2013 smart Fortwo problems
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 smart Fortwo. Seat belts is the most reported problem area, at 20% of complaints. After that come engine (17%) and drivetrain & axles (14%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 35 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Seat belts 20% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 3
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 12,000 miles 31 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 21 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 6 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 0 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 31 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 12,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 3 complaints mention a fire.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2013 ranks 4th most-complained-about out of 4 model years of the smart Fortwo with enough data (21 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
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.
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.
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: [link removed] and I've attached a picture of the fire dept. Report.
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.
Driver seatbelt will not stay in tension ring. At times stuck in park & when unstuck will not engage any gear and stopping at red light while in drive soon after starting car it will not move when accelerator is engaged. In all cases engine must be turned off then turn to power on only for 10 to twenty minutes during which eventually clicking/clunking sounds are heard. After hearing these sounds start and shift. Repeat sometimes twice before transmission unlocks.