Table 1 shows one common wheel related problems of the 2009 Smart Fortwo.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Wheel problems |
As I was driving to work on a highway at 55 mph, my car's right front wheel got ripped apart and my car got unstable to the point I almost killed myself. My car was towed and I was told that the car's tpms stem valve holder broke off while driving. This is not the first time it happens. The quality of the stem holders is bad and breaks all the time. Smart should recall these cars and change the pieces that could save lives.
The valve stems are cracking and if they fail while driving a driver may lose control. The cracked valve stems were noticed when the wheels were removed for service. Photos are available if needed.
I was driving from work when the front drivers side tire blew out. I purchased 4 new tires after this, then a couple of days after the purchase, the rear passenger tire blew out. Both times the pressure monitor in the valve let go. This lead to an immediate loss of tire pressure. Very dangerous I wrote Smart, but the never responded.
On January 1st 2013, I was driving home with my preowned 2009 Smart car brabus, I hit a average size pot hole but didn't really think about it much because I'm used to hitting these potholes. But as I drove on for another minute, the car started shaking violently to the point where I have to stop on the middle of the highway. And slowly pull over. Come to find out that my tires were popped, the rims are bent. After doing some research on the wheels, I found that there is not enough cushion to withstand impacts such as a decent size pothole or bump. I also went on the Smart car of America forums, other Smart car brabus owners also is going through what I'm going through. It is really weird for me especially I've driven the car for only 130 miles. The size of the tire(215/35r17) clearly shows that there is not enough cushion for any type of decent size impact.
Where do I begin? after about a year of owning my Smart car, I was driving on the highway doing about 70 mph when suddenly I feel my car pull to the right and start shaking. I pull safely to the shoulder to find the valve stem for my tire had detached and my tire was now flat. Not having a spare, I had to call a tow truck. The same issue happened to the remaining 3 tires in the following months to a year. While driving the valve stem would detach and all air depleting from the tires. I called the Smart dealer to be told this was impossible because the valve stems were bolted to the rim, well clearly not since it had happened to every tire. I have had multiple cylinder misfires with this car. I have had to replace the fuel pump. I have had to replace the alkaloid timing sensor. I have had to replace the blower motor for my heat and a/c. My headlights go out every other month. Car has stopped because a wire came loose in the battery. When I turn right or go on an onramp, I hear this awful clunking sound as if something is hitting a tin. When I go over bumps my car makes a squeaking sound. When going from park into reverse. . . Car will not go into gear. My car will read p and n. I have to turn my car off/on multiple times as well as mess with my shifter for about 5 minutes before I can go anywhere. The cherry on top happened today on my way home to akron from columbus. As I am driving on the highway with a semi truck behind me my car started losing speed, even when pushing the gas. I almost was struck by the semi due to the sudden decrease of speed but thankfully was able to pull off the highway. Once stopped, all lights came on and car shut off. Put my car in park to try to start my car again, nothing. My engine will rev but the engine will not turn over. Will find out what that is tomorrow hopefully. Car was brand new when purchased and bought the car 5yrs and 1 month ago.