Most common 2012 Smart fortwo problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Smart fortwo complaints by model year
Best fortwo years: 2010, 2012, 2015. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2013, 2016. Compare all years →
2012 Smart fortwo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0L 3-cyl | 5-speed dual-clutch | RWD | 34 / 38 / 36 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Smart fortwo a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 fortwo rates better than average: 47% fewer complaints than a typical year of the fortwo at the same age. It is one of the best fortwo years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Smart fortwo?
The electrical system — 2 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (2) and seat belts (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Smart fortwo have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Smart fortwo. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Smart fortwo?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2012 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2016. See the full Smart fortwo years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Smart fortwo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 32,000 miles; 71% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.