2014 Smart Fortwo
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Smart › Fortwo › 2014
These records cover every 2014 Smart Fortwo. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
13 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
The cable attaching the seatbelt is frayed and only being held on by a few strands of cable. My research into the problem on forums and the internet has shown that this is an issue on the drivers side seatbelt for Smart Car.
- Air bags
The SRS light is on. Technician scanned vehicle and performed guided tests on drivers side seat airbag, found that HE airbag squib is faulty. This is an internal part of the airbag and airbag will need to be replaced.
- Service brakes
The brake booster malfunctioned while I was driving
- Seat belts
Driver’s seatbelt broke at the tensioner as if the cable had been cut with wire cutters. My vehicle has not been involved in a wreck. Under normal driving conditions. Safety issue is if it broke this easily what would’ve happened if I had been involved in an accident? Of course I took the vehicle…
Driver’s seatbelt broke at the tensioner as if the cable had been cut with wire cutters. My vehicle has not been involved in a wreck. Under normal driving conditions. Safety issue is if it broke this easily what would’ve happened if I had been involved in an accident? Of course I took the vehicle immediately to a repair shop and the cost to repair is $843.31. Of course the parts have to be ordered. This is a safety issue it’s a law issue you have to have a seatbelt it’s not like I can’t live without the seatbelt. All my research shows that several people have complained about the same incident happening to them I was not driving the vehicle at the time I had just stopped at a store got back in my car and the seatbelt was broken.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2014 smart fortwo. The contact was driving at 60 mph, when the vehicle lost power and the contact noticed white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and the tow truck driver informed the contact that the radiator had…
TL* the contact owns a 2014 smart fortwo. The contact was driving at 60 mph, when the vehicle lost power and the contact noticed white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and the tow truck driver informed the contact that the radiator had burst. The contact notified park place motorcars mercedes-benz dallas (6113 lemmon ave, dallas, tx 75209) of the failure and was informed that there was no recall for the failure experienced. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic as an overheated engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2014 smart fortwo. While the vehicle was stationary, the contact noticed an oil leak. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to euro motorcars germantown (located at 19750 germantown rd, germantown, md 20874, (301) 601-5500) where it was diagnosed…
TL* the contact owns a 2014 smart fortwo. While the vehicle was stationary, the contact noticed an oil leak. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to euro motorcars germantown (located at 19750 germantown rd, germantown, md 20874, (301) 601-5500) where it was diagnosed that the driver's side gear box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,666.
- Power train · Suspension
Loud clanking noise while driving. Was diagnosed as faulty condenser fan and lose bolts/screws which hold it in place. Mercedes-benz dealership where it was purchased said will cost $1,700-$1,800 to fix! Internet research revealed to me this IS a common defect/problem. I paid almost $7,000 for my…
Loud clanking noise while driving. Was diagnosed as faulty condenser fan and lose bolts/screws which hold it in place. Mercedes-benz dealership where it was purchased said will cost $1,700-$1,800 to fix! Internet research revealed to me this IS a common defect/problem. I paid almost $7,000 for my smart for two pure coupe. I should not have to be paying an additional nearly $2,000 because bolts jiggled lose.i no longer feel secure in my car.now im driving in hot florida in the summer with no a/c because I cant afford this fix.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2014 smart fortwo. While driving 20 mph, the electrical system failed. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, but the technician could not find a failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,157.
- Seat belts
The shoulder portion of my seat belt rides on my neck. What IS the remedy for this safety problem? ref complaint #10722112 28may15.
- Seat belts
My seat belt shoulder strap rides on my neck.
- Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2014 smart fortwo. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the key would move from the run position causing the vehicle to stall. The contact also stated that the brake and the accelerator pedals were extremely close to one another. The contact stated…
Tl*the contact owns a 2014 smart fortwo. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the key would move from the run position causing the vehicle to stall. The contact also stated that the brake and the accelerator pedals were extremely close to one another. The contact stated mentioned that when switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal, his foot would get caught under the brake pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 1,000.
- Wheels
Local street. Ran over a ~4 inch bolt in roadway. Punctured tire, but then the bolt knocked 4 holes in the wheel (rim). I do not consider a bolt in the roadway to be an unusual hazard. I do not believe that the wheel - tire combination IS suitable for use on public roads. I believe that the wheel - tire combination presents an immediate safety hazard for users of this vehicle. *tr
- Engine
While driving at a steady speed of 40mph, the vehicle suddenly lost power. you could hear that the cylinders and pistons stopped working. the vehicle had 2 gallons of gas. we put in 2 more gallons at the adjacent gas station and limped home at 30mph. the dealership picked up the vehicle at our…
While driving at a steady speed of 40mph, the vehicle suddenly lost power. you could hear that the cylinders and pistons stopped working. the vehicle had 2 gallons of gas. we put in 2 more gallons at the adjacent gas station and limped home at 30mph. the dealership picked up the vehicle at our home and drove it from milwaukee to chicago without incident. the dealership said they replaced the purge valve and all 3 ignition coils;come and pick it up. on our drive home, going a steady uninterrupted 40 mph (no stop signs, or stop lights at all) we drove 28 miles and the same problem happened again. the vehicle was towed to the dealership. the dealership requested assistance from mercedes. mercedes declined, stating they would accept the problem when the dealership identified the source of the problem. after 10 days the dealership notified us that they could not identify the source of the problem. we waited through the 30 business day lemon law period and filed for relief. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009122Complaint 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. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
- 11008091Complaint 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. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
- 11007974Complaint 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. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
- 11007753Complaint 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. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
- 11005294Complaint 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. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
- 10170540smart media system, reversing camera inoperative after software update and subsequent SCN coding
- 10167526Highline 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.
- 10167515PreConditioning of the vehicle via the Vehicle Homepage or the instrument cluster does not function or is restricted.
- 10167514PreConditioning of the vehicle via the Vehicle Homepage or the instrument cluster does not function or is restricted.
- 10167486Range 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
- 10167028If the Radio 9 was switched off while driving, it can switch itself back on again the next time the engine is started.
- 10167004Creaking, 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.
- 10157087Switching noise from climate relay
- 10154012Smart audio system - Radio inoperative - New software available
- 10154008Media system, poor sound quality via AUX IN
- 10153996Vehicle Range ? Voltage difference of cells too great
- 10151978Vehicle does not start
- 10151977Vehicle does not start
- 10151976Vehicle does not start
- 10151975Vehicle does not start
- 10151974Vehicle does not start
- 10151956smart media system: Telephone connection is made, communication is not possible
- 10144276Light switch/combination switch, fault code stored
- 10144134Condenser leaking
- 10144079Charging socket/charging cable: Charging cable lock jams (P12E900, P13E800)
- 10144078Vehicle cannot be started (FC: P0A0A00, P0A0E00, P0D9F00, P1D0BFD, C11C187, P0D5800, P0D5900, P0D9900, P0D9A97)
- 10144064ATA triggers without obvious cause
- 10136113Engine diagnosis warning lamp (CEL) is active due to fault codes - P2237 & P2626.
- 10136106Installation position of suspension springs at rear axle
- 10136058smart media system displays Renault R-Link pop-up
- 10136015Brake pedal/carpet seal does not fit properly
- 10135990Preparation for Performing Maintenance Service or Status Check of High-Voltage Battery
- 10135930Charging complaints - Initial analysis
- 10135892smart audio system - time is not shown
- 10135882ATA goes off
- 10135830Slight oil leakage at single stage transmission
- 10135709Smart 453 Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated - Fault code P261000
- 10135686Outside door handle does not return to end position
- 10135666Instrument cluster - Fuel gauge does not indicate "Full"
- 10135662smart media system cannot be operated, touchscreen does not react, interference noise during voice control
Every Smart Fortwo model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.