2016 Smart Fortwo Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 24%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Smart Fortwo, 24% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,700 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Tysinger replaced the fuel tank on 08/30/2018. The car has had problems with the fuel tank since I purchased the car. The car has been making a loud bang and then there is a strong smell of smoke afterwards. This has happened at least 45 times since I purchased the car, I thought the problem would go away, but it has not. The car stalls at red lights and during stop and go traffic, there is a strong smell of smoke after it stalls.”
NHTSA complaint #11129713, filed 2018-09, 1 miles“2016 Smart car passion key stuck in switch. Stationary in park gear. Poor design of shifter, if that easily disabled. Should be recalled and replaced with improved design shifter. If that sensitive why do they put 2 cup holders near the shifter? Simple rubber seal would fix it! The service mechanic said the shifter was damaged because of a coffee spill - how long does it take - because any stain was years ago when I got the car. I have not drunk any in the car over a year. To save money I make coffee at home and drink at work. I'm sure all this summer wet and humid weather caused a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11131619, filed 2018-09, 19,000 miles“Car shuts down while driving. This happens usually after quick stops or sudden starts like at a red light or when a car suddenly stops on front of me. I have had this issue happen to me several times. I have tried contacting Mercedes-Benz and the dealership where I bought tge car but they do nothing. I need help getting this issue repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11598820, filed 2024-07Related service bulletins
- 11015640Mar 5, 2025Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 11008091Sep 28, 2024Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 10228823Dec 9, 2022Mercedes-Benz AG (âMBAGâ), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain MY 2016-2017 smart (453 platform) vehicles, the transmission control unit…
- 10170540Dec 19, 2019smart media system, reversing camera inoperative after software update and subsequent SCN coding
- 10153996Dec 6, 2018Vehicle Range ? Voltage difference of cells too great
- 10151978Aug 9, 2018Vehicle does not start
- 10151977Aug 6, 2018Vehicle does not start
- 10151976Aug 6, 2018Vehicle does not start
- 10151975Aug 6, 2018Vehicle does not start
- 10151974Aug 6, 2018Vehicle does not start
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | 57% |
| 2016 | 5 | 24% |
| 2015 | 1 | 17% |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% |
| 2013 | 3 | 12% |
| 2012 | 2 | 25% |
| 2011 | 4 | 25% |
| 2010 | 1 | 17% |
| 2009 | 14 | 14% |
| 2008 | 20 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2016 Smart Fortwo
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Smart Fortwo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology