AI Damage2018 Smart Fortwo: common problems
The maker issued 18 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 18
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- electric
- automatic, 1-speed
Drive: RWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and…
- Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE
Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration…
- Single 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 travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the…
- Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance
A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After…
- Complaint Headlamp, 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. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in…
- Complaint The following symptoms with electrical range
• Displayed electrical range is implausible for charging process (SOC) . • Displayed electrical range reduces rapidly after short period of driving. • High-voltage battery can no longer charge. Cause The voltage…
- Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the…
Complaint 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 (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in…
- Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can…
Complaint 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…
- Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon,…
Complaint Headlamp, 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…
- Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver,…
Complaint 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…
- Complaint 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…
- Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural…
Complaint 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…
NHTSA lists 18 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Smart Fortwo?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 18 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 Smart Fortwo?
NHTSA lists 18 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2018 Smart Fortwo from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2018 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.