Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 7 | −47% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2016 | 22 | 1.6× | 2 | Engine | Caution |
| 2015 | 8 | −47% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2014 | 13 | −18% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2013 | 25 | 1.9× | — | Seat Belt | Caution |
| 2012 | 8 | −47% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2011 | 16 | 1.2× | — | Engine | Average |
| 2010 | 6 | −53% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2009 | 100 | 5.0× | 1 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2008 | 160 | 7.6× | 2 | Engine | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median fortwo year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Smart fortwo problems
Latest Smart fortwo recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles. The rear insulation mat in the engine compartment may deform, deteriorate, and loosen over time, allowing the mat to contact hot exhaust system components.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear insulation mat with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began in July 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Parking brake
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 smart fortwo vehicles. In these vehicles, the lock nut that secures the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever may loosen over time, resulting in increased parking brake lever travel before the parking brake engages.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake cable lock nut, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Steering
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.
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.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Smart Fortwo vehicles. The horizontal headlight adjustment mechanism on these vehicles may not have been properly sealed off to prevent future adjustment.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct sealing caps to prevent the headlights from being adjusted horizontally, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2017.
Steering
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Smart Fortwo Coupes and Convertibles, and 2014 Fortwo Coupe Electric and Fortwo Convertible Electric vehicles. The affected vehicles have steering gear mounting bolts which may break during vehicle operation.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began on May 8, 2015. Owners may contact Smart customer service at 1-800-762-7887.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Smart fortwo should you avoid?
2008, 2009, 2013 and 2016 — these years have the most complaints relative to other fortwo years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2008.
What is the best year for the Smart fortwo?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other fortwo years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2015. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Smart fortwo problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (107), transmission & drivetrain (79) and electrical system (56). Engine complaints peak in the 2008 model year.
How many recalls has the Smart fortwo had?
6 recalls across 2008–2017. The model year with the most is 2008. See all Smart fortwo recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.