MotorDeets

Smart Fortwo problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Fortwo from 2005 to 2019: 346 owner complaints and 6 recalls across 13 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2008 (140), 2009 (100), 2013 (25). Best fuel economy: 108 mpg combined (2018).

Smart Fortwo
Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine82
Transmission & drivetrain71
Electrical57
Other / unknown44
Seat belts34
Body & structure25
Fuel & propulsion25
Engine & cooling23

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200502–
2008214036
2009110036
20100636
201101636
20120836
201302536
201401336
20150636
201612135
20171735
201801108
201911–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Smart Fortwo.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Smart Fortwo?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2008 (140), 2009 (100), 2013 (25).

How many recalls has the Smart Fortwo had?

Across 2005–2019, NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).