Smart Fortwo Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Smart Fortwo? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Smart Fortwo — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019Best | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2018 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2017 | Excellent | — | 4 | — | — | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2016 | Good | 2 | 19 | 5 | 1 | — | Fuel/Propulsion System | Full report → |
| 2015 | Excellent | — | 10 | 1 | 1 | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2014 | Excellent | — | 10 | — | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2013 | Excellent | — | 9 | — | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2012 | Excellent | — | 8 | — | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2011 | Good | — | 16 | 3 | 2 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2010 | Excellent | — | 6 | — | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2009 | Caution | — | 75 | 3 | 2 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2008Worst | Avoid | 1 | 125 | 3 | 6 | 1 | Engine | Full report → |
12 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Smart Fortwo Problems
Based on 282 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Fortwo Years to Avoid
Best Fortwo Years to Buy
Smart Fortwo Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Smart Fortwo Reliability
What year Fortwo has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2008 Smart Fortwo had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 125 complaints and 1 safety recalls. See the full 2008 report for specific defects.
Is the Smart Fortwo reliable?
The Smart Fortwo has accumulated 282 owner-filed complaints and 3 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 1 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2019 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Fortwo.
What are the most common Fortwo problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Power Train (48 reports), Engine (46 reports), Electrical System (34 reports), Engine And Engine Cooling (20 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Fortwo has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Smart Fortwo 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 discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Smart Fortwo VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily