MYRModel Year Report

2012 Smart Fortwo

○ Not enough data
2012 Smart Fortwo
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:40:28.948Z

Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Smart Fortwo Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2008: 139 complaints 2009: 100 complaints 2009 2010: 6 complaints 2011: 16 complaints 2011 2012: 8 complaints 2012 2013: 25 complaints 2013 2014: 13 complaints 2015: 6 complaints 2015 2016: 21 complaints 2017: 7 complaints 2017 2018: 1 complaints 2019: 1 complaints 2019
2012: 8 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20052
2008139
2009100
20106
201116
20128
201325
201413
20156
201621
20177
20181
20191

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SEAT BELTS

2 of 8 total reports mention: seat belts.

Show complaint excerpts

The driver side seat belt mount, which in this case is a steel cable, has mostly broken and frayed rendering it unsafe to drive. In the event of an accident, it would certainly break completely.

NHTSA ODI report, 20220118

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (5 LANE) IN MY 2012 SMART FORTWO PASSION COUPE IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT 65-70 MPH. ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY ACCELERATOR WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120722

AIR BAGS

2 of 8 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER CAR ON INTERSTATE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20160916

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SMART FORTWO. WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20141028

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 8 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

STRUCTURE

1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Smart Fortwo — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2012 Smart Fortwo reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Smart Fortwo?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Smart Fortwo have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.