2016 Smart Fortwo Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 38%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Smart Fortwo, 38% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,250 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.
“My 2016 Smart car at only 51000 miles had transmission failure while driving down freeway almost resulting in crash. My car went from 65 miles a hour, then warning light said transmission failure and car was unable to excel rate or break, the emergency break was the only thing that saved me. Mercedes diagnosed a wig was able to fly up under car and get wrapped around axels, transmission, and break belts. The car was totaled from a wig. …”
NHTSA complaint #11256423, filed 2019-09, 51,000 miles“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“On steep uphills and when you have come to a stop because of a red light or a stop sign, the engine seems to be too weak to push the transmission forward and actually the car my roll back and brakes go in a lock mode which creates a big safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10885818, filed 2016-07, 3,500 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 2024-07“I have had it for 6 years. And it has been in for repair, at least 7 times in those somewhere around one time per year. Sometimes twice. All for heating 3 times same piece not sure what to do but it always has to do with no heat to car or overheating my insurance through carmax bout to end gonna cost me alot to keep it even though I love the car seems like a massive problem that mercedes should do something about I've called and got tge run a round”
NHTSA complaint #11722865, filed 2026-03Related service bulletins
- 11031811Mar 12, 2022In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (“MBUSA”) is extending…
- 11031639Mar 11, 2022In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer…
- 11031814Mar 4, 2022In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) hereby…
- 11031591Feb 18, 2022In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer…
- 10144078Mar 7, 2018Vehicle cannot be started (FC: P0A0A00, P0A0E00, P0D9F00, P1D0BFD, C11C187, P0D5800, P0D5900, P0D9900, P0D9A97)
- 10136113Jul 15, 2016Engine diagnosis warning lamp (CEL) is active due to fault codes - P2237 & P2626.
- 10135709May 24, 2016Smart 453 Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated - Fault code P261000
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 14% |
| 2016 | 8 | 38% |
| 2015 | 2 | 33% |
| 2014 | 4 | 31% |
| 2013 | 6 | 24% |
| 2012 | 1 | 13% |
| 2011 | 5 | 31% |
| 2010 | 3 | 50% |
| 2009 | 19 | 19% |
| 2008 | 33 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2016 Smart Fortwo
7 complaintsElectrical system
5 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 27, 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