SENT OUT. WAS FORCED TO DRIVE HOME ON -4 DEGREE WEATHER WITHOUT DEFROSTER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
FROM REVIEWING THE SMARTUSA WEBSITE AND OTHER FORUMS ONLINE I HAVE SEEN EXACTLY WHAT ISSUE I AM SEEING. IT SEEMS THAT THERE WAS A BAD BATCH OF AC BLOWER MOTORS. SEEMS AT ONE TIME THEY WERE ON BACKORDER AS THEY WERE REPLACING UNDER THE WARRANTY BUT MY YEAR WAS ONLY 2/24K AND NOW I AM OVER 4 MONTHS OF MY WARRANTY AND WAS HOPING THAT THERE WOULD BE A WAY FOR POSSIBLE RECALL FOR THE BLOWER MOTORS AS MB AND SMART WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND I AM NOW LOOKING A 400 DOLLAR REPAIR WITH ONLY 10K MILES. ANY ASSISTANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. MANY ONLINE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. MINE IS INTERMITTENTLY WORKING COMING ON GOING OFF HALF SPEED ETC. *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO COUPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY WINDS, THE HOOD FLEW BACK AND STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD, OBSCURING THE CONTACT'S VISION OF THE ROADWAY. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HOOD, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS NO LATCH TO SECURE THE HOOD BACK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. UPDATED 03/01/13*LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE LATCHES COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN DAMAGED BY SOMEONE OPENING THE HOOD IMPROPERLY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LATCH PART WAS A POP ON ASSEMBLY THAT APPARENTLY COULD NOT WITHSTAND THE WIND ON THAT PARTICULAR DAY. UPDATED 03/07/13
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
ELECTRICAL FUSES TEND TO CAUSE ELECTRICAL SHORTS, WITH A/C COMING ON AND OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME, OFTEN WHEN I HIT SPEED BUMPS. THE LIGHTS CAN BE CAUSED BY THIS AS WELL HITTING THE SIMPLE RIGHT CORNER TURN CAN POP THE LIGHT RIGHT OUT. I HAVE REPEATEDLY TOLD THEM THAT IT NEEDS BETTER SHOCKS. I HAVE REPLACED THE LIGHTS BOTH FRONT AND BACK AT A VERY MINIMUM OF 12 TIMES A YEAR. THAT'S RIDICULOUS IN MY EYES.IT SHOULD BE SMARTER THAN THAT!!!!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .