2016 Smart Fortwo
Only 21 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 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2016: 21 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 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
8 of 21 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-04
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and electrical system
Fuel/propulsion system
7 of 21 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
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 ODI report, 2020-09-09
Also filed under Service brakes and wheels
I noticed that my gas gauge was giving me incorrect readings. The gas tank according to the owners manual holds 8+ gallons of gas. When I get a low fuel warning if I "Fill up" The tank it only takes between 5 and 6 gallons.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-05
My new car and many others have gas gauges that do not work properly at all! You don't know how much gas is in your tank at all.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-02-05
Electrical system
5 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.
Service brakes
4 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes.
Structure
2 of 21 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2017-09-20Parking brake17V448000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 smart fortwo vehicles.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake cable lock nut, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Smart Fortwo — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V448000 · Parking brake
FAQ
- Is the 2016 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 2016 Smart Fortwo?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Smart Fortwo have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-22 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.