2013 Smart Fortwo problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 35 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Fortwo year — the 2013 model ranks #4 of 13 Fortwo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (7), engine (6), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
35
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2013 compare to other Fortwo years?
What are the most common 2013 Smart Fortwo problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 7 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“LEFT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT IS CONNECTED BY A CABLE TO THE CAR BODY. WE DISCOVERED THAT THE CABLE HAD FAILED AND ONLY A COUPLE OF STRANDS WERE HOLDING THE SEAT BELT TO THE CAR. MY WIFE DISCOVERED IT BY ACCIDENT WHEN GETTING OUT OF THE CAR. PHOTOS ATTACHED. MERCEDES CHARGED ME $450 TO REPLACE SEAT…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SMART FOR TWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED WHITE SMOKE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR HESITATED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS SLOW TO RESPOND AND ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS, BRAKES, AND ROTORS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY HAD TO CHANGE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SMART FORTWO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR AND OBSERVED SMOKE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT THE BATTERY CASING MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT CHARGING AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…”
“ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16TH WHEN TRYING TO START MY 2013 SMART FORTWO BRABUS, THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD STARTED FLICKING, SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM THE AC VENTS, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND EXPLODED, FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY ON A CITY STREET AT…”
2013 Smart Fortwo — common questions
Is the 2013 Smart Fortwo reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 35 complaints put the 2013 model at #4 of 13 Fortwo years. It is one of the Fortwo years to avoid.
What are the most common 2013 Fortwo problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).
Does the 2013 Smart Fortwo have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2013 Smart Fortwo.
Is the 2013 Smart Fortwo under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Smart Fortwo years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fortwo years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2016, 2013. The cleanest record among Fortwo years belongs to 2019.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.