2013 Smart Fortwo: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 25 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine; the 2014 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
25
owner complaints
3
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaigns3 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 25 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Engine (engine mechanics)5 complaints
Seat Belts5 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)4 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)2 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)1 complaint
Seats1 complaint
“The drivers side seatbelt connecting floor (I think it's the belt force limiter) has a cable that has broken off. This is the 2nd time this has happened to my SmartCar. It is a design flaw because the cable runs against the metal of the seat cutting thru the cable. It isn't usually noticed until it breaks off making the seatbelt complete become broken from the floor. Additionally, SmartCars including this one have a known issue where AirBags become I op (light on) due to connection issue under seat. So now I have no restraints in my car.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2022
“Software for power control module is not correspond to the series level Software configuration. Basically it doesn't want to take charge due to the Software issues from manufacturer.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2021
“Regarding lightning: water/humidity had access to the sam unit and the right-side signals/stop light stopped working. The vehicle was in motion when it suddenly stopped working. Regarding body/other: some of the convertible-roof steel frame/bars got bent when closing the top and the bent bars would prevent the top from closing unless you forced the steel/metal bars.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“The driver side seat belt mount, which in this case is a steel cable, has mostly broken and frayed rendering it unsafe to drive. In the event of an accident, it would certainly break completely. I only noticed it yesterday while cleaning, the breakage would've happened while driving it. I've contacted smart usa, and gotten no response. I've contacted mercedes usa, and they tell me that my warranty has run out, they can't do anything. Even though this is a mandatory safety feature that has completely failed from normal use. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2020
“Red light with seat with a red dot came on while I was driving. I stopped the car and looked up what the symbol meant. When it didn't involve oil or water, I drove it to dealer. They performed 30,000 mile service and when I drove it home it stopped.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2019
“Left driver side seat belt is connected by a cable to the car body. We discovered that the cable had failed and only a couple of strands were holding the seat belt to the car. My wife discovered it by accident when getting out of the car. Photos attached. Mercedes charged me $450 to replace seat belts that were defective.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2019
“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! (xxxxxx) owner. Redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2019
“On friday february 16th when trying to start my 2013 smart fortwo brabus, the lights on the dashboard started flicking, smoke started to come out from the ac vents, the car caught on fire and exploded, fire department determined to be an electrical issue. The car was stationary on a city street at the time. Here is a link to an article in the local newspaper: http://www.emporiagazette.com/area_news/article_8d176b4c-1351-11e8-99e4-a352e891f430.html and I've attached a picture of the fire dept. Report.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2018
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2015
“One of the two v belt for the alternator and water pump snapped while driving. Luckily I get to pull over when this happened. I heard the belt snap while driving and it a common problem for smart car. Http://www.evilution.co.uk/info/mhd_belt_failure.htm.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2015
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines0.9L · 1.0L
Cylinders3
FuelElectric · Gasoline
Body stylesConvertible/Cabriolet · Coupe
How other years compare
Check your exact Fortwo by VIN
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Is the 2013 Smart Fortwo reliable?
NHTSA has 25 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Smart Fortwo. The most complained-about area is engine.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.