Engine
1.0L 3-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 100 of 100 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 70 of 100 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
28 complaint records7 fire reports
"CAR CONTINUE TO THROW OUT P0302 CODE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY MANUFACTURER AVOUT VALVE NOT SEATING PROPERLY BUT HAVE NOT ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Power train
27 complaint records
"DRIVERS SEATBELT BUCKLE DOES NOT LATCH AT ALL. MERCEDES WILL NOT PAY FOR IT OR FIX IT AND WANT US TO PAY OUT OF POCKET . *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Electrical system
14 complaint records5 fire reports
Owners filed 14 complaint records naming this system.
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA17003 opened Sep 2017 | closed Aug 2018 | Engine | Engine Compartment Fire - led to recall 18V273000 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... |
| PE16016 opened Dec 2016 | closed Nov 2017 | Engine | Engine Compartment Fire - led to recall 18V273000 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... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V273000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018215 2018-04-27 | Engine | 7,028 | On certain vehicles, the rear insulation mat within the engine compartment might deform, deteriorate and loosen, allowing it to contact hot exhaust system components. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LI42.10-P-078779 Sep 2026 | Service Brakes | Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. | |
| LI82.62-P-078631 Sep 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. | |
| LI82.62-P-078631 Aug 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. | |
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jul 2026 | Power Train | Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. | |
| LI82.30-P-059239 May 2026 | Visibility/Wiper | Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the... |
Show 43 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 May 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078896 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Mar 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI82.35-P-078467 Oct 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Sep 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI82.10-P-078307 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Sep 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. | |
| LI82.10-P-078069 Jul 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. | |
| LI8260P063836 Jan 2019 | Equipment | Smart audio system - Radio inoperative - New software available | |
| LI8260P069270 Jan 2019 | Equipment | Media system, poor sound quality via AUX IN | |
| LI5410P069138 Dec 2018 | Electrical System | Vehicle Range ? Voltage difference of cells too great | |
| LI54 10-P-068383 Aug 2018 | Electrical System | Vehicle does not start | |
| LI54 00-P-067822 Aug 2018 | Electrical System | Vehicle does not start | |
| LI54 10-P-068625 Aug 2018 | Electrical System | Vehicle does not start | |
| LI82 70-P-067315 Jul 2018 | Equipment | smart media system: Telephone connection is made, communication is not possible | |
| LI80 50-P-061700 Jul 2018 | Electrical System | ATA operates without obvious cause | |
| LI54.25-P-068219 Jun 2018 | Electrical System | Light switch/combination switch, fault code stored | |
| LI83.30-P-068109 May 2018 | Equipment | Condenser leaking | |
| LI80.50-P-068067 May 2018 | Equipment | ATA triggers without obvious cause | |
| LI54 10-P-067823 Mar 2018 | Engine | Vehicle cannot be started (FC: P0A0A00, P0A0E00, P0D9F00, P1D0BFD, C11C187, P0D5800, P0D5900, P0D9900, P0D9A97) | |
| LI54 10-P-067824 Mar 2018 | Equipment | Charging socket/charging cable: Charging cable lock jams (P12E900, P13E800) | |
| LI46.35-P-064622 Dec 2017 | Steering | Noise from area of electric steering | |
| LI83 30-P-066810 Aug 2017 | Equipment | Switching noise from climate relay | |
| LI07.04-P-059726 Jul 2016 | Engine | Engine diagnosis warning lamp (CEL) is active due to fault codes - P2237 & P2626. | |
| LI07.61-P-063263 May 2016 | Engine | Smart 453 Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated - Fault code P261000 | |
| LI80.20-P-064069 May 2016 | Structure | Outside door handle does not return to end position | |
| LI80.50-P-061700 Jun 2015 | Electrical System | ATA goes off | |
| LI54.30-P-061127 Apr 2015 | Fuel System | Instrument cluster - Fuel gauge does not indicate "Full" | |
| LI82.85-P-061173 Apr 2015 | Equipment | smart media system cannot be operated, touchscreen does not react, interference noise during voice control | |
| LI54.30-P-061127 Mar 2015 | Fuel System | Instrument cluster - Fuel gauge does not indicate "Full" | |
| LI82.85-P-053710 Oct 2014 | Equipment | Fault profiles and measures for Highline radio, SA code 527 | |
| LI29.10-P-051288 Jun 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Brake pedal/carpet seal does not fit properly | |
| SM-B-54.10-09 May 2014 | Electrical System | Preparation for Performing Maintenance Service or Status Check of High-Voltage Battery | |
| LI82.85-P-058785 Mar 2014 | Electrical System | Highline can only be operated to a limited extent or not at all; the input points (contact points) are shifted horizontally relative to the display; calibration is not possible. | |
| LI54.21-P-058620 Mar 2014 | Electrical System | PreConditioning of the vehicle via the Vehicle Homepage or the instrument cluster does not function or is restricted. | |
| LI00.10-P-056437 Mar 2014 | Electrical System | Range does not meet customer's expectations. Customers usually differentiate as follows: 1. Total of distance driven + indicated range remaining with one HV battery charge too low 2. Actual range until the drive system shuts down too low | |
| LI46.40-P-055798 Feb 2014 | Steering | Creaking, grating or grunting noise while steering audible in the steering gear area. The noise can be transferred through the steering gear into the interior. The noise occurs, in particular, at high temperatures, e.g. in the summer. | |
| LI82.60-P-046127 Jan 2014 | Equipment | If the Radio 9 was switched off while driving, it can switch itself back on again the next time the engine is started. | |
| LI54.10-P-055824 Mar 2013 | Electrical System | Charging complaints - Initial analysis | |
| SM-B-54 Apr 2012 | Electrical System | SMART: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY SOFTWARE UPDATE. *JS | |
| SC-2009020012 Aug 2011 | Equipment | SMART: THE VECI (VEHICLE EMISSIONS CONTROL INFORMATION) LABEL HAS BE REPLACED ON 2008-2009. *PE |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Smart Fortwo →