2015–2019 · 5 model years · 5 recalls

smart fortwo problems by year

We don't rate the smart fortwo yet, because we don't have its sales figures. The 2016 has the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (40). Owners complain most about electrical system. Popular years get more complaints, so treat these counts as a guide to what goes wrong, not a ranking.

Most common problems

Electrical system11
Engine & cooling11
Brakes6
Airbags & seat belts5
Body, glass & interior5
Transmission & drivetrain3

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, all years 2015–2019.

Every smart fortwo year at a glance

Model yearReliabilityComplaintsRecallsBest mpg
2019 fortwoNot rated yet11108
2018 fortwoNot rated yet10108
2017 fortwoNot rated yet151108
2016 fortwoNot rated yet402107
2015 fortwoNot rated yet151107

Reliability compares each year with similar cars from 2015 to 2024, using owner complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold. Complaint counts on their own aren't a score: popular cars get more of them.

Questions people ask

What are the most common smart fortwo problems?

Owners complain most about electrical system, engine & cooling, brakes.

Which smart fortwo year has the most recalls?

The 2016, with 2 recalls on record with NHTSA.