2003 Smart City-Coupe

The 2003 Smart City-Coupe (also known as the Fortwo in later years) is a quirky, ultra-compact car designed for urban environments. The most common engine option in the 2003 model is a 599cc turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine producing around 50 horsepower and 59 lb-ft of torque. It also came with a diesel engine as an option, though less common in some markets. The standard transmission is a 6-speed automated manual transmission. Owners often appreciate the City-Coupe’s exceptional fuel economy and ease of parking in tight spaces, but criticize its jerky transmission, limited cargo space, and relatively high price for its size.

Engine

599cc Turbocharged Gasoline Engine

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, excessive oil consumption.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Often originating from the valve cover gasket or turbo oil lines.
  • Solution: Replacing gaskets, seals, or oil lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Diesel Engine

No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automated Manual Transmission

• Jerky Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt and uneven gear changes, especially between 1st and 2nd gear. Hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Software update of the Transmission Control Module (TCM) or clutch actuator replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to shift gears, car stuck in gear, “three bars” error code displayed on the dashboard, grinding noises during shifting.
  • Solution: Clutch actuator replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Broken Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, uneven ride height, poor handling.
  • Solution: Coil spring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• SAM Unit (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, including malfunctioning lights, wipers, or central locking.
  • Solution: SAM unit replacement or repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, caused by chafing and broken wires, particularly in the engine compartment and under the seats.
  • Solution: Wiring harness repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panel Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: The plastic body panels separating or detaching from the frame.
  • Solution: Re-securing or replacing the body panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per panel
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete loss of display on the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Instrument cluster repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Smart City-Coupe, while fuel-efficient and easy to park, is prone to several issues. The jerky transmission and potential for clutch actuator failure are major concerns. Engine oil leaks and turbocharger issues are also common. Electrical problems, particularly with the SAM unit and wiring harness, can be frustrating. Suspension issues such as broken coil springs contribute to the vehicle’s maintenance needs. Panel delamination is also a common issue. The severity and cost of these issues range from moderate to significant, requiring potential owners to be prepared for higher than average maintenance expenses.