VehicleVerdict

Smart Fortwo years to avoid

The Smart Fortwo years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2016, 2013 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2019 is the cleanest year on record.

473

Total complaints

5

Recall campaigns

2005–2019

Years covered

4

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Fortwo years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2008High complaint rate175
2009High complaint rate139
2016High complaint rate39
2013High complaint rate35

Every Fortwo year

YearComplaintsRecalls
201911
201810
2017131
2016avoid391
2015100
2014140
2013avoid350
2012110
2011230
201080
2009avoid1391
2008avoid1752
200540

Common questions

What are the worst Smart Fortwo years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Fortwo years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2016, 2013. The cleanest year on record is 2019.

What is the best year for the Smart Fortwo?

By complaint volume, 2019 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Fortwo years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Smart Fortwo have?

Across all model years, the Fortwo has 5 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 473 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.