Research · Two Seaters
2010 smart FortwoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2010 smart Fortwo. Most complaints involve engine (3) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 36 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
36mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
6
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2010 smart Fortwo as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2011 – May 2019
- Engine3
- Electrical system1
- Structure1
- Visibility1
- Power train1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
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
3 reports1 fire
“MY CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE FREEWAYWHEN IT SEIZED. WHEN STOPPED THE ENGINE IN THE BACK CAUGHT FIRE, MY VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND, THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THIS THE YEAR BEFORE, (FOR THE 2009 SMART CAR) THERE ARE VIDEOS DOCUMNTING THIS ON YOU TUBE. MY BROTHER WHO WORKED FOR MERCEDES (THE PARENT COMPANY OF SMART) AS A MECHANIC TOLD ME TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS.”
Electrical system
1 report1 fire
Structure
1 report1 fire
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 1.0L 3-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM5)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fortwo cabriolet Auto (AM5), 3 cyl, 1.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 33 | 41 | 36 | $2,200 | 247 |
| fortwo coupe Auto (AM5), 3 cyl, 1.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 33 | 41 | 36 | $2,200 | 247 |
- 36mpg comb.
- 36mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 smart Fortwo as of 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.
2010 Fortwo questions
How many recalls does the 2010 smart Fortwo have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2010 smart Fortwo problems?
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (3), electrical system (1), structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2010 smart Fortwo get?
The EPA rates the 2010 smart Fortwo at 36 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026