Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2013 Smart Fortwo
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Smart Fortwo has no NHTSA recall campaigns and 24 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 6 complaints
- Seat Belts 6 complaints
- Power Train 5 complaints
- Electrical System 3 complaints
- Seats 2 complaints
- Structure 2 complaints
Of the 24 complaints on file, 3 report a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $3,500–$7,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2013 Smart FORTWO is rated below-average due to multiple complaints about seat belts and engine issues. The vehicle's small size presents unique challenges, and repair costs can be significant relative to its class.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| seat belts | 30,000–60,000 miles | $150–$300 | common |
| engine | 60,000–90,000 miles | $500–$1,500 | common |
| power train | 70,000–100,000 miles | $800–$1,800 | occasional |
| electrical system | 50,000–80,000 miles | $200–$700 | occasional |
| seats | 40,000–70,000 miles | $200–$600 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- oil changes every 7,500 miles
- replace brake pads every 30,000 miles
- check tire alignment annually
- transmission service every 60,000 miles
- coolant check annually
- replace air filter every 15,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- engine warning lights
- seat belt malfunction light
- unusual noises when shifting
- dimming headlights
- steering issues
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Smart Fortwo at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.