2013 Smart Fortwo Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 24%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,950miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Smart Fortwo, 24% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,950 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was on the onramp to a very busy highway going about 50 MPH so that I could merge into traffic without slowing traffic down. All of a sudden I lost power. I was able to coast into the right shoulder before the vehicle lost it's momentum. Luckily I did not cause an accident with fast oncoming traffic. I turned the engine off and tried to restart the car about 2 to 3 times with no success. After about 5 minutes I tried again and the car started. …”
NHTSA complaint #10503982, filed 2013-03, 8,000 miles“I was making a left turn when. All of a sudden I lost power and the car shut off in the middle of the intersection. I had to coast over to the right lane, stop and turn the car on in the right lane.”
NHTSA complaint #10545986, filed 2013-09, 300 miles“Engine light flashed briefly and went off. Within one mile engine lost all power. As I slowed to a stop, a large cloud of steam erupted. Car was in shop for over a month and most of the engine was replaced. No explanation of lack of warning lamps. A second two week trip to the dealer was needed to resolve all the issues. Car still has engine light on”
NHTSA complaint #10608766, filed 2014-07, 12,000 miles“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. The dealer refused to do the repair due to negligence. …”
NHTSA complaint #11033202, filed 2017-10, 33,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10144078Mar 7, 2018Vehicle cannot be started (FC: P0A0A00, P0A0E00, P0D9F00, P1D0BFD, C11C187, P0D5800, P0D5900, P0D9900, P0D9A97)
- 10136113Jul 15, 2016Engine diagnosis warning lamp (CEL) is active due to fault codes - P2237 & P2626.
- 10135709May 24, 2016Smart 453 Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated - Fault code P261000
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 14% |
| 2016 | 8 | 38% |
| 2015 | 2 | 33% |
| 2014 | 4 | 31% |
| 2013 | 6 | 24% |
| 2012 | 1 | 13% |
| 2011 | 5 | 31% |
| 2010 | 3 | 50% |
| 2009 | 19 | 19% |
| 2008 | 33 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2013 Smart Fortwo
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Smart Fortwo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology