2012 SMART FORTWO

0 recalls — 11 complaints — 52 TSBs

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

11 total complaints 2 crashes 3 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
AIR BAGS2
SEAT BELTS2
ENGINE1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
POWER TRAIN1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT1
SEAT BELTS Jan 18, 2022
Incident date: Jan 16, 2022
The driver side seat belt mount, which in this case is a steel cable, has mostly broken and frayed rendering it unsafe to drive. In the event of an accident, it would certainly break completely. I only noticed it yesterday while cleaning, the breakage would've happened while driving it. I've contact... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT Jul 11, 2018
Incident date: Jul 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOKEY MERCEDES-BENZ (19820 US HWY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 17, 2017
Incident date: May 15, 2016
TRANSMISSION WILL GO INTO THREE BARS AND NOT SHIFT ON HIGHWAYS AND PARKWAYS, USUALLY ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE UNDER POWER TO SIDE OF ROAD SOMETIMES GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND HAVE TO COAST TO SIDE. OCCURS WITH ELEVATED AMBIENT MOISTURE. STARTED AT 32,000 MILES. KNOWN ISSUE, TRANSMISSION HAS A LIMP MODE FOR ... Read more
POWER TRAIN Mar 17, 2017
Incident date: May 15, 2016
TRANSMISSION WILL GO INTO THREE BARS AND NOT SHIFT ON HIGHWAYS AND PARKWAYS, USUALLY ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE UNDER POWER TO SIDE OF ROAD SOMETIMES GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND HAVE TO COAST TO SIDE. OCCURS WITH ELEVATED AMBIENT MOISTURE. STARTED AT 32,000 MILES. KNOWN ISSUE, TRANSMISSION HAS A LIMP MODE FOR ... Read more
SEAT BELTS Sep 16, 2016
Incident date: Sep 15, 2016
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO BUCKLE. NOTHING LODGED IN BUCKLE, BUT MECHANISM APPEARS TO BE BROKEN.
AIR BAGS Sep 16, 2016
Incident date: Jul 2, 2014
VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER CAR ON INTERSTATE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
Crash 2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY Jun 16, 2016
Incident date: Jun 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE BODY PANEL DISENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,100.
AIR BAGS Oct 28, 2014
Incident date: Feb 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SMART FORTWO. WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MED... Read more
Crash 1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 22, 2012
Incident date: Jul 20, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (5 LANE) IN MY 2012 SMART FORTWO PASSION COUPE IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT 65-70 MPH. ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY ACCELERATOR WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THAT MY SPEEDOMETER AND GEAR INDICATOR WERE ALSO NON-FUNCTIONAL. I WAS ABLE TO COAST (DESPITE HEAVY TRAFFIC) T... Read more
ENGINE Jul 22, 2012
Incident date: Jul 20, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (5 LANE) IN MY 2012 SMART FORTWO PASSION COUPE IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT 65-70 MPH. ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY ACCELERATOR WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THAT MY SPEEDOMETER AND GEAR INDICATOR WERE ALSO NON-FUNCTIONAL. I WAS ABLE TO COAST (DESPITE HEAVY TRAFFIC) T... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jul 22, 2012
Incident date: Jul 20, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (5 LANE) IN MY 2012 SMART FORTWO PASSION COUPE IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT 65-70 MPH. ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY ACCELERATOR WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THAT MY SPEEDOMETER AND GEAR INDICATOR WERE ALSO NON-FUNCTIONAL. I WAS ABLE TO COAST (DESPITE HEAVY TRAFFIC) T... Read more

NHTSA Safety Ratings — 2012 SMART FORTWO

2012 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 — 2012 SMART FORTWO

52 manufacturer communications from 38 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY7
350000 EQUIPMENT6
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 10-P-068625 Aug 6, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle does not start
LI54 00-P-067822 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
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
LI35.30-P-061135 Mar 26, 2015
106220 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL
Slight leakage at right side shaft
LI35.30-P-061135 Mar 26, 2015
106200 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Slight leakage at right side shaft
LI35.30-P-061135 Mar 26, 2015
105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Slight leakage at right side shaft
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
SM-B-00.00/07 Sep 17, 2014
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
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
SM-B-54.10/09 May 6, 2014
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
SM-B-58.20/02 Apr 15, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
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.
SM-B-54.10/07A Jun 4, 2013
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
SM-B-54.10/07A Jun 4, 2013
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
SM-B-54.00/06 Mar 19, 2013
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
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-B-98.10/02 Jan 29, 2013
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
SM-B-42.45/01 Jan 16, 2013
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
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 (current) 0 11
2011 0 23 View
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