Smart Fortwo recalls and complaints by year
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Smart Fortwo, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Smart Fortwo. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Smart Fortwo, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 2005–2019 with 6 recall campaigns and 469 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 2008 (2), 2019 (1), and 2017 (1).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 2008 (175), 2009 (139), and 2016 (38).
- Top recall themes: Brakes, Electrical, and Engine and cooling.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Engine, Power train, Electrical system.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Brakes
1 campaign · Years: 2016These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
- 17V448000 · Parking brake
Electrical
1 campaign · Years: 2019These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
- 20V107000 · Electrical system: Traction battery
Engine and cooling
1 campaign · Years: 2008–2009These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.
- 18V273000 · Engine and engine cooling: Exhaust system
Steering and suspension
1 campaign · Years: 2017These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
- 17V447000 · Steering
Structure
1 campaign · Years: 2008These campaigns relate to structural components such as frame/body parts that can affect crash protection or integrity.
- 08V390000 · Structure: Frame and members
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Smart Fortwo in NHTSA complaint data are Engine, Power train, Electrical system.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 1 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system. |
| 2018 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system. |
| 2017 | 1 | 10 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Steering, Exterior lighting. |
| 2016 | 1 | 38 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Electrical system. |
| 2015 | 0 | 10 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Traction control system, Air bags. |
| 2014 | 0 | 14 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Seat belts, Wheels. |
| 2013 | 0 | 35 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Engine, Power train. |
| 2012 | 0 | 11 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts. |
| 2011 | 0 | 23 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Seat belts. |
| 2010 | 0 | 8 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Fuel system, gasoline, Power train. |
| 2009 | 1 | 139 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Engine, Electrical system. |
| 2008 | 2 | 175 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Power train, Electrical system. |
| 2005 | 0 | 4 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system, Fuel system, gasoline. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Engine and engine cooling , Electrical system and Steering
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.