Smart Fortwo: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 6,386 Smart Fortwo cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2001 and 2019.
In a sample of 399 cars, 65.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (21.3% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 13 recalls for this model; 2.5% of registered cars still have an open recall.
3.4% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Smart Fortwo
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 21.3% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 14.8% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 13.5% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 9.8% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 6.5% |
| Tyre damaged | 6% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 5% |
| Disc/drum brake binding | 4.3% |
| Brake light not working (properly) | 3.5% |
Share of 399 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 16.8% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 6.3% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 6,386 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 2.5% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3.4% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2001 to 2019 |
All Smart Fortwo passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-17 | brakes | serious | 848 |
| 2020-05-19 | not specified | – | 0 |
| 2017-11-07 | brakes | – | 1,597 |
| 2017-03-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 11 |
| 2016-08-23 | brakes | – | 9 |
| 2016-04-25 | doors, bonnet and tailgate | – | 308 |
| 2015-08-20 | brakes | – | 11 |
| 2015-07-23 | suspension | serious | 200 |
| 2015-07-22 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 38 |
| 2015-07-22 | other | serious | 1 |
| 2015-07-22 | other | serious | 12 |
| 2015-05-13 | steering | serious | 94 |
| 2014-08-14 | electrical system | serious | 1,623 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Smart Fortwo fail the APK?
In a sample of 399 cars first registered 2012–2021, 65.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Smart Fortwo?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (21.3%), tyre tread depth insufficient (14.8%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (13.5%).
Does the Smart Fortwo have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 13 recalls. 2.5% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Smart models
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.