2017 SMART Fortwo Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

The car won't charge over 20% due probably a faulty manufacturer part of N83 high voltage control box. This could cause very serious electrical/battery issues if the high voltage box is faulty.

Jul 28, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT FULLY CHARGE TO THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED MILEAGE RANGE. IN ADDITION, IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MERCEDES-BENZ OF BOSTON (259 MCGRATH HWY, SOMERVILLE, MA) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.

Feb 13, 2018

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. THERE WERE COUPLE OF TIMES WHILE IN TRANSIT ON CITY ROAD, I HAD TO APPLY BRAKE SUDDENLY AND SEAT BELT FAIL TO ENGAGE TO HOLD THE PASSENGER BACK . ALL THE TIME , BOTH SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT TO THEIR HOME POSITION WHEN NOT IN USE AND CAR IS STOPPED AND PARKED, THIS CAUSED DENTS TO THE CAR'S BODY AND FRAME AROUND THE DOOR WHEN WE CLOSE THE DOORS. I REPORTED TO THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER SEPTEMBER 2018. IN DECEMBER, THEY COULD ONLY REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. THE PASSENGER SIDE'S BELT HAS BEEN CLAIMED TO BE BACKED ORDER TILL NOW. I HAVE CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES TO FOLLOW UP FOR THE REPAIR AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR OVER 6 MONTHS FOR THIS FAULTY SEAT BELT TO BE REPAIRED. I DON'T FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE MY CAR. I LEASE THIS NEW CAR SINCE OCTOBER 2017 AND THE SAFETY ISSUE HAPPENED ONLY WITHIN A YEAR.

Mar 21, 2019

PASSENGER SEAT BELT STOP SECURING THE BUCKLE NO APPARENT REASON

Oct 07, 2017

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

The Power Electronics Control Unit (ECM), Part No. A453-900-72-11, and the DC-to-DC converter have both failed, rendering this all-electric vehicle completely inoperable. There is no backup propulsion system. The DC-to-DC converter powers safety-critical systems including lighting, turn signals, and hazard flashers — its failure could cause loss of safety-critical functions while driving. Total repair estimate is $20,560.43. The manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA denied warranty coverage using a Canadian warranty document for the wrong vehicle model. MBUSA has shut down the Smart warranty portal at the dealer level and their website returns no warranty data for Smart vehicles despite active warranty obligations. Smart exited the US market and MBUSA appears to have abandoned warranty support while warranties remain active.

Apr 08, 2026

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Driver Side front wheel / maybe steering rack / etc. makes loud grinding / rubbing sound when making turn only when the weather's hot and humid and when the car has been running for about 20 min How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Noise / rubbing / grinding sound comes from the driver side front wheels or Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Service center reproduced the sound and went two levels deep to try and ascertain the origin but to no avail. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? YES Has been inspected multiple times by different mechanics costing hundreds of dollars with still no diagnostic or remedy. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No lamps or warning lights prior to problem which was first heard / discovered around 2019

May 15, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FOR TWO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTING AND REAR WIPER WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARAGE ISLA VERDE LLC (LOCATED AT AVE, BALDORIOTY DE CASTRO KM 10.3, PR 00979, (787) 620-1313), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,334. **TR CONSUMER COMMENT IN SPANISH. UPDATED 10/30/18*JB

Sep 06, 2018

STEERING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V447000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SOUTH BAY (3311 PACIFIC COAST HWY, TORRENCE, CA) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Oct 11, 2017

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

THE CAR HAS A INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. WHEN SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION LEVER TO THE REVERSE POSITION THE SHIFT INDICATOR ON THE INFORMATION CENTER WILL SHOW BLANK AND A HIGH PITCH BEEPING SOUND WILL BE HEARD.

Sep 01, 2017

4.3/5.0

30 reviews

SMART Fortwo VIN Decoder — Free VIN Check Video Guide

Watch our quick SMART Fortwo VIN decoder walkthrough. Learn how to decode any SMART Fortwo VIN number to get full vehicle history, recall alerts, specifications, fuel economy (MPG), safety ratings, and known problems — completely free on ForCar.org.

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2017 SMART Fortwo, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2017 SMART Fortwo for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2017 SMART Fortwo 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2017 SMART Fortwo VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2017 SMART Fortwo Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2017 SMART Fortwo dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your SMART dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2017 SMART Fortwo have?

The 2017 SMART Fortwo currently has 9 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2017 SMART Fortwo?

The most common problems reported for the 2017 SMART Fortwo are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2017 SMART Fortwo problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2017 SMART Fortwo comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2017 SMART Fortwo?

You can report safety problems with your 2017 SMART Fortwo directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2017 SMART Fortwo VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2017 SMART Fortwo reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2017 SMART Fortwo. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.