Research · Two Seaters

2016 smart FortwoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 0 owner complaints for the 2016 smart Fortwo. The EPA rates it 34–107 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
34–107mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jul 2017
Owner complaints
0
Filed with NHTSA
Fuel cost / yr
$700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Parking brake

Free remedy

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.

Parking brakeReported Jul 16, 2017NHTSA 17V448000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

Filed with NHTSA
0 owner complaints found in NHTSA data for the 2016 smart Fortwo as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
Electric motor · 0.9L 3-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (A1) · Automatic (AM6) · Manual 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Electricity · Premium Gasoline
EV range
68 mi (EPA)

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026EPA listing
04 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
fortwo electric drive convertible
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
12293107$700—
fortwo electric drive coupe
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
12293107$700—
fortwo coupe
Auto (AM6), 3 cyl, 0.9 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
333935$2,300246
fortwo coupe
Man 5-spd, 3 cyl, 0.9 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
313934$2,350255
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
05 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 smart Fortwo as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 31, 2026
06 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
08 —FAQ

2016 Fortwo questions

How many recalls does the 2016 smart Fortwo have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 31, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 smart Fortwo problems?

No owner complaints were found in NHTSA data as of Oct 31, 2026.

What MPG does the 2016 smart Fortwo get?

The EPA rates the 2016 smart Fortwo at 34–107 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026