MYRModel Year Report

2016 Smart Fortwo

○ Not enough data
2016 Smart Fortwo
RENDERED 2026-09-16T13:56:17.188Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Smart Fortwo Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2016 highlighted. 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2008: 140 complaints 2009: 100 complaints 2009 2010: 6 complaints 2011: 16 complaints 2011 2012: 8 complaints 2013: 25 complaints 2013 2014: 13 complaints 2015: 6 complaints 2015 2016: 21 complaints 2016 2017: 7 complaints 2017 2018: 1 complaints 2019: 1 complaints 2019
2016: 21 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20052
2008140
2009100
20106
201116
20128
201325
201413
20156
201621
20177
20181
20191

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.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20240704

Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 of 21 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20200909

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, 20160705

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. HTTP://WWW.SMARTCAROFAMERICA.COM/FORUMS/F208/2016-GAS-GAUGE-ISSUE-107826/

NHTSA ODI report, 20160205

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.

CRASH INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES

4 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
STRUCTURE

2 of 21 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20170920 — parking brake

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.

Campaign 17V448000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2016 Smart Fortwo — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 17V448000 (parking brake) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.