Smart's lineup has 17 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2 models (2008–2026) and averages 4.3/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Smart's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Smart — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Smart cars originated in Europe, particularly Germany, and were known for their compact size, fuel efficiency, and innovative approach to urban driving. These vehicles were often favored by city dwellers and environmentally conscious drivers seeking a practical and nimble solution for daily commutes. Using ForCar.org, you can decode any Smart VIN to gain access to comprehensive vehicle specifications, recall records, and a wealth of detailed information about your specific car.
Buying or selling? See what used Smart models are worth, current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Smart models 2
Every Smart model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Smart More models 2
Smart recalls
Across the Smart lineup, ForCar tracks 17 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Smart recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Most-recalled system across Smart: Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Smart reliable?
Across rated models, Smart averages a 4.3/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 2 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
smart positions in compact and subcompact electric vehicle segments primarily for European, Chinese and Asian urban markets. The brand exited North America in 2019 and has not announced plans to return. Modern smart vehicles compete against MINI Cooper SE, Renault 5 E-Tech and BYD Dolphin. The BRABUS sub-brand provides performance-tuned variants of every smart model.
Smart models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Smart models
The most fuel-efficient Smart models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Smart Fortwo | Car | |
| 02 | Smart EQ Fortwo | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Smart models
Smart models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Smart model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Fortwo | ★★★★☆ | 4.0 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
See how they rank against every make — the safest cars & SUVs by crash-test score.
How much is Smart insurance?
Across 1 Smart model with real loss data, a typical driver pays about $706 a year on full coverage. The Fortwo is cheapest to insure (≈ $706/yr) and the Fortwo priciest (≈ $706/yr) — from real HLDI insurance-loss indices.
Smart insurance cost by model & state →
Estimate = US-average premium × each model's HLDI loss index (100 = average car). Your rate varies with state, age, record & coverage.
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Smart hybrids & electric models
Smart's electrified lineup — 2 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Smart electric & plug-in 2
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Smart window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Smart's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Smart window stickers →How to read a Smart VIN
Every Smart built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Smart and the country it was built in (real Smart codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- ChinaR4N
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Smart
The smart brand originated in Nicolas Hayek's 1991 Swatchmobile concept — a small affordable urban car combining Swatch's manufacturing scale with Mercedes-Benz engineering. Daimler-Benz and SMH (Swatch parent) formed Micro Compact Car AG in 1994. The 1998 Smart City-Coupé was the production result, offering 8.7-foot length, two seats and an entirely modular body. The 2008 Fortwo entered the US market and reached peak US sales of 24,622 units in 2008 before Daimler discontinued the brand in North America in 2019.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Hambach, France |
| Parent company | Geely Holding Group |
| Slogan | "open your mind" |
| Models tracked | 2 (2008–2026) |
Smart — frequently asked
How do I decode a Smart VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Smart models are there?
ForCar tracks 2 Smart models spanning 2008–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Smart made?
Smart is headquartered in Hambach, France, founded in 1994. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Smart recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Smart model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Smart is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Smart warranty?
New Smart vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Smart dealer.