Most common 2016 Smart fortwo problems
Share of the 22 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 →
2016 Smart fortwo recalls (2)
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Smart fortwo:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2016 Smart fortwo owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2016 Smart ForTwo. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated with a loud whirring noise. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the air intake changeover valves had failed. The independent mechanic advised the contact that the parts needed to fix the vehicle were difficult to locate. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that about a month later, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact took the vehicle to the same independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a secondary air injection pump failure. The independent mechanic advised the contact that the parts were difficult to find. The contact found the parts, and the vehicle was repaired. The check engine warning light illuminated again. …
Since I purchased the car from Hampton Auto Mall [phone] there has been an issue with the steering, brakes, gas system, fuel gauge etc.. The dealership or Mercedes refuses to fix the problem since I purchased it in 2016. I have almost died due to steering problems and gas tank. Please get a mechanic to check the steering and for small tears in your gas tank on Smarts. The dealership I bought my car from refuses to fix issue because of lemon laws the Service Advisor told me so.
Fuel & propulsion system
Since purchasing the car the power steering has been bad. The dealership where I purchased the car and Mercedes refused to fix the issue. There is electrical issues and the gas tank gauge and gas tank have been replaced 3 times. Please do not purchase a Smart Car thecmakers do not stand behind their product. I took it to Mercedes Hampton VA Auto Mall and they are so rude. I have almost died 4 times due to bot bring able to turn steering wheel.
Car shuts down while driving. This happens usually after quick stops or sudden starts like at a red light or when a car suddenly stops on front of me. I have had this issue happen to me several times. I have tried contacting Mercedes-Benz and the dealership where I bought tge car but they do nothing. I need help getting this issue repaired.
Brakes
Three weeks after got the car from carmax check engine light went on and the after a smell of burning oil every time after driving somewhere. Cruise control failure about a month and half after getting the car, spring shocks in bad condition. Front windshield replaced looks like by the writing on the upper corner driver side (pieces of glass found on the car). Cargo cover missing and no mats.
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Smart fortwo. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and uncertain if whether he depressed the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal; the vehicle accelerated off the road and hit a tree. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact sustained minor bruising at a result of the accident but did not seek medical treatment. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was totaled and remained at the scene of accident. The dealer nor the manufacturer nor the dealer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be towed from the scene of the accident. The possible failure mileage was 50,000.
2016 Smart fortwo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Single-speed | RWD | 122 / 93 / 107 MPGe | 68 mi |
| 0.9L 3-cyl turbo | 6-speed dual-clutch | RWD | 33 / 39 / 35 | — |
| 0.9L 3-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | RWD | 31 / 39 / 34 | — |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Smart fortwo a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 fortwo rates use caution: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the fortwo at the same age. It is one of the fortwo years we suggest avoiding. 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 2016 Smart fortwo?
The engine & cooling — 9 complaints, 41% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (7) and brakes (5).
How many recalls does the 2016 Smart fortwo have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2016 Smart fortwo, the most recent from July 16, 2017 (parking brake). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2016 Smart fortwo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 10,000 miles; 79% 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.