2013 Smart Fortwo
Only 25 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 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2013: 25 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 25 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
7 of 25 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
Seat belt anchor to vehicle on driver side of vehicle frayed and broke away with normal routine use.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-03
Left driver side seat belt is connected by a cable to the car body. We discovered that the cable had failed and only a couple of strands were holding the seat belt to the car. My wife discovered it by accident when getting out of the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-28
Engine
6 of 25 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Smart for two. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power. In addition, the contact noticed white smoke. The failure occurred without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-13
I was on the onramp to a very busy highway going about 50 MPH so that I could merge into traffic without slowing traffic down. All of a sudden I lost power. I was able to coast into the right shoulder before the vehicle lost it's momentum.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-21
Power train
5 of 25 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
Transmission gets stuck in park and sometimes seems like it struggles to change gears.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-27
Electrical system
3 of 25 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Smart Fortwo. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a burning odor and observed smoke. The fire department determined that the battery casing melted. The vehicle was not charging at the time of the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-09-21
Structure
2 of 25 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Smart Fortwo — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2013 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 2013 Smart Fortwo?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 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.