Most common 2017 Smart fortwo problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Smart fortwo complaints by model year
Best fortwo years: 2010, 2012, 2015. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2013, 2016. Compare all years →
2017 Smart fortwo recalls (1)
Steering
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2017 Smart fortwo:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2017 Smart fortwo owners say
Electrical system
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 hazard flashers - its failure could cause loss of safety-critical functions while driving. Total repair estimate is $20,560.43. The manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA denied warranty coverage using a Canadian warranty document for the wrong vehicle model. MBUSA has shut down the Smart warranty portal at the dealer level and their website returns no warranty data for Smart vehicles despite active warranty obligations. Smart exited the US market and MBUSA appears to have abandoned warranty support while warranties remain active.
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 castro km 10.3, pr 00979, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,334. * consumer comment in spanish. Updated 10/30/18
2017 Smart fortwo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Single-speed | RWD | 124 / 94 / 108 MPGe | 58 mi |
| 0.9L 3-cyl turbo | 6-speed dual-clutch | RWD | 33 / 38 / 35 | — |
| 0.9L 3-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | RWD | 31 / 38 / 34 | — |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Smart fortwo a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 fortwo rates better than average: 47% fewer complaints than a typical year of the fortwo at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Smart fortwo?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (2) and windows, wipers & sunroof (1).
How many recalls does the 2017 Smart fortwo have?
There is 1 recall for the 2017 Smart fortwo, the most recent from July 14, 2017 (steering). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Smart fortwo?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2012 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2016. See the full Smart fortwo years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 Smart fortwo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 2,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.