2011 SMART FORTWO

0 recalls — 23 complaints — 49 TSBs

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

23 total complaints 3 crashes 1 fires 2 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
SEAT BELTS4
SERVICE BRAKES2
POWER TRAIN2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
TIRES Jan 9, 2023
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
175 55 r15 Tge tires wires startes to unravelling and chabgibg the ahape of tge tire.
SEAT BELTS Oct 27, 2018
Incident date: Oct 16, 2018
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH HAS FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 2 YEARS. THE MALE END CAN NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE FEMALE END.
SEAT BELTS Jul 31, 2018
Incident date: Jul 18, 2016
THE METAL SEAT BELT CONNECTOR FRAYED IN TO TWO PIECES. REPLACED WITH OEM PART. IT FRAYED AGAIN. IT'S A 2011 DRIVEN BY A 75 YR.OLD SENIOR CITIZEN. MERCEDES ACCUSED OWNER OF MALICIOUSLY CUTTING CABLE. EXTREME SAFETY HAZZARD.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 31, 2018
Incident date: Jul 18, 2016
THE METAL SEAT BELT CONNECTOR FRAYED IN TO TWO PIECES. REPLACED WITH OEM PART. IT FRAYED AGAIN. IT'S A 2011 DRIVEN BY A 75 YR.OLD SENIOR CITIZEN. MERCEDES ACCUSED OWNER OF MALICIOUSLY CUTTING CABLE. EXTREME SAFETY HAZZARD.
SEAT BELTS Aug 29, 2017
Incident date: Jul 15, 2015
SAFE BELT BUCKLE JAMMED OR CAN'T CLICK
ENGINE Apr 27, 2017
Incident date: Apr 22, 2017
I WAS DRIVING EASTBOUND IN THE NUMBER 1 LANE OF CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY 24 ABOUT 1/4 MILE BEFORE THE TUNNEL ROAD EXIT. I HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE ARE OF THE CAR, LOOKED AT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED, AND EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. I PULLED... Read more
Fire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Oct 8, 2016
Incident date: Sep 1, 2016
THE CAR BROKE DOWN ON EXIT 231 B IN VIRGINIA. THE SMART HAD A GAS TANK DEFECT. I WAS NEARLY KILLED. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO TYSINGER MOTORS IN VIRGINIA MULTIPLE TIMES.
Crash 2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 28, 2016
Incident date: Aug 11, 2015
AFTER ONLY 10.000 MILES THE ENGINE MOUNTS ALL GO BAD!
STRUCTURE:BODY Sep 15, 2016
Incident date: Sep 7, 2016
THE PANORAMIC ROOF IS CRAZING! IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE THE GLASS CAN SHATTERED ON TOP OF MY HEAD AT ANY GIVING MOMENT! WHEN IT'S RAINING OR WASHING THE CAR AT THE CARWASH THE ROOF IS ALSO LEAKING. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE SMART CAR PASSION MODEL! A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT... Read more
SEAT BELTS May 21, 2015
Incident date: May 20, 2015
MY WIFE WAS DEPARTING WITH THE CAR AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO INSERT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND IT WOULD NOT INSERT. I CALLED THE MERCEDES DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE BUT THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME FOR THE REPAIR.
ENGINE May 4, 2015
Incident date: Apr 20, 2015
2011 SMART FORTWO COUPE. RUNNING ROUGH AND SHOWING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH OBD CODE P0302. MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP FOUND MISFIRE ON CYLINDER #2. FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND CYLINDER #2 LEAKING 75%. REMOVED AND REPLACED CYLINDER HEAD WITH A NEW CYLINDER HEAD AS A "GOODWILL REPAIR." THIS PARTIC... Read more
ENGINE Dec 6, 2013
Incident date: Aug 15, 2012
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. NO APPARENT REASON. CAR DROVE OK BROUGHT TO MB DEALER. THEY RUN DIAGNOSTIC. NOTED THAT CYLINDER 3 MISFIRED AT SOME POINT, BUT EVERYTHING IS FINE NOW. CAR WAS IN WARRANTY THEN. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. CAR WAS RIDING ROUGH TEMPORARILY. T... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Apr 24, 2013
Incident date: Mar 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT CYLINDER THREE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT MADE A SQUEAKING N... Read more
ENGINE Apr 24, 2013
Incident date: Mar 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT CYLINDER THREE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT MADE A SQUEAKING N... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 22, 2013
Incident date: Oct 10, 2012
THE CAR DOES NOT PULL OUT OF PARKING AND DOES NOT TAKE GEARS. IT HAS GONE 4 TIMES WITH THE SAME ISSUES TO THE DEALER TO LEAVE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AS A LAST RESORT THEY TOLD ME TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION 4,000.00 AND NO GUARANTEE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL BE FIX. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE THIS IS ... Read more
POWER TRAIN Mar 22, 2013
Incident date: Oct 10, 2012
THE CAR DOES NOT PULL OUT OF PARKING AND DOES NOT TAKE GEARS. IT HAS GONE 4 TIMES WITH THE SAME ISSUES TO THE DEALER TO LEAVE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AS A LAST RESORT THEY TOLD ME TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION 4,000.00 AND NO GUARANTEE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL BE FIX. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE THIS IS ... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER Dec 4, 2012
Incident date: Nov 5, 2012
HEATER BLOWER SQUEAKS AND STOPS RUNNING CAUSING VISIBILITY ISSUES AND DISCOMFORT. POTENTIAL DANGER DUE TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY. THERE ARE VERY FEW OF THESE CARS IN THE USA SO PLEASE CONSIDER THIS WHEN LOOKING AT NUMBER OF REPORTED ISSUES. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 4, 2012
Incident date: Nov 5, 2012
HEATER BLOWER SQUEAKS AND STOPS RUNNING CAUSING VISIBILITY ISSUES AND DISCOMFORT. POTENTIAL DANGER DUE TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY. THERE ARE VERY FEW OF THESE CARS IN THE USA SO PLEASE CONSIDER THIS WHEN LOOKING AT NUMBER OF REPORTED ISSUES. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 18, 2012
Incident date: Sep 17, 2012
THIS CAR IS JUST OVER A YEAR OLD, ONLY 24,928 MILES ON IT. IT WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. I CALLED THE SMART DEALERSHIP OF BUCKHEAD, GA AND THEY TOLD ME TO TRY TO "RE-TRAIN" IT BY TURNING IT ON PART WAY 3 TIMES WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THEN IT WOULD SHIFT. NOPE. I CALLED THEM BACK UP AND THEY SA... Read more
ENGINE Sep 18, 2012
Incident date: Sep 17, 2012
THIS CAR IS JUST OVER A YEAR OLD, ONLY 24,928 MILES ON IT. IT WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. I CALLED THE SMART DEALERSHIP OF BUCKHEAD, GA AND THEY TOLD ME TO TRY TO "RE-TRAIN" IT BY TURNING IT ON PART WAY 3 TIMES WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THEN IT WOULD SHIFT. NOPE. I CALLED THEM BACK UP AND THEY SA... Read more
POWER TRAIN Sep 18, 2012
Incident date: Sep 17, 2012
THIS CAR IS JUST OVER A YEAR OLD, ONLY 24,928 MILES ON IT. IT WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. I CALLED THE SMART DEALERSHIP OF BUCKHEAD, GA AND THEY TOLD ME TO TRY TO "RE-TRAIN" IT BY TURNING IT ON PART WAY 3 TIMES WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THEN IT WOULD SHIFT. NOPE. I CALLED THEM BACK UP AND THEY SA... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES May 13, 2012
Incident date: Mar 7, 2012
STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND OTHER CAR. VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD WHILE FOOT WAS ON BRAKE INTO OTHER STOPPED VEHICLE. *TR
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 13, 2012
Incident date: Mar 7, 2012
STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND OTHER CAR. VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD WHILE FOOT WAS ON BRAKE INTO OTHER STOPPED VEHICLE. *TR
Crash

NHTSA Safety Ratings — 2011 SMART FORTWO

2011 Smart Fortwo 2 DR RWD

CategoryRating
Rollover 3 / 5 ★★★☆☆
Rollover Risk 21.2%

Safety Technology

FeatureStatus
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Forward Collision WarningNo
Lane Departure WarningNo

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins — 2011 SMART FORTWO

49 manufacturer communications from 35 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
350000 EQUIPMENT7
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY4
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL4
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.4
060000 ENGINE (PWS)3
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE2
091200 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM2
LI8260P063836 Jan 16, 2019
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Smart audio system - Radio inoperative - New software available
LI8260P063836 Jan 16, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Smart audio system - Radio inoperative - New software available
LI8260P069270 Jan 10, 2019
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Media system, poor sound quality via AUX IN
LI8260P069270 Jan 10, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Media system, poor sound quality via AUX IN
LI5410P069138 Dec 6, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle Range ? Voltage difference of cells too great
LI54 10-P-068383 Aug 9, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle does not start
LI54 00-P-067822 Aug 6, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle does not start
LI54 10-P-068625 Aug 6, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle does not start
LI54 00-P-067822 Aug 6, 2018
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Vehicle does not start
LI54 10-P-068383 Aug 6, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle does not start
LI82 70-P-067315 Jul 23, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
smart media system: Telephone connection is made, communication is not possible
LI82 70-P-067315 Jul 23, 2018
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
smart media system: Telephone connection is made, communication is not possible
LI80 50-P-061700 Jul 3, 2018
116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
ATA operates without obvious cause
LI80 50-P-061700 Jul 3, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ATA operates without obvious cause
LI54.25-P-068219 Jun 11, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Light switch/combination switch, fault code stored
LI83.30-P-068109 May 14, 2018
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Condenser leaking
LI80.50-P-068067 May 7, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
ATA triggers without obvious cause
LI54 10-P-067824 Mar 7, 2018
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Charging socket/charging cable: Charging cable lock jams (P12E900, P13E800)
LI54 10-P-067824 Mar 7, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
Charging socket/charging cable: Charging cable lock jams (P12E900, P13E800)
LI54 10-P-067824 Mar 7, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Charging socket/charging cable: Charging cable lock jams (P12E900, P13E800)
LI54 10-P-067823 Mar 7, 2018
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Vehicle cannot be started (FC: P0A0A00, P0A0E00, P0D9F00, P1D0BFD, C11C187, P0D5800, P0D5900, P0D9900, P0D9A97)
LI46.35-P-064622 Dec 7, 2017
016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Noise from area of electric steering
LI83 30-P-066810 Aug 21, 2017
350000 EQUIPMENT
Switching noise from climate relay
LI07.04-P-059726 Jul 15, 2016
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Engine diagnosis warning lamp (CEL) is active due to fault codes - P2237 & P2626.
LI07.61-P-063263 May 24, 2016
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Smart 453 Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated - Fault code P261000
LI07.61-P-063263 May 24, 2016
073000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Smart 453 Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated - Fault code P261000
LI80.20-P-064069 May 10, 2016
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Outside door handle does not return to end position
LI80.50-P-061700 Jun 22, 2015
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ATA goes off
LI54.30-P-061127 Apr 2, 2015
091200 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
Instrument cluster - Fuel gauge does not indicate "Full"
LI82.85-P-061173 Apr 1, 2015
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
smart media system cannot be operated, touchscreen does not react, interference noise during voice control
LI82.85-P-061173 Apr 1, 2015
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
smart media system cannot be operated, touchscreen does not react, interference noise during voice control
LI54.30-P-061127 Mar 23, 2015
091200 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
Instrument cluster - Fuel gauge does not indicate "Full"
LI82.85-P-053710 Oct 14, 2014
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Fault profiles and measures for Highline radio, SA code 527
LI29.10-P-051288 Jun 9, 2014
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Brake pedal/carpet seal does not fit properly
SM-B-54.10-09 May 6, 2014
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Preparation for Performing Maintenance Service or Status Check of High-Voltage Battery
LI82.85-P-058785 Mar 25, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Highline can only be operated to a limited extent or not at all; the input points (contact points) are shifted horizontally relative to the display; calibration is not possible.
LI54.21-P-058620 Mar 20, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PreConditioning of the vehicle via the Vehicle Homepage or the instrument cluster does not function or is restricted.
LI54.21-P-058620 Mar 7, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PreConditioning of the vehicle via the Vehicle Homepage or the instrument cluster does not function or is restricted.
LI00.10-P-056437 Mar 3, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Range does not meet customer's expectations. Customers usually differentiate as follows: 1. Total of distance driven + indicated range remaining with one HV battery charge too low 2. Actual range until the drive system shuts down too low
LI46.40-P-055798 Feb 18, 2014
010000 STEERING
Creaking, grating or grunting noise while steering audible in the steering gear area. The noise can be transferred through the steering gear into the interior. The noise occurs, in particular, at high temperatures, e.g. in the summer.
LI82.60-P-046127 Jan 10, 2014
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
If the Radio 9 was switched off while driving, it can switch itself back on again the next time the engine is started.
T-B-00.20/102 Nov 8, 2013
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
T-B-00.20/102 Nov 8, 2013
106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
SM-B-00.00/01 Mar 18, 2013
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
SM-B-00.00/01 Mar 18, 2013
350000 EQUIPMENT
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
LI54.10-P-055824 Mar 5, 2013
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Charging complaints - Initial analysis
SM-SC-2011120006 Feb 1, 2013
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Update Electric Drive. (Updates to Work Procedure and Special Tools)
SC-2012120005 Feb 1, 2013
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
MERCEDES: IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRIC DRIVE SOFTWARE WILL NEED TO BE UPDATED TO LATEST RELEASE DUE TO PREVIOUS SOFTWARE FOR ELECTRIC DRIVE FAILS TO MEET CURRENT SPECIFICATIONS. MODEL 2011 451 (SMART FORTWO). *
SM-B-54 Apr 18, 2012
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
SMART: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY SOFTWARE UPDATE. *JS

NHTSA Safety Investigations — SMART FORTWO

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA17003 Opened: Sep 1, 2017 — Closed: Aug 21, 2018
EA — Closed — Model Year: 2008
Engine Compartment Fire
On April 30, 2018, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, (Mercedes-Benz) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a defect that could result in a vehicle fire starting from the engine compartment in 42,781 model year (MY) 2008 and 2009 Smart Fortwo cabrio and coupe vehicles (451 platform).Ac... Read more
PE16016 Opened: Dec 16, 2016 — Closed: Nov 20, 2017
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2008
Engine Compartment Fire
On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-016 to investigate eight complaints alleging incidents of engine compartment fire while driving or shortly after engine shutdown in model year (MY) 2008 through 2009 Smart Fortwo vehicles.The complaint... Read more

SMART FORTWO — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SMART FORTWO across all model years (2008–2019).

6 Total Recalls
473 Total Complaints
2 Investigations
30 Reported Crashes
64 Reported Fires
1 Reported Deaths

SMART FORTWO — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2019 1 1 View
2018 0 1 View
2017 1 13 View
2016 1 39 View
2015 0 10 View
2014 0 14 View
2013 0 35 View
2012 0 11 View
2011 (current) 0 23
2010 0 8 View
2009 1 139 View
2008 2 175 View
2005 0 4 View

Other SMART Models

Model Recalls Complaints
FORTWO COUPE 3 26 View
FORTWO CONVERTIBLE 2 0 View
FORTWO CABRIOLET 1 2 View
FORTWO CONVERTIBLE ELECTR 1 2 View
FORTWO COUPE ELECTRIC 1 7 View
FORTWO 451 0 0 View
FORTWO CABRIO 0 36 View
SMART 0 0 View