2016 smart Fortwo Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 smart Fortwo.

20152017
Complaints
39
Crashes
11
Fires
4
Injuries
18
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2016 smart Fortwo Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#18 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:28,200 mi
Crash-related:1
#27 complaints

Fuel System

Avg mileage:1,356 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:1
#35 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:10,900 mi
Crash-related:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 smart Fortwo.

Engine Problems
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
28,200
Fuel System
7
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
1,356
Electrical Faults
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
10,900
Brakes
4
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 smart Fortwo. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2016 smart Fortwo

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~5,061 vehicles.

17V448000Parking Brake
~5,061 affected

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.

Other smart Fortwo Years

2016 smart Fortwo — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 smart Fortwo reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2016 smart Fortwo has 39 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 8 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2016 smart Fortwo?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (8 complaints, avg 28,200 mi); Fuel System (7 complaints, avg 1,356 mi); Electrical Faults (5 complaints, avg 10,900 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 smart Fortwo?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 14,480 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2016 smart Fortwo?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 smart Fortwo include 11 crash-related reports, 4 fire reports, 18 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2016 smart Fortwo have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 5,061 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2016 smart Fortwo?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full smart Fortwo reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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