Research
2005 smart FortwoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2005 smart Fortwo. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (1) and fuel system, gasoline (1).
Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2005 smart Fortwo as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2016 – Dec 2016
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Air bags1
- Other / unknown1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
1 report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILED AND THE FUEL TANK FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 01/31/2017*CT”
Fuel system, gasoline
1 report
Air bags
1 report
“I CAN GET NO INFORMATION ABOUT RECALLS FOR THIS CAR, BUT ESPECIALLY WHETHER OR NOT THE AIRBAGS IN THIS CAR ARE PART OF THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. MERCEDES USA CAN'T HELP. MERCEDES GERMANY WON'T HELP. THE COMPANY THAT PURCHASED THESE CARS, BROUGHT THEM TO THE US, AND MODIFIED THEM TO MEET US STANDARDS, REFUSES TO ANSWER MY QUESTION. NO ONE CAN HELP ME FIND OUT IF MY AIRBAGS ARE PART OF THE RECALL.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 smart Fortwo as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2005 Fortwo questions
How many recalls does the 2005 smart Fortwo have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2005 smart Fortwo problems?
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (1), fuel system, gasoline (1), air bags (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026