Smart Fortwo

Engine power, CO₂ and kerb weight are registration-weighted averages across the 3 European countries that registered the Smart Fortwo in 2025 (5 cars). Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0).

New registrations by country (2025)

Number of Smart Fortwo cars registered for the first time across 3 European countries in 2025.

Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0), 2025 data.

Other Smart models

Similar City car models

Common problems & reliability

US owners have filed 10 complaints for the Smart Fortwo, most often about electrical system, power train, steering, seat belts. These are owner-reported issues, useful for spotting recurring weaknesses before you buy.

Based on real owner complaints and inspection data — not an editorial rating. Sources: NHTSA (US, public domain).

Recalls & safety

6 recalls recorded in the EU Safety Gate (European market) and 2 in the US-market NHTSA database for the Smart Fortwo. Recalls can flag known weaknesses of the model.

• Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Romania)

  As a result of the weakening of the braking rope wrench adjustment knob, the hand brake lever travel could be prolonged gradually. Thus, the parking brake may not exert the necessary force in all situations.

  EU Safety Gate · alerted 2017-09-29

• Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)

  EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-05-22

• Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)

  The strength of the left front steering knuckle may be insufficient. As a result, the steering knuckle could break, affecting the control of the vehicle.

  EU Safety Gate · alerted 2017-10-13

• Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)

  At high vehicle speed, combined with strong wind, the plastic front service hatch (located between the windscreen and headlights) can detach from the vehicle and fall into the traffic area.

  EU Safety Gate · alerted 2016-06-10

• Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)

  The steering mechanism screws used for some vehicles may break, especially if subject to repeated vibrations. This may cause loss of control of the vehicle.

  EU Safety Gate · alerted 2015-06-05

• Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)

  EU Safety Gate · alerted 2021-07-23

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERYUS · NHTSAModel year 2019

  Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling one 2019 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive vehicle. A welded joint within the high-voltage battery main cell conductors may detach and interrupt electrical contact, resulting in sudden battery failure. The detached weld may also cause an electrical arc which can ignite inside the battery cells.

  Remedy: MBUSA will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace the high-voltage battery, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030009.

  NHTSA campaign 20V107000 · reported 24/02/2020

• STEERINGUS · NHTSAModel year 2017

  Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 smart fortwo and smart fortwo Cabriolet vehicles. Casting imperfections may result in the failure of the left front axle steering knuckle.

  Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle steering knuckle, replacing any from the affected batch, free of charge. The recall October 13, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

  NHTSA campaign 17V447000 · reported 14/07/2017

Sources: EU Safety Gate (European market) and NHTSA (US market). See all Smart recalls.