2012 Smart Fortwo
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.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 8 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2008 | 140 |
| 2009 | 100 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2013 | 25 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 21 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
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, 2022-01-18
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, 2012-07-22
Air bags
2 of 8 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was hit from behind and pushed into another car on interstate. Air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-16
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, 2014-10-28
Vehicle speed control
1 of 8 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Structure
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Smart Fortwo — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
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 2026-09-22 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.