Summary
The Smart Fortwo has 14 recalls spanning 2005 through 2019, with the most serious being a steering knuckle defect on 2017 models where casting imperfections can cause the left front knuckle to fracture under load, making the vehicle difficult or impossible to control.
The 2019 Electric Drive model has a separate high-severity concern: a weld inside the high-voltage battery can detach, cutting power and potentially causing an electrical arc that ignites inside the battery pack, creating both a stall risk and a fire risk. On 2016 models, three issues are worth noting. The shift interlock on double-clutch transmission vehicles can fail to hold the shifter in Park, allowing the vehicle to be moved out of Park without the brake applied or the ignition on. The parking brake cable lock nut can loosen over time, increasing lever travel until the brake no longer holds the car on a slope. There is also a headlight horizontal adjustment issue on 2016 models where the aiming mechanism was not properly sealed, allowing the beam to be moved outside its designed range and potentially blinding oncoming drivers.
The 2014-2015 model years share a steering gear concern: the bolts connecting the steering gear to the front crossmember can break during normal driving, degrading handling and raising the risk of a crash. This same bolt issue applies to 2014 vehicles including the electric coupe and convertible variants.
Going back further, 2008-2009 models have an engine compartment insulation mat that can deform, loosen, and contact hot exhaust components, creating a fire risk in the rear engine bay. The 2006 model year has a manufacturing issue where seat mounting bolts and seatbelt buckle fasteners may not have been torqued properly, leaving them unable to hold the seat and buckle in a crash. The earliest production, 2005 models, have door latches that can corrode or accumulate debris until the latch pawl sticks, preventing the door from closing securely while driving.
