2016 Smart Fortwo Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 33%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the fuel system of the 2016 Smart Fortwo, 33% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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“The fuel gauge and mpg indicators are both faulty. The fuel gauge does not show the correct amount of fuel in the tank, and the mpg digital indicator is hardly ever true. Especially that the car's actual city mpg is way off from the what is shown on the sticker.”
NHTSA complaint #10911135, filed 2016-10, 5,300 miles“The brakes are slipping bad. They have been slipping since I bought the vehicle in 2016. The gas tank is leaking and has leaked into the cab of the car. The gas tank has been replaced 3 times.”
NHTSA complaint #11353926, filed 2020-09, 35 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“Since purchasing the car the power steering has been bad. The dealership where I purchased the car and Mercedes refused to fix the issue. There is electrical issues and the gas tank gauge and gas tank have been replaced 3 times. Please do not purchase a Smart Car thecmakers do not stand behind their product. I took it to Mercedes Hampton VA Auto Mall and they are so rude. I have almost died 4 times due to bot bring able to turn steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #11457487, filed 2022-03Related service bulletins
- 10135709May 24, 2016Smart 453 Engine diagnosis warning lamp activated - Fault code P261000
- 10135666Apr 2, 2015Instrument cluster - Fuel gauge does not indicate "Full"
- 10135595Mar 23, 2015Instrument cluster - Fuel gauge does not indicate "Full"
Fuel system: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 Smart Fortwo
8 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 30, 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