2017 SMART FORTWO

1 recalls, 13 complaints - 52 TSBs - 4/5 safety rating

17V447000 Jul 14, 2017
STEERING
Defect Description
Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 smart fortwo and smart fortwo Cabriolet vehicles. Casting imperfections may result in the failure of the left front axle steering knuckle.
Consequence
Failure of the left front axle steering knuckle could affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle steering knuckle, replacing any from the affected batch, free of charge. The recall October 13, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
110 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Complaint Statistics

13 total complaints

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
STEERING2
ENGINE2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
SEAT BELTS1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
I went to open the trunk on my 2022 Tesla Model 3 using the normal electric trunk button above the license plate. When I clicked the button, the trunk opened a few inches, made an abnormal noise, and then came crashing shut. At this point, I opened trunk manually to see what occurred and immediately... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Mi carro hay veces que prende la luz de la engine, lo lleve a checar y salió en la computadora que era un problema de Power Train system, que era secondary DTCs P1C28 Y P1C28000, lo busque en Google y salía que era un problema muy recurrente en Kias souls y sorentos. Que podría causar incendios
ENGINE Apr 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Mi carro hay veces que prende la luz de la engine, lo lleve a checar y salió en la computadora que era un problema de Power Train system, que era secondary DTCs P1C28 Y P1C28000, lo busque en Google y salía que era un problema muy recurrente en Kias souls y sorentos. Que podría causar incendios
ENGINE May 15, 2025
Incident date: Jul 4, 2019
The check engine light came on in the car. Upon having it checked at a local automotive shop, we discovered that the thermostat assembly is malfunctioning. This can cause the engine to overheat and shut off at any time which of course would be a severe danger. Additionally, a bad thermostat assemb... Read more
STEERING May 15, 2025
Incident date: Jul 4, 2019
I started experiencing the 'sticky steering' issue about 3 weeks ago. I thought it could be low power steering fluid, and after a quick research I came to know that new CRVs use EPAS instead. After some research I found that 'sticky steering' is a known issue and there is a TSB and recall by honda. ... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 15, 2025
Incident date: Jul 4, 2019
It just started showing a error message to SHIFT TO PARK when the car is already in Park. I took it to Register Chevrolet in Brooksville, Fl on May 14, 2025 and they said it needed a whole new shifter that it is defective. This is a major safety issue. I can currently still turn the car off but alar... Read more
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS Jul 28, 2023
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
MY VEHICLE HAS MULTIPLE ISSUES THAT THE DEALER FAILS TO APPROPRIATELY INVESTIGATE AND TRY AND RESOLVE ALL I GET IS NTF REAR CAMERA BLANKS OUT AND SHOWS A WARNING SYMBOL A TRIANGLE WITH EXCLAMATION AND A CAMERA SYMBOL CIRCLED WITH A SLASH IN THE MORNING THE TRANS SLIPS UNTIL IT UP SHIFTS THROUGH ... Read more
SEAT BELTS Mar 21, 2019
Incident date: Sep 1, 2018
SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. THERE WERE COUPLE OF TIMES WHILE IN TRANSIT ON CITY ROAD, I HAD TO APPLY BRAKE SUDDENLY AND SEAT BELT FAIL TO ENGAGE TO HOLD THE PASSENGER BACK . ALL THE TIME , BOTH SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT TO THEIR HOME POSITION WHEN NOT IN USE AND CAR IS STOPPED AND PARKED, THIS C... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 6, 2018
Incident date: Jun 21, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FOR TWO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTING AND REAR WIPER WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARAGE ISLA VERDE LLC (LOCATED AT AVE, BALDORIOTY DE... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER Sep 6, 2018
Incident date: Jun 21, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FOR TWO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTING AND REAR WIPER WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARAGE ISLA VERDE LLC (LOCATED AT AVE, BALDORIOTY DE... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Sep 6, 2018
Incident date: Jun 21, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FOR TWO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTING AND REAR WIPER WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARAGE ISLA VERDE LLC (LOCATED AT AVE, BALDORIOTY DE... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 13, 2018
Incident date: Nov 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT FULLY CHARGE TO THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED MILEAGE RANGE. IN ADDITION, IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MERCEDES-BENZ OF BOSTON (259 MCG... Read more
STEERING Oct 11, 2017
Incident date: Sep 22, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V447000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SOUT... Read more

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2017 SMART FORTWO

2017 Smart Fortwo 2 DR RWD

CategoryRating
Overall Rating 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash 5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver 5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk 14.7%

Safety Technology

FeatureStatus
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Forward Collision WarningOptional
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, 2017 SMART FORTWO

52 manufacturer communications from 37 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
350000 EQUIPMENT6
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL5
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.4
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY3
060000 ENGINE (PWS)3
091200 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM2
016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM1
NCU-2022110003 Dec 9, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mercedes-Benz AG (a??MBAGa??), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain MY 2016-2017 smart (453 platform) vehicles, the transmission control unit software does not correspond to current specifications. During scan t
NCU-2022110003 Dec 9, 2022
100000 POWER TRAIN
Mercedes-Benz AG (a??MBAGa??), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain MY 2016-2017 smart (453 platform) vehicles, the transmission control unit software does not correspond to current specifications. During scan t
2021080017 Nov 25, 2021
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The software for the battery management system control unit does not correspond with the current series production configuration in the vehicles of the above-mentioned model series transferred to you. The possibility thus exists that a faul
LI54.65-P-069999 Dec 19, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
smart media system, reversing camera inoperative after software update and subsequent SCN coding
SC-2019030010 Apr 25, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Update battery management system (BMS) control unit software
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
350000 EQUIPMENT
Media system, poor sound quality via AUX IN
LI8260P069270 Jan 10, 2019
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
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
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
smart media system: Telephone connection is made, communication is not possible
LI82 70-P-067315 Jul 23, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
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-067823 Mar 7, 2018
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Vehicle cannot be started (FC: P0A0A00, P0A0E00, P0D9F00, P1D0BFD, C11C187, P0D5800, P0D5900, P0D9900, P0D9A97)
LI54 10-P-067824 Mar 7, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Charging socket/charging cable: Charging cable lock jams (P12E900, P13E800)
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.
LI35.10-P-064468 Jul 9, 2016
020000 SUSPENSION
Installation position of suspension springs at rear axle
LI35.10-P-064468 Jul 9, 2016
251000 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
Installation position of suspension springs at rear axle
LI82.85-P-062404 Jun 10, 2016
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
smart media system displays Renault R-Link pop-up
LI07.61-P-063263 May 24, 2016
073000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Smart 453 Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated - Fault code P261000
LI07.61-P-063263 May 24, 2016
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
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
LI82.60-P-061733 Jun 25, 2015
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
smart audio system - time is not shown
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
105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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
106220 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL
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
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.
LI54.10-P-055824 Mar 5, 2013
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Charging complaints - Initial analysis

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
28 Reported Crashes
65 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 (current) 1 13
2016 1 39 View
2015 0 10 View
2014 0 14 View
2013 0 35 View
2012 0 11 View
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