Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Smart ForTwo. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated with a loud whirring noise. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the air intake changeover valves had failed. The independent mechanic advised the contact that the parts needed to fix the vehicle were difficult to locate. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that about a month later, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact took the vehicle to the same independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a secondary air injection pump failure. The independent mechanic advised the contact that the parts were difficult to find. The contact found the parts, and the vehicle was repaired. The check engine warning light illuminated again. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Smart fortwo. The contact was driving at 60 MPH, when the vehicle lost power and the contact noticed white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and the tow truck driver informed the contact that the radiator had burst. The contact notified park place motorcars Mercedes-Benz dallas (6113 lemmon ave, dallas, tx 75209) of the failure and was informed that there was no recall for the failure experienced. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic as an overheated engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Tl contact owns a 2014 Smart fortwo. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the key would move from the run position causing the vehicle to stall. The contact also stated that the brake and the accelerator pedals were extremely close to one another. The contact stated mentioned that when switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal, his foot would get caught under the brake pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 1,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Smart for two. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power. In addition, the contact noticed white smoke. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was also towed to Mercedes-Benz of san fransico dealer located at 500 8th st, san francisco, cawhere it was diagnosed that the coolant damaged the engine compartment and the engine assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer refused to do the repair due to negligence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered a ten percent discount. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. Updated 9/7/18
This car is an EV. Water in the brake light switch, will not let the car recharge. Water and mud in the 12v power cable on the drivers side of the battery pack has caused a 12v power cable fitting to crack. Both of these problems are on the bottom side of the car. These problems will not let the car recharge! This is not a flood car! It has 76,087 mile on it!!!!! My dealer is a joke! I have not been able to drive my for 8 months. Also the key fob is broken. This also will not let me drive my car. I am still paying for this piece of junk! ([redacted]) owner. Redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6)
I was driving eastbound in the number 1 lane of california highway 24 about 1/4 mile before the tunnel road exit. I heard a noise coming from the engine are of the car, looked at the instrument cluster and noticed that the engine light had illuminated, and experience a sudden loss of power. I pulled off of the highway at the tunnel road exit and stalled on the off ramp. I attempted to restart the engine twice by turning the key. I saw smoke in my rearview mirror, exited the vehicle, and saw flames coming from underneath the vehicle. I called 911 and gave the dispatch operator my location. By the time the highway patrol and local fire department arrived, my car was totaled. The attached photos tell the story of the damage.
2011 Smart fortwo coupe. Running rough and showing check engine light with OBD code p0302. Mercedes-Benz dealership found misfire on cylinder #2. Further investigation found cylinder #2 leaking 75%. Removed and replaced cylinder head with a new cylinder head as a "goodwill repair." this particular Mercedes-Benz dealer has done 14 of these repairs to date. This appears to be a problem with a number of the Mitsubishi engines used in the current model Smart fortwo.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles. The rear insulation mat in the engine compartment may deform, deteriorate, and loosen over time, allowing the mat to contact hot exhaust system components.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear insulation mat with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began in July 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA investigations
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 complaints appeared to indicate an increasing trend, with all eight fires occurring since January 2015.As part of PE16-016, ODI…
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).According to Mercedes-Benz?s DIR, ?the rear insulation mat within the engine compartment might deform, deteriorate,…
Frequently asked questions
Which Smart fortwo years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (48), 2009 (28), 2016 (9), 2013 (6) and 2011 (5) model years. Engine complaints make up 30% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Smart fortwo engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 18V-273 (exhaust system, Apr 27, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Smart fortwo engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles; 60% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the exhaust system (2 mentions), followed by the engine (1).
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.