MotorDeets

Smart Fortwo Coupe problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Fortwo Coupe from 2008 to 2016: 23 owner complaints and 3 recalls across 4 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2008 (20), 2015 (2), 2016 (1). Best fuel economy: 36 mpg combined (2015).

Smart Fortwo Coupe
Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain8
Body & structure4
Engine & cooling2
Fuel system2
Brakes (hydraulic)2
Other / unknown2
Equipment1
Electrical1

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200802036
20141036
20151236
20161135

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Smart Fortwo Coupe.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check Smart Fortwo Coupe manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check Smart Fortwo Coupe manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check Smart Fortwo Coupe manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Smart Fortwo Coupe manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

What is the worst year for the Smart Fortwo Coupe?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2008 (20), 2015 (2), 2016 (1).

How many recalls has the Smart Fortwo Coupe had?

Across 2008–2016, NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).