VehicleVerdict

2017 Smart Fortwo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2017 Smart Fortwo — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

13

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Fortwo years?

Fortwo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted175 complaints2005: 4 complaints2008: 175 complaints2009: 139 complaints2010: 8 complaints2011: 23 complaints2012: 11 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 14 complaints2015: 10 complaints2016: 39 complaints2017: 13 complaints2018: 1 complaints2019: 1 complaints
Fortwo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fortwo years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Smart Fortwo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System431%
Steering215%
Lighting18%
Seat Belts18%
Engine18%
Suspension18%
Tires & Wheels18%
Transmission18%
Visibility & Wipers18%

Does the 2017 Smart Fortwo have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V447000SteeringJuly 14, 2017 · 110 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 smart fortwo and smart fortwo Cabriolet vehicles. Casting imperfections may result in the failure of the left front axle steering knuckle.

Consequence

Failure of the left front axle steering knuckle could affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle steering knuckle, replacing any from the affected batch, free of charge. The recall October 13, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The car won't charge over 20% due probably a faulty manufacturer part of N83 high voltage control box. This could cause very serious electrical/battery issues if the high voltage box is faulty.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 28, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V447000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 22, 2017

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Driver Side front wheel / maybe steering rack / etc. makes loud grinding / rubbing sound when making turn only when the weather's hot and humid and when the car has been running for about 20 min How…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 4, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FOR TWO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTING AND REAR WIPER WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARAGE ISLA VERDE LLC (LOCATED AT AVE, BALDORIOTY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 21, 2018

“The Power Electronics Control Unit (ECM), Part No. A453-900-72-11, and the DC-to-DC converter have both failed, rendering this all-electric vehicle completely inoperable. There is no backup propulsion system. The DC-to-DC converter powers safety-critical systems including lighting, turn signals,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 20, 2025

2017 Smart Fortwo — common questions

Is the 2017 Smart Fortwo reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2017 Fortwo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (4 complaints), steering (2 complaints), engine (1 complaints).

Does the 2017 Smart Fortwo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 Smart Fortwo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Smart Fortwo under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Smart Fortwo years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fortwo years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2016, 2013. The cleanest record among Fortwo years belongs to 2019.

How safe is the 2017 Smart Fortwo?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Smart Fortwo earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.