FaultScore

Smart Fortwo Cabrio vs Ford F53

Both cars' complete complaint records, side by side.

Read the totals carefully. NHTSA publishes no sales figures, so the car that sold more collects more complaints regardless of quality. The rows worth weighing are the proportions — the share of complaints that involved harm, and which part dominates.

Measure Smart Fortwo Cabrio Ford F53
Complaints on file 36 89
Model years covered 2008–2009 1990–2021
Worst model year
Best model year
Crashes reported 3 0
Fires reported 5 2
Injuries reported 3 2
Deaths reported 0 0
Most complained-about part Electrical System Suspension
Share of complaints involving harm 30.6% 4.5%

Smart Fortwo Cabrio by year

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks

Electrical System 11 30.6%
Transmission & Drivetrain 8 22.2%
Engine & Cooling 3 8.3%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 3 8.3%
Body & Structure 2 5.6%
Seat Belts 2 5.6%
Airbags 1 2.8%
Lights 1 2.8%

Ford F53 by year

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks

Suspension 21 23.6%
Transmission & Drivetrain 11 12.4%
Brakes 11 12.4%
Engine & Cooling 10 11.2%
Steering 7 7.9%
Electrical System 5 5.6%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 5 5.6%
Wheels 4 4.5%