This page covers 4 recalls, 22 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Smart Fortwo.
34–35 mpg combined
6.7–6.9 L/100km
Two Seaters
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant pattern in 2016 Smart Fortwo complaints centers on the fuel and propulsion system, with owners frequently reporting sudden stalling while the vehicle is in motion. Multiple owners describe the car shutting off unexpectedly, often triggered by quick stops or rapid acceleration from a standstill, and several report the problem occurring repeatedly over years of ownership with no lasting fix. The electrical system draws the next-highest complaint volume, with owners describing issues including faulty fuel gauge readings and fuel tank components requiring multiple replacements. A smaller number of engine complaints mention the check engine light coming on alongside unusual noises, with air intake components cited in at least one diagnosis. Power steering behavior also comes up in a handful of reports, with owners describing it as consistently underperforming since purchase.
22
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Smart Fortwo has 4 recalls, the most serious being a transmission shift lock defect that allows the gearshift to be moved out of Park without the brake pedal pressed or the ignition on, which can allow the car to roll unexpectedly.
The parking brake has a related concern covered by two filings that describe the same underlying problem: a lock nut securing the parking brake cable to the lever can loosen over time, causing the lever to travel further before the brake engages. As that slack builds, the brake develops less holding force and may not keep the car stationary on a slope, raising the risk of an unattended rollaway. There is also an exterior lighting concern: the horizontal adjustment mechanism on the headlights may not have been properly sealed, leaving the aim adjustable beyond its intended range. A headlight pointed too far inward or outward can reduce how much of the road the driver sees at night and can direct light into the eyes of oncoming drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
The gearshift lever's locking mechanism may fail, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without the brake pedal pressed and ignition on. If the parking brake is not engaged, the vehicle could move unintentionally.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit software to restore proper locking function.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lock nut securing the bowden cable to the parking brake lever can loosen over time, causing the parking brake lever to require more travel and reducing the parking brake's holding force.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lock nut to restore proper parking brake function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lock nut securing the parking brake cable to the lever can loosen over time, causing the parking brake lever to travel farther before engaging the brake.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the parking brake cable lock nut at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The headlight adjustment mechanism lacks proper sealing, allowing unintended horizontal adjustment that violates federal lamp safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will install sealing caps to prevent horizontal headlight adjustment at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
