EZ Swap LLC services the Smart Fortwo in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005, 2008 to 2012, 2017, 2019. If your Fortwo has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Fortwo owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 302 owner complaints on file for the Fortwo and 4 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (72), engine (63), electrical system (47).
Most-Reported Smart Fortwo Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Fortwo (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 72 | 23% | |
| Engine | 63 | 20% | |
| Electrical System | 47 | 15% | |
| Structure | 25 | 8% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 24 | 7% | |
| Seat Belts | 23 | 7% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 17 | 5% | |
| Air Bags | 13 | 4% |
Power Train
72 of the 302 complaints (23%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Engine
63 of the 302 complaints (20%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
47 of the 302 complaints (15%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Smart Fortwo Complaints by Model Year
The Fortwo model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2008, 2009, 2011. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 160 | |
| 2009 | 100 | |
| 2010 | 6 | |
| 2011 | 16 | |
| 2012 | 8 | |
| 2017 | 9 | |
| 2019 | 1 |
Most Common Smart Fortwo Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Fortwo. The most-cited is P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire), mentioned in 2 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0302 | Cylinder 2 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Smart Fortwo Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Fortwo in these model years, most often involving structure, engine and engine cooling, steering. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2020 recall, Electrical System (campaign 20V107000): Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling one 2019 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive vehicle. A welded joint within the high-voltage battery main cell conductors may detach and interrupt electrical contact, resulting in sudden battery...
- 2018 recall, Engine And Engine Cooling (campaign 18V273000): Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles.
- 2017 recall, Steering (campaign 17V447000): Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 smart fortwo and smart fortwo Cabriolet vehicles. Casting imperfections may result in the failure of the left front axle steering knuckle.
- 2008 recall, Structure (campaign 08V390000): SMART USA IS RECALLING 43 MY 2008 FORTWO 451 VEHICLES. A SINGLE BATCH OF PAINT SENT TO THE COMPANY DID NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS. A RE-WORK WAS DONE IN THE PLANT USING DIFFERENT FORMULATIONS OF PAINTING MATERIALS.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Fortwo, 14 involved a crash, 41 involved a fire, 17 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Smart Fortwo Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Smart will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Fortwo that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Fortwo owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Smart Fortwo, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Smart Fortwo Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Smart Fortwo repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Smart Fortwo FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Smart Fortwo?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Smart Fortwo are power train (72), engine (63), electrical system (47). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Fortwo model years have the most complaints?
The Fortwo model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2008, 2009, 2011. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Smart Fortwo?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Smart Fortwo, the codes cited most often are P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Smart Fortwo have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Smart Fortwo across model years 2005, 2008 to 2012, 2017, 2019. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Smart Fortwo in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Smart vehicles including the Fortwo, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Smart Fortwo?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Smart Fortwo in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Smart Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.