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.
Complaint Statistics
13 total complaints
1 crashes
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| STEERING | 2 |
| ENGINE | 2 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS | 1 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 1 |
| WHEELS | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The Power Electronics Control Unit (ECM), Part No. A453-900-72-11, and the DC-to-DC converter have both failed, rendering this all-electric vehicle completely inoperable. There is no backup propulsion system. The DC-to-DC converter powers safety-critical systems including lighting, turn signals, and... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Apr 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The Power Electronics Control Unit (ECM), Part No. A453-900-72-11, and the DC-to-DC converter have both failed, rendering this all-electric vehicle completely inoperable. There is no backup propulsion system. The DC-to-DC converter powers safety-critical systems including lighting, turn signals, and... Read more
ENGINE
Apr 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The Power Electronics Control Unit (ECM), Part No. A453-900-72-11, and the DC-to-DC converter have both failed, rendering this all-electric vehicle completely inoperable. There is no backup propulsion system. The DC-to-DC converter powers safety-critical systems including lighting, turn signals, and... Read more
WHEELS
May 15, 2025
Incident date: Jul 4, 2019
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Driver Side front wheel / maybe steering rack / etc. makes loud grinding / rubbing sound when making turn only when the weather's hot and humid and when the car has been running for about 20 min How... Read more
STEERING
May 15, 2025
Incident date: Jul 4, 2019
The electric power steering has failed on me numerous times. From being completely locked and having to restart the car 5 times just to free it up, to it locking up while i'm going 70 down the freeway multiple times. one of those times was while i was merging lanes and my wheel got locked slightly l... Read more
Crash
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
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Jul 28, 2023
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the brake was depressed and the ABS and Traction Control warning lights inadvertently illuminated, and the vehicle spun out of control, nearly causing a crash with another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer,... 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
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| 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
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Electronic Stability Control | Standard |
| Forward Collision Warning | Optional |
| Lane Departure Warning | No |
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
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 17 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 6 |
| 353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL | 5 |
| 353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. | 4 |
| 111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | 3 |
| 060000 ENGINE (PWS) | 3 |
| 091200 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM | 2 |
| 016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 1 |
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
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
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.