2013 Smart Fortwo

The 2013 Smart Fortwo is a microcar known for its exceptional fuel economy and maneuverability, making it ideal for city driving. The gasoline engine option available for the 2013 Smart Fortwo is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine producing 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque. Some drivers appreciate its small size for parking and its distinctive styling, while others find it underpowered and the ride quality harsh. It uses a 5-speed automated manual transmission. A fully electric version was also available.

Electric Motor

Electric Drive Motor

• Battery Pack Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced range, longer charging times, and eventual failure to hold a charge. This is a common issue with older electric vehicles as battery technology degrades over time.
  • Solution: Battery pack replacement or reconditioning.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+ (depending on whether the battery is reconditioned, or replaced with a new or used battery pack)

Transmission

5-Speed Automated Manual Transmission

• Hesitation and Jerky Shifts
  • Description/Symptoms: The 5-speed automated manual transmission can exhibit hesitation during acceleration and jerky shifts, especially at lower speeds. This is due to the single-clutch design of the automated manual transmission.
  • Solution: Software update. Clutch replacement if wear is excessive.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300+ for software updates, $800-$1500+ for clutch replacement.
• Transmission Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, inability to shift, or the transmission getting stuck in a particular gear. Often accompanied by error codes.
  • Solution: Replacement of the transmission actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$1200+

Suspension

• Worn Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Poor handling and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn bushings, ball joints, or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$600+ per corner depending on the worn parts and labor.

Electrical

• Bulb Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing headlight and taillight bulbs burning out more frequently than expected.
  • Solution: Replacing the bulbs with higher quality or LED bulbs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $100+ depending on the bulb type and labor.
• SAM Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) controls various electrical functions. Failure can cause issues with lights, wipers, or other electrical components.
  • Solution: SAM unit replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1000+

Exterior

• Plastic Body Panel Damage
  • Description/Symptoms: The Smart Fortwo features plastic body panels which can be prone to cracking or damage in collisions, even minor ones.
  • Solution: Replacement of damaged panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$1000+ per panel depending on the panel and labor.

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2013 Smart Fortwo has some known issues. The electric model batteries are degrading over time, which is normal for electric vehicles. The transmission, suspension, and electric components have the most common issues. The most serious and costly problems tend to be related to the transmission actuator failure and SAM unit failure, as well as potential battery replacement if the vehicle is electric. While some of these issues can be relatively inexpensive to fix, others, especially transmission or battery related repairs, can be costly. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision.