Smart Problems, Recalls & Safety Issues
Browse NHTSA safety recalls, owner complaints, and reliability data for every Smart model. Data sourced directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — updated daily.
Own a Smart? Check your specific VIN for a free vehicle history report.
Free · No signup · Powered by NHTSA
Most Recalled Smart Models
Totals across all model years. Click any model for the full breakdown by year.
All Smart Models — Problems & Recalls
Select a model to view NHTSA recall history, owner complaints, and common defects by year.
Smart Reliability FAQs
What Smart model has the most recalls?▼
The Smart Fortwo has the highest recall count among the models we track, followed by the . Recall counts are based on NHTSA campaigns across recent model years.
Is Smart reliable?▼
Smart reliability ratings vary by model and generation. Some models have strong long-term reliability records, while others have well-documented issues. Checking NHTSA complaints and recall history — as shown on this page — is one of the best free tools for evaluating a specific Smart before purchase.
What are common Smart problems?▼
Common problems reported for Smart vehicles to NHTSA include transmission failures, engine faults, electrical system defects, HVAC issues, and braking defects. The severity and frequency vary by model and year. Browse the model grid above and select a specific model for a detailed breakdown.
How do I check for open recalls on my Smart?▼
Enter your 17-character VIN in the check box above for a free, instant NHTSA recall lookup. You can also check recall.gov or call NHTSA's hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Recall repairs are always free through an authorized dealer.
More Smart Resources
Check a Specific Smart VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer records, title events, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free VIN Report →