VehicleVerdict

2016 Smart Fortwo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 39 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median Fortwo year — the 2016 model ranks #3 of 13 Fortwo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (9), fuel system (7), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

39

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

18

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Fortwo years?

Fortwo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted175 complaints2005: 4 complaints2008: 175 complaints2009: 139 complaints2010: 8 complaints2011: 23 complaints2012: 11 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 14 complaints2015: 10 complaints2016: 39 complaints2017: 13 complaints2018: 1 complaints2019: 1 complaints
Fortwo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fortwo years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Smart Fortwo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine923%
Fuel System718%
Electrical System513%
Brakes410%
Other38%
Body & Structure25%
Steering25%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Tires & Wheels13%
Transmission13%
Suspension13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Driver Assistance13%

Does the 2016 Smart Fortwo have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V448000BrakesJuly 16, 2017 · 5,061 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 smart fortwo vehicles. In these vehicles, the lock nut that secures the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever may loosen over time, resulting in increased parking brake lever travel before the parking brake engages.

Consequence

As the parking brake lever travel increases, the holding force may decrease to a point where the vehicle is no longer safely secured in all parking situations, allowing the vehicle to unexpectedly move when parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SMART FORTWO. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR AND OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 8, 2017 · fire

“Since purchasing the car the power steering has been bad. The dealership where I purchased the car and Mercedes refused to fix the issue. There is electrical issues and the gas tank gauge and gas tank have been replaced 3 times. Please do not purchase a Smart Car thecmakers do not stand behind…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 21, 2016 · crash

“Since I purchased the car from Hampton Auto Mall [PHONE] there has been an issue with the steering, brakes, gas system, fuel gauge etc.. The dealership or Mercedes refuses to fix the problem since I purchased it in 2016. I have almost died due to steering problems and gas tank. Please get a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 15, 2016 · crash

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 2, 2020 · crash · fire

“Three weeks after got the car from carmax check engine light went on and the after a smell of burning oil every time after driving somewhere. Cruise control failure about a month and half after getting the car, spring shocks in bad condition. Front windshield replaced looks like by the writing on…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 2, 2022

2016 Smart Fortwo — common questions

Is the 2016 Smart Fortwo reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 39 complaints put the 2016 model at #3 of 13 Fortwo years. It is one of the Fortwo years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Fortwo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2016 Smart Fortwo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Smart Fortwo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 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.