smart Fortwo years to avoid
More than twice the Fortwo's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best smart Fortwo years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
smart Fortwo complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common smart Fortwo problems
All model years combined.
- Engine105
- Transmission71
- Electrical57
- Seat belts34
- Fuel system31
- Body25
- Brakes20
- Airbags16
- Visibility11
- Wheels9
- Tires8
- Steering8
Most reported problems on the smart Fortwo
smart Fortwo problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | - | 1 | Electrical | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2018 | - | 1 | Electrical | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2017 | - | 7 | Electrical | 1 | 0 | Fewest complaints | |
| 2016 | - | 21 | Engine | 5,300 | 1 | 5 | |
| 2015 | - | 6 | Engine | 16,325 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2014 | - | 13 | Engine | 6,157 | 0 | 0 | Fewest complaints |
| 2013 | - | 25 | Seat belts | 13,000 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2012 | - | 8 | Airbags | 32,000 | 0 | 2 | Fewest complaints |
| 2011 | - | 16 | Engine | 32,000 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2010 | - | 6 | Engine | 37,900 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2009 | - | 100 | Engine | 38,500 | 1 | 3 | Avoid |
| 2008 | - | 140 | Engine | 39,457 | 2 | 7 | Avoid |
| 2005 | - | 2 | Airbags | 0 | 0 |
Recalls 5
smart Fortwo warranty extensions
Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.
- In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the...
- In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the...
- Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain...
Questions about the smart Fortwo
What years of the smart Fortwo should you avoid?
2008 and 2009. Each has more than twice the smart Fortwo's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2008 alone has 140, mostly about engine and transmission.
What is the best year for a used smart Fortwo?
2017, 2012 and 2014 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (7, 8 and 13).
What is the most common problem with the smart Fortwo?
Engine, with 105 complaints across all years, followed by transmission (71) and electrical (57).
How many recalls does the smart Fortwo have?
5 recalls between 2005 and 2019. The 2008 model year has the most, with 2.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used smart Fortwo?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history