Smart Fortwo
The Smart Fortwo is a city car produced from 1998, with a length of 2,593 mm and three-cylinder engines with a displacement of 700–1,000 cc. It has a top speed of 145 km/h. In 2019, seven were registered new in Norway. Six recall campaigns are listed in EU Safety Gate and two with the US NHTSA.
| Manufacturer | Daimler |
|---|---|
| Production | From 1998 |
| Body type | City car |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Kerb weight (average for cars registered in Finland) | 827 kg |
| Displacement (engines) | 700–1,000 cc |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Top speed | 145 km/h |
| Length | 2,588 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,551 mm |
| Height | 1,538 mm |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
New registrations by country (2025)
Number of Smart Fortwo cars registered for the first time across 3 European countries in 2025.
| Country | Registrations |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 2 |
| Italy | 2 |
| Denmark | 1 |
Source: EEA COâ‚‚ monitoring (CC BY 4.0), 2025 data.
Engine variants
European engine versions of the Smart Fortwo by displacement, from the Dutch register (RDW). 10 variants.
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Top speed | Economy | Model year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.7 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 135 km/h | – | – |
| 0.7 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 135 km/h | – | – |
| 0.9 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 155 km/h | – | – |
| 0.9 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 165 km/h | – | – |
| 0.9 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 155 km/h | – | – |
| 0.9 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 165 km/h | – | – |
| 1.0 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 155 km/h | – | – |
| 1.0 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 155 km/h | – | – |
| 1.0 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 147 km/h | – | – |
| 1.0 l · 3-cyl | – | – | 149 km/h | – | – |
Source: RDW (NL). European engine variants.
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 recall campaigns 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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the top speed of the Smart Fortwo?
- The Smart Fortwo has a rated top speed of 145 km/h.
- What are the dimensions of the Smart Fortwo?
- The Smart Fortwo is 2,588 mm long, 1,551 mm wide and 1,538 mm tall.
- How much does the Smart Fortwo weigh?
- The Smart Fortwo has a kerb weight of about 827 kg.
- How many seats does the Smart Fortwo have?
- The Smart Fortwo has 2 seats.