Smart Fortwo horn malfunction activates when steering wheel is pushed or during turns on Smart Fortwo

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Smart Fortwo owners report experiencing horn malfunctions that activate unexpectedly when the steering wheel is pushed or during turns. This issue may be related to the steering wheel's center section where the airbag is located, as wiggling this part can temporarily resolve the problem, indicating a potential fault in that area. Additionally, an inoperative horn could stem from a bad horn switch in the steering wheel, a broken "clock spring," a faulty horn relay, a broken wire, or a corroded ground, all of which should be checked to identify the root cause of the malfunction. Dirty button contacts on the horn button can also lead to issues, as accumulated debris may prevent proper electrical connection. In some cases, a melted and short-circuited steering wheel squib may require rewiring to fix the horn circuit. Lastly, if pressing the light grey section of the wheel triggers the horn instead of the airbag, this may indicate a problem with the clock spring. Addressing these concerns promptly can help ensure the horn functions properly and safely.

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