2016 Smart Fortwo: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Smart Fortwo: 1 recall, 21 owner complaints and up to 35 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Parking brake Vehicle recall #17V448000 · 2017 · 5,061 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: As the parking brake lever travel increases, the holding force May decrease to a point where the vehicle is no longer safely secured in all parking situations, allowing the vehicle to unexpectedly move when parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake cable lock nut, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2017.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3), warning light on (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (7): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Brakes (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2016 Smart Fortwo has 21 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 13 Fortwo model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 27). Complaints peaked in 2016 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 5,300 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (6 complaints, 0 recalls), 2017 (7 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 33 | 39 | 35 | Premium |
| 0.9 L 3-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 31 | 39 | 34 | Premium |
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 2016 Smart Fortwo.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Smart Fortwo have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2016 Smart Fortwo. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Smart Fortwo problems?
Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (8), fuel & propulsion (7), electrical (5).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Smart Fortwo get?
EPA ratings run up to 35 mpg combined (0.9 L, Automatic (AM6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Smart Fortwo repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.