There are no safety recalls for the 2012 Smart Fortwo, but owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA.
2012 Smart Fortwo problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Air Bags | 2 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
| Engine | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Flasher Unit — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 32,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Smart Fortwo complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Seat Belts · reported Jan 18, 2022
The driver side seat belt mount, which in this case is a steel cable, has mostly broken and frayed rendering it unsafe to drive. In the event of an accident, it would certainly break completely. I only noticed it yesterday while cleaning, the breakage would've happened while driving it. I've contacted mercedes USA, and they tell me that my warranty has run out, they can't do anything. Even though this is a mandatory safety feature that has completely failed from normal use.
Electrical System · at 32,000 miles · reported Mar 17, 2017
Transmission will go into three bars and not shift on highways and parkways, usually able to safely drive under power to side of road sometimes goes into neutral and have to coast to side. Occurs with elevated ambient moisture. Started at 32,000 miles. Known issue, transmission has a limp mode for this occurrence. Very difficult to diagnose, appears electrical in nature. Smart dealership will not address.
Structure · at 45,100 miles · reported Jun 16, 2016
The contact owns a 2012 smart fortwo. While driving 60 MPH, the passenger side body panel disengaged without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,100.
Air Bags · at 5,200 miles · reported Oct 28, 2014
The contact owns a 2012 smart fortwo. While at a stop sign, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. As a result, the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained back injuries, which required medical attention. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 5,200.
Electrical System · at 2,500 miles · reported Jul 22, 2012
I was driving on the freeway (5 lane) in my 2012 smart fortwo passion coupe in the middle lane at 65-70 MPH. All of the sudden my accelerator was no longer functional. I looked down and saw that my speedometer and gear indicator were also non-functional. I was able to coast (Despite heavy traffic) to the shoulder of the fast lane - it was impossible for me to get to the slow lane shoulder due to heavy traffic. I was able to use the breaks once I hit the shoulder (Unsure if power brakes or not) and once stopped was unable to use automatic windows. I could not move the car out of drive for…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Smart Fortwo have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2012 Smart Fortwo as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Smart Fortwo?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (2 reports), followed by air bags (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 32,000 miles.
Are Smart recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Smart dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.