2017 Smart Fortwo

The 2017 Smart Fortwo is a small, two-passenger city car known for its maneuverability and fuel efficiency. It was available in both gasoline and electric versions. The gasoline version features a 0.9-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 89 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The electric version uses an electric motor that produces 80 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque. People often appreciate the Smart Fortwo for its small size, ease of parking, and unique styling. However, some criticisms include its limited cargo space, ride quality, and the somewhat quirky transmission in the gasoline model.

Electric Motor

Electric Motor

• Battery Management System (BMS) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced range, failure to charge, error messages related to battery health, or sudden power loss.
  • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified technician, potential software update, or replacement of the BMS module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (depending on the nature and severity of the issue and whether a module replacement is required).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electric Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises, lack of power, the vehicle not moving, error codes.
  • Solution: Replacement of the electric motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Electric Motor

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Central Locking System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors failing to lock or unlock, requiring manual operation.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the central locking system, checking the actuators, and replacing the faulty parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster going blank, displaying incorrect information, or flickering.
  • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified technician to identify the root cause (e.g., faulty wiring, software glitches, or a defective cluster). Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the complexity of the repair or replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Rattling Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Various rattles originating from the dashboard, door panels, or rear hatch area, especially on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locating the source of the rattles and securing loose components with felt tape, foam padding, or replacement clips.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ (depending on the severity and location of the rattles).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Conditioning Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: AC blowing warm air, not cold air.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the AC system, checking the compressor, replacing the faulty parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Smart Fortwo Electric can have some electrical issues with the central locking system and instrument cluster which are relatively inexpensive to repair. The most serious and costly issues pertain to the battery management system and electric motor, with potential repair costs reaching into the thousands. Most other systems have minor reported issues.