2017 SMART FORTWO

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard shifts, especially 1st-to-2nd and during low-speed maneuvering, Clutch slipping under acceleration, loss of power delivery, Transmission overheating warnings, limp mode engagement, Grinding or clunking noises during gear changes

Fix: Transmission fluid and filter change can help early symptoms (2 hours labor), but most cases require clutch pack replacement or full transmission rebuild/replacement. Rebuild involves removing transmission, replacing clutch actuators, mechatronic unit, and both clutch packs—typically 12-16 hours labor plus parts. Many opt for remanufactured unit swap to save time.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under car, often near front, Low transmission fluid warnings on dash, Transmission overheating issues that escalate DCT problems, Pink or red fluid visible on cooler lines or radiator area

Fix: External oil cooler and lines corrode or develop leaks at fittings. Replacement involves draining system, removing front fascia for access, replacing cooler and lines, then refilling with expensive DCT-specific fluid. Takes 3-4 hours labor. Neglecting this accelerates transmission destruction.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: One or both headlights completely out, daytime running lights may still work, Flickering headlights, intermittent operation, Dashboard warning for lighting system fault, Moisture accumulation inside headlight housings (related issue)

Fix: The LED modules and control units fail prematurely, often due to moisture intrusion or internal board failures. Not a bulb swap—entire headlight assembly or internal LED module must be replaced. Each assembly takes 1-1.5 hours labor; both sides often fail within months of each other. Parts are expensive and dealer-only for OEM.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200 per side

Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, sweet smell, Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, Engine overheating, especially under load or hot weather, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap (coolant mixing with oil), Rough idle, misfires, check engine light

Fix: The 0.9L three-cylinder runs hot and the head gasket can fail, often accompanied by warped cylinder head. Repair requires engine removal or extreme contortion in the tiny engine bay—most shops pull the engine. 12-18 hours labor for head gasket, head resurfacing, and reassembly. If head is cracked, add head replacement cost. Often snowballs into timing chain and turbo inspection while apart.

Estimated cost: $3,000-5,500

Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive vibration at idle, worse with AC on, Clunking noises during acceleration or deceleration, Shifter vibration in cabin, Visible sagging or cracking of rubber mount material

Fix: The DCT and engine share mounts that wear quickly, partly due to the harsh shifts. Front and rear transmission mounts commonly fail. Replacement is straightforward—support drivetrain, unbolt old mounts, install new—but access is tight. 2-3 hours labor for both mounts. Often done alongside transmission work.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Symptoms: Intermittent electrical faults (wipers, windows, lights), No-start conditions, starter clicking but not engaging, Multiple dash warning lights illuminated simultaneously, Visible corrosion on fuse terminals or water inside fuse box

Fix: The engine bay fuse box sits low and forward—prone to water intrusion from rain or car washes, especially if seals age. Corrosion causes random gremlins. Fix involves cleaning/replacing corroded fuses and terminals, sealing box, sometimes replacing entire fuse box if damage is severe. Diagnosis is labor-intensive (1-2 hours), repair adds 2-3 hours if replacement needed.

Estimated cost: $300-1,200