NHTSA vehicle safety data
2016 Smart Fortwo Recalls & Complaints
The 2016 Smart Fortwo has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 20 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Smart dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Smart Fortwo. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2016 Smart Fortwo owner complaints
Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Smart Fortwo, describing incidents dated November 24, 2015 to January 18, 2024.
Most-cited components
- Engine 8 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 7 complaints
- Electrical System 5 complaints
- Service Brakes 4 complaints
- Unknown or Other 3 complaints
- Steering 2 complaints
Of the 20 complaints on file, 5 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 20 complaints, owners report 7 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11598820 · Filed
Car shuts down while driving. This happens usually after quick stops or sudden starts like at a red light or when a car suddenly stops on front of me. I have had this issue happen to me several times. I have tried contacting Mercedes-Benz and the dealership where I bought tge car but they do…
ODI #11585774 · Filed
The contact owns a 2016 Smart ForTwo. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated with a loud whirring noise. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the air intake changeover valves had failed. The…
ODI #11517032 · Filed
The car just shuts off while I am driving. I can tell now when it is about to shut off. I have had this problem since I purchased the car in 2016. I have taken the car to the dealership and called Mercedes Benz several times and they will not do anything. I will die because the car is getting worse…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2016 Smart Fortwo in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Defect Petition DP22-005: Pedestrian alert sounds
Closed August 7, 2023
Parking Brake Cable may Loosen
NHTSA #17V448000 · Parking Brake · NHTSA notice
Reported July 16, 2017 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Potentially affected: 5,061 vehicles
Repair completion: 80.6% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 2017080009 · Owners notified September 20, 2017 · Vehicles built June 16, 2015 – August 12, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 smart fortwo vehicles. 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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake cable lock nut, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Smart Fortwo model years
Check your 2016 Smart Fortwo VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Smart Fortwo at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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