Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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
Since I purchased the car from Hampton Auto Mall [phone] there has been an issue with the steering, brakes, gas system, fuel gauge etc.. The dealership or Mercedes refuses to fix the problem since I purchased it in 2016. I have almost died due to steering problems and gas tank. Please get a mechanic to check the steering and for small tears in your gas tank on Smarts. The dealership I bought my car from refuses to fix issue because of lemon laws the Service Advisor told me so.
Car shuts down while driving. This happens usually after quick stops or sudden starts like at a red light or when a car suddenly stops on front of me. I have had this issue happen to me several times. I have tried contacting Mercedes-Benz and the dealership where I bought tge car but they do nothing. I need help getting this issue repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Smart fortwo. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a burning odor and observed smoke. The fire department determined that the battery casing melted. The vehicle was not charging at the time of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 6,000.
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.
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 said that I was over my 24,000 mile warranty (even if only by 928 miles which is less than 2 weeks worth of driving for me) and because I did my oil changes somewhere else they won't do this as warranty work. (even though I told them I had the records!) how can a transmission fail within 24,000 miles! I am very upset I ever bought a Smart car from these people. Who would allow this type of "quality" out there. This is the worst car I've ever owned! And I will be happy to tell everyone about all the issues I've had with this piece of garbage. …
I was on my way to school, the car began making a grinding noise, as I moved to the shoulder it died and the steering wheel locked up, the radio cut off, the horn stayed on, all the wipers went full force and the doors locked. When I finally kicked the door open I went to the front of the vehicle and opened the good. I began so smell burning plastic and went to the driver side again. When I got there, there were flaming drips coming from under the panels. I attempted to put them out but it was futile. I removed myself from the situation and called fire rescue. The whole thing took 2 minutes before the car was toast
NHTSA investigations
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Smart fortwo years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (21), 2009 (14) and 2016 (5) model years. Electrical complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Smart fortwo electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Smart fortwo model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Smart fortwo electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles; 69% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the alternator/generator/regulator (1 mentions).
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.