2011 Smart Fortwo

Introduction

The 2011 Smart Fortwo is a compact city car known for its fuel efficiency and maneuverability. It is available with two engine options: a 1.0-liter three-cylinder and a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder. The 1.0-liter engine produces 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged engine produces 84 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a five-speed automated manual transmission.

While the Smart Fortwo has its advantages, it has also been plagued by several issues. These issues range in severity and cost, but some can be quite expensive to fix.

Engine

• 1.0-liter Engine
  • Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the top of the engine, visible on the valve cover gasket.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing chain tensioner failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattle or tapping noise from the engine, especially during cold starts or acceleration.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found
• 1.0-liter Turbocharged Engine
  • Turbocharger failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust, or a whistling sound from the turbocharger.
    • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-Speed Automated Manual Transmission
  • Shifting problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, or delayed shifts.
    • Solution: Adjust or replace the transmission control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure * Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light illuminated, or difficulty starting the vehicle. * Solution: Replace the alternator. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800 * Recalls: None Found
• Battery drain * Description/Symptoms: Battery drains quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use. * Solution: Identify and fix the source of the parasitic drain. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500 * Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure * Description/Symptoms: Vehicle fails to start or makes a clicking sound when trying to start. * Solution: Replace the starter motor. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 * Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Instrument cluster failure * Description/Symptoms: Inability to read gauges, warning lights not illuminating, or display malfunction. * Solution: Replace the instrument cluster. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 * Recalls: None Found
• Air conditioning issues * Description/Symptoms: Weak airflow, no cooling, or excessive noise. * Solution: Repair or replace the air conditioning compressor, condenser, or other components. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200 * Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Smart Fortwo has a number of potential issues that can be costly to fix. These issues range from minor electrical problems to major engine and transmission failures. While the Smart Fortwo has its benefits, it is important to be aware of these potential issues before making a purchase decision.