{"@context":{"@vocab":"https://schema.org/"},"@type":"ItemList","@id":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/api/v1/nhtsa/complaints/check?make=SMART","name":"SMART","_source":{"data_provider":"AI Analytics","data_provider_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org","license":"https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/","primary_source":"https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/","generated_at":"2026-08-19T08:12:00.435Z"},"summary":{"total_complaints":113,"deaths":1,"injured":42,"fires":75},"top_components":[{"component_desc":"ENGINE","n":30},{"component_desc":"UNKNOWN OR OTHER","n":17},{"component_desc":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","n":16},{"component_desc":"AIR BAGS","n":8},{"component_desc":"STRUCTURE:BODY","n":6},{"component_desc":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","n":6},{"component_desc":"STEERING","n":5},{"component_desc":"SERVICE BRAKES","n":5},{"component_desc":"POWER TRAIN","n":5},{"component_desc":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","n":4}],"recent_complaints":[{"cmplid":"2125903","date_received":"2025-09-01","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO COUPE ELECTRIC","model_year":2014,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"SERVICE BRAKES","description":"Loss of most of the braking effectiveness, resulting in a collision. This vehicle had a Virginia State inspection performed the previous month and no brake failure dash lights were noted before the collision.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2125903"},{"cmplid":"2077287","date_received":"2025-03-26","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2015,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"ENGINE","description":"Sunday 3/23 I was driving west on 225 heading towards work, all of a sudden the check engine light comes on and all kinds of other lights on the dash came on. I got pulled over and looked in the rear view mirror I seen flames. Quickly grabbed my stuff and got out of the car. The investigation at the time stated most of the heat was coming from the engine","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2077287"},{"cmplid":"2077288","date_received":"2025-03-26","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2015,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","description":"Sunday 3/23 I was driving west on 225 heading towards work, all of a sudden the check engine light comes on and all kinds of other lights on the dash came on. I got pulled over and looked in the rear view mirror I seen flames. Quickly grabbed my stuff and got out of the car. The investigation at the time stated most of the heat was coming from the engine","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2077288"},{"cmplid":"2027441","date_received":"2024-09-25","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2008,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING","description":"The contact owns a 2008 Smart Fortwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000(Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed there was smoke coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught on fire. No warning lights illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle quickly and entered a mechanic shop and a mechanic put on safety gloves to extinguish the fire with a fire hose. The fire was able to be extinguished by the mechanic. The mechanic mentioned that the insulation mat detached from the vehicle and caught on fire.  No injuries were sustained. A fire report was not filed since the fire department was not at the scene. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's parents' home where it remained. The dealer was not contacted.  The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts Distribution Disconnect","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2027441"},{"cmplid":"2027442","date_received":"2024-09-25","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2008,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM","description":"The contact owns a 2008 Smart Fortwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000(Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed there was smoke coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught on fire. No warning lights illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle quickly and entered a mechanic shop and a mechanic put on safety gloves to extinguish the fire with a fire hose. The fire was able to be extinguished by the mechanic. The mechanic mentioned that the insulation mat detached from the vehicle and caught on fire.  No injuries were sustained. A fire report was not filed since the fire department was not at the scene. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's parents' home where it remained. The dealer was not contacted.  The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts Distribution Disconnect","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2027442"},{"cmplid":"2004913","date_received":"2024-07-04","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2016,"deaths":0,"injured":4,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"ENGINE","description":"Car shuts down while driving.  This happens usually after quick stops or sudden starts like at a red light or when a car suddenly stops on front of me. I have had this issue happen to me several times. I have tried contacting Mercedes-Benz and the dealership where I bought tge car but they do nothing. I need help getting this issue repaired.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2004913"},{"cmplid":"2004914","date_received":"2024-07-04","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2016,"deaths":0,"injured":4,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","description":"Car shuts down while driving.  This happens usually after quick stops or sudden starts like at a red light or when a car suddenly stops on front of me. I have had this issue happen to me several times. I have tried contacting Mercedes-Benz and the dealership where I bought tge car but they do nothing. I need help getting this issue repaired.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2004914"},{"cmplid":"2004915","date_received":"2024-07-04","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2016,"deaths":0,"injured":4,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","description":"Car shuts down while driving.  This happens usually after quick stops or sudden starts like at a red light or when a car suddenly stops on front of me. I have had this issue happen to me several times. I have tried contacting Mercedes-Benz and the dealership where I bought tge car but they do nothing. I need help getting this issue repaired.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2004915"},{"cmplid":"1906919","date_received":"2023-07-03","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO COUPE ELECTRIC","model_year":2015,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"UNKNOWN OR OTHER","description":"The driver was sitting a red light when flames started emerging from the hood.  The driver exited the car before the entire front of the car was engulfed in flames and ultimately destroyed.  It is unclear what caused the fire but it might have been a wiring harness (or at least there was a wiring harness in the front drivers area under the hood).  The car is available for inspection upon request.  The safety of the drivers was at risk; he was lucky to be at a red light although he was forced to exit in the middle of a busy street.  There is no problem to be reproduced but the incident was reported to Mercedes.  The vehicle has not been inspected but the police and fire departments were on scene.  There was no prior warning via lamps or other symptoms.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1906919"},{"cmplid":"1887666","date_received":"2023-04-14","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2016,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"ENGINE","description":"The car just shuts off while I am driving. I can tell now when it is about to shut off. I have had this problem since I purchased the car in 2016. I have taken the car to the dealership and called Mercedes Benz several times and they will not do anything. I will die because the car is getting worse and shuts off more frequently now. Can you get Mercedes Benz to help me? They told me that they don't care if I die due to a bad product they sold me. Please help. Please, I am begging you I do not want to hurt someone else due to this bad car.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1887666"},{"cmplid":"1887667","date_received":"2023-04-14","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2016,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS","description":"The car just shuts off while I am driving. I can tell now when it is about to shut off. I have had this problem since I purchased the car in 2016. I have taken the car to the dealership and called Mercedes Benz several times and they will not do anything. I will die because the car is getting worse and shuts off more frequently now. Can you get Mercedes Benz to help me? They told me that they don't care if I die due to a bad product they sold me. Please help. Please, I am begging you I do not want to hurt someone else due to this bad car.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1887667"},{"cmplid":"1841102","date_received":"2022-09-15","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2008,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"ENGINE","description":"We were driving in Greensboro NC this afternoon on the way to my husbands birthday dinner when off of Bridford? Parkway our 2008 smart car passion for two started malfunctioning all lights flashing on instrument panel & brakes quit & another motorist drove up beside us with window down screaming GET OUT YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE!!!  We managed to stop on side of road at woods & jumped out car was on fire looked like under back tires and engine in back! We grabbed what we could save & ran.  911 was called & fire and police came. 2 Witnesses also to event we have photos & videos.  Our car burned all the way down to frame! Total loss!  We could have died because we couldnt see the fire behind us under car & if not for the man we may have blown up!!","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1841102"},{"cmplid":"1841103","date_received":"2022-09-15","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2008,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","description":"We were driving in Greensboro NC this afternoon on the way to my husbands birthday dinner when off of Bridford? Parkway our 2008 smart car passion for two started malfunctioning all lights flashing on instrument panel & brakes quit & another motorist drove up beside us with window down screaming GET OUT YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE!!!  We managed to stop on side of road at woods & jumped out car was on fire looked like under back tires and engine in back! We grabbed what we could save & ran.  911 was called & fire and police came. 2 Witnesses also to event we have photos & videos.  Our car burned all the way down to frame! Total loss!  We could have died because we couldnt see the fire behind us under car & if not for the man we may have blown up!!","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1841103"},{"cmplid":"1841104","date_received":"2022-09-15","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2008,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"SERVICE BRAKES","description":"We were driving in Greensboro NC this afternoon on the way to my husbands birthday dinner when off of Bridford? Parkway our 2008 smart car passion for two started malfunctioning all lights flashing on instrument panel & brakes quit & another motorist drove up beside us with window down screaming GET OUT YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE!!!  We managed to stop on side of road at woods & jumped out car was on fire looked like under back tires and engine in back! We grabbed what we could save & ran.  911 was called & fire and police came. 2 Witnesses also to event we have photos & videos.  Our car burned all the way down to frame! Total loss!  We could have died because we couldnt see the fire behind us under car & if not for the man we may have blown up!!","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1841104"},{"cmplid":"1802633","date_received":"2022-03-20","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2016,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"STEERING","description":"Since purchasing the car the power steering has been bad. The dealership where I purchased the car and Mercedes refused to fix the issue. There is electrical issues and the gas tank gauge and gas tank have been replaced 3 times. Please do not purchase a Smart Car thecmakers do not stand behind their product. I took it to Mercedes Hampton VA Auto Mall and they are so rude. I have almost died 4 times due to bot bring able to turn steering wheel.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1802633"},{"cmplid":"1802634","date_received":"2022-03-20","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2016,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"SUSPENSION","description":"Since purchasing the car the power steering has been bad. The dealership where I purchased the car and Mercedes refused to fix the issue. There is electrical issues and the gas tank gauge and gas tank have been replaced 3 times. Please do not purchase a Smart Car thecmakers do not stand behind their product. I took it to Mercedes Hampton VA Auto Mall and they are so rude. I have almost died 4 times due to bot bring able to turn steering wheel.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1802634"},{"cmplid":"1802635","date_received":"2022-03-20","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2016,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","description":"Since purchasing the car the power steering has been bad. The dealership where I purchased the car and Mercedes refused to fix the issue. There is electrical issues and the gas tank gauge and gas tank have been replaced 3 times. Please do not purchase a Smart Car thecmakers do not stand behind their product. I took it to Mercedes Hampton VA Auto Mall and they are so rude. I have almost died 4 times due to bot bring able to turn steering wheel.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1802635"},{"cmplid":"1802639","date_received":"2022-03-20","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2016,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","description":"Since I purchased the car from Hampton Auto Mall 757 865 8000 there has been an issue with the steering, brakes, gas system, fuel gauge etc.. The dealership or Mercedes refuses to fix the problem since I purchased it in 2016. I have almost died due to steering problems and gas tank. Please get a mechanic to check the steering and for small tears in your gas tank on Smarts. The dealership I bought my car from refuses to fix issue because of lemon laws the Service Advisor told me so.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1802639"},{"cmplid":"1802640","date_received":"2022-03-20","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2016,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"ENGINE","description":"Since I purchased the car from Hampton Auto Mall 757 865 8000 there has been an issue with the steering, brakes, gas system, fuel gauge etc.. The dealership or Mercedes refuses to fix the problem since I purchased it in 2016. I have almost died due to steering problems and gas tank. Please get a mechanic to check the steering and for small tears in your gas tank on Smarts. The dealership I bought my car from refuses to fix issue because of lemon laws the Service Advisor told me so.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1802640"},{"cmplid":"1802641","date_received":"2022-03-20","make":"SMART","model":"FORTWO","model_year":2016,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"STEERING","description":"Since I purchased the car from Hampton Auto Mall 757 865 8000 there has been an issue with the steering, brakes, gas system, fuel gauge etc.. The dealership or Mercedes refuses to fix the problem since I purchased it in 2016. I have almost died due to steering problems and gas tank. Please get a mechanic to check the steering and for small tears in your gas tank on Smarts. The dealership I bought my car from refuses to fix issue because of lemon laws the Service Advisor told me so.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1802641"}]}