2017 Smart Fortwo Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 14%of 7 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 Smart Fortwo, 14% of the 7 complaints for this model year.
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.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11730040, filed 2026-04Related service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single 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…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint 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…
- 10228823Dec 9, 2022Mercedes-Benz AG (âMBAGâ), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain MY 2016-2017 smart (453 platform) vehicles, the transmission control unit…
- 10135600Mar 26, 2015Slight leakage at right side shaft
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2017 Smart Fortwo
4 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Smart Fortwo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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