Owners have filed 39 complaints
about the 2016 Smart Fortwo with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 38
Against the median year of the Smart Fortwo. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
61.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
77% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2016 Smart Fortwo
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
923.1%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 3,500 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
717.9%
2 crashes, 1 fires · median 62 mi
Electrical System
512.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 13,700 mi
Brakes
410.3%
2 crashes, 1 fires · median 3,500 mi
Other & Unspecified
37.7%
Median failure at 25,530 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
25.1%
Median failure at 13,333 miles
Body & Structure
25.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 51,000 mi
Steering
25.1%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Equipment & Accessories
12.6%
Median failure at 13,333 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
12.6%
Wheels
12.6%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 35 mi
Suspension
12.6%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
12.6%
Median failure at 3,500 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
940.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
418.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
418.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
522.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2016peak 6Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Smart Fortwo
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
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. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
Recalls on the 2016 Smart Fortwo
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20173946 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with a double clutch transmission, the actuation lock inside the gearshift lever module may not function as designed. As a result, the gearshift lever might be able to be moved from "PARK" without the application of the brake pedal and the ignition being in the "ON" position. If the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement could occur if the unlock button is depressed and the transmission is shifted out of "PARK", which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update the software of the transmission control unit.
Recall 2017353308 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the lock nut that secures the bowden cable to the parking brake lever might loosen over time, which may result in increased parking brake lever travel. Should the parking brake lever travel increase, the parking brake could have less holding force than intended, which could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the lock nut.
Recall 20171435 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. Vehicles may have been assembled with headlamps that allow for horizontal adjustment, which is contrary to the requirements of the standard. This could reduce vehicle visibility, or could adversely affect the vision of oncoming drivers during low light and night time conditions, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install sealing caps on the headlamps to seal the adjustment screws.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Newport News, VA4 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11598820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA4 injured
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11598820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA4 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11598820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA1 injured
ENGINE
The car just shuts off while I am driving. I can tell now when it is about to shut off. I have had this problem since I purchased the car in 2016. I have taken the car to the dealership and called Mercedes Benz several times and they will not do anything. I will die because the car is getting worse and shuts off more frequently now. Can you get Mercedes Benz to help me? They told me that they don't care if I die due to a bad product they sold me. Please help. Please, I am begging you I do not want to hurt someone else due to this bad car.
NHTSA complaint #11517032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The car just shuts off while I am driving. I can tell now when it is about to shut off. I have had this problem since I purchased the car in 2016. I have taken the car to the dealership and called Mercedes Benz several times and they will not do anything. I will die because the car is getting worse and shuts off more frequently now. Can you get Mercedes Benz to help me? They told me that they don't care if I die due to a bad product they sold me. Please help. Please, I am begging you I do not want to hurt someone else due to this bad car.
NHTSA complaint #11517032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VACrash
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11457487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Miamisburg, OH
ENGINE
I have had it for 6 years. And it has been in for repair, at least 7 times in those somewhere around one time per year. Sometimes twice. All for heating 3 times same piece not sure what to do but it always has to do with no heat to car or overheating my insurance through carmax bout to end gonna cost me alot to keep it even though I love the car seems like a massive problem that mercedes should do something about I've called and got tge run a round
NHTSA complaint #11722865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA4 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11598820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA4 injured
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11598820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA4 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11598820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,299 milesChesterfield, VA
ENGINE
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. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 58,299.
NHTSA complaint #11585774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA1 injured
ENGINE
The car just shuts off while I am driving. I can tell now when it is about to shut off. I have had this problem since I purchased the car in 2016. I have taken the car to the dealership and called Mercedes Benz several times and they will not do anything. I will die because the car is getting worse and shuts off more frequently now. Can you get Mercedes Benz to help me? They told me that they don't care if I die due to a bad product they sold me. Please help. Please, I am begging you I do not want to hurt someone else due to this bad car.
NHTSA complaint #11517032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The car just shuts off while I am driving. I can tell now when it is about to shut off. I have had this problem since I purchased the car in 2016. I have taken the car to the dealership and called Mercedes Benz several times and they will not do anything. I will die because the car is getting worse and shuts off more frequently now. Can you get Mercedes Benz to help me? They told me that they don't care if I die due to a bad product they sold me. Please help. Please, I am begging you I do not want to hurt someone else due to this bad car.
NHTSA complaint #11517032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VACrash
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11457487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VACrash1 injured
STEERING
Since I purchased the car from Hampton Auto Mall 757 865 8000 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.
NHTSA complaint #11457491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VACrash
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11457487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Since I purchased the car from Hampton Auto Mall 757 865 8000 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.
NHTSA complaint #11457491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VACrash1 injured
ENGINE
Since I purchased the car from Hampton Auto Mall 757 865 8000 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.
NHTSA complaint #11457491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VACrash
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.
NHTSA complaint #11457487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Novato, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11448747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Novato, CA
SERVICE 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.
NHTSA complaint #11448747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Novato, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11448747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NYCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
The roof detached on the highway. It was just replaced by Mercedes Benz in Manhattan and a couple of weeks later when it went on a highway, the roof flew up and I had to hold on to it for dear life while I was searching for a shoulder since they don’t have them everywhere on the East Coast. I didn’t want anyone behind me to be killed. I didn’t want myself to be killed either. It’s very hard to drive with wind and a roof coming against you. As soon as I found a shoulder I bumped a street sign in a bush because it was so narrow and then the tow truck driver had to come and bring a ratchet straps to secure my roof to the car. He had to block traffic with his tow truck so we didn’t get hit and die. Then I had to drive five hours with my roof detached from Washington DC to New York because it was Labor Day and they were no mechanics open. It was TERRIFYING. I have nightmares. I had lives on my hands and my own. If it had flown off completely, which it would have if I didn’t pull it down as I pulled over, someone would have been killed and I could have crashed driving and holding my roof down at the same time.
NHTSA complaint #11432522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesNevada City, CACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11383048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35 milesNewport News, VACrashFire
WHEELS
THE BRAKES ARE SLIPPING BAD. THEY HAVE BEEN SLIPPING SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2016. THE GAS TANK IS LEAKING AND HAS LEAKED INTO THE CAB OF THE CAR. THE GAS TANK HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11353926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35 milesNewport News, VACrashFire
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKES ARE SLIPPING BAD. THEY HAVE BEEN SLIPPING SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2016. THE GAS TANK IS LEAKING AND HAS LEAKED INTO THE CAB OF THE CAR. THE GAS TANK HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11353926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35 milesNewport News, VACrashFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE BRAKES ARE SLIPPING BAD. THEY HAVE BEEN SLIPPING SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2016. THE GAS TANK IS LEAKING AND HAS LEAKED INTO THE CAB OF THE CAR. THE GAS TANK HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11353926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,700 milesHillsborough, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PARKED FOR A MONTH. AFTER A MONTH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAN FRANCISCO 500 8TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103 WHERE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT MERCEDES WOULD NOT COVER THE VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THE LACK OF SERVICE UPKEEP. THE DEALER PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE OF $15,000.00 FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DECLINED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,700.
NHTSA complaint #11299810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesNEW Caney, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY 2016 SMART CAR AT ONLY 51000 MILES HAD TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY ALMOST RESULTING IN CRASH. MY CAR WENT FROM 65 MILES A HOUR, THEN WARNING LIGHT SAID TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND CAR WAS UNABLE TO EXCEL RATE OR BREAK, THE EMERGENCY BREAK WAS THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME. MERCEDES DIAGNOSED A WIG WAS ABLE TO FLY UP UNDER CAR AND GET WRAPPED AROUND AXELS, TRANSMISSION, AND BREAK BELTS. THE CAR WAS TOTALED FROM A WIG. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT THE UNDERNEATH IS LEFT VULNERABLE TO A OBJECT BEING ABLE TO CAUSE SO MUCH DAMAGE, THAT COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN A FATAL CAR CRASH. THIS HAPPENED ON HWY 59 SOUTH HOUSTON, WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11256423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesNEW Caney, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY 2016 SMART CAR AT ONLY 51000 MILES HAD TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY ALMOST RESULTING IN CRASH. MY CAR WENT FROM 65 MILES A HOUR, THEN WARNING LIGHT SAID TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND CAR WAS UNABLE TO EXCEL RATE OR BREAK, THE EMERGENCY BREAK WAS THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME. MERCEDES DIAGNOSED A WIG WAS ABLE TO FLY UP UNDER CAR AND GET WRAPPED AROUND AXELS, TRANSMISSION, AND BREAK BELTS. THE CAR WAS TOTALED FROM A WIG. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT THE UNDERNEATH IS LEFT VULNERABLE TO A OBJECT BEING ABLE TO CAUSE SO MUCH DAMAGE, THAT COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN A FATAL CAR CRASH. THIS HAPPENED ON HWY 59 SOUTH HOUSTON, WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11256423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesNEW Caney, TX
ENGINE
MY 2016 SMART CAR AT ONLY 51000 MILES HAD TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY ALMOST RESULTING IN CRASH. MY CAR WENT FROM 65 MILES A HOUR, THEN WARNING LIGHT SAID TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND CAR WAS UNABLE TO EXCEL RATE OR BREAK, THE EMERGENCY BREAK WAS THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME. MERCEDES DIAGNOSED A WIG WAS ABLE TO FLY UP UNDER CAR AND GET WRAPPED AROUND AXELS, TRANSMISSION, AND BREAK BELTS. THE CAR WAS TOTALED FROM A WIG. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT THE UNDERNEATH IS LEFT VULNERABLE TO A OBJECT BEING ABLE TO CAUSE SO MUCH DAMAGE, THAT COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN A FATAL CAR CRASH. THIS HAPPENED ON HWY 59 SOUTH HOUSTON, WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11256423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.