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2013 smart Fortwo Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 13, 2026·Ryan Davis

Overall Score

6.9/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Excellent fuel economy (36 MPG combined) makes it a cost-effective city commuter.
  • Its extremely small size is ideal for navigating dense urban environments and tight parking.
  • No safety recalls or consumer complaints were recorded, pointing to a lack of major reported issues.
  • A high TSB count suggests potential for minor operational quirks or component wear that may affect long-term satisfaction.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2013 smart Fortwo

The 2013 smart Fortwo is a subcompact car designed for urban agility. Its diminutive size makes parking effortless, and its 36 MPG combined fuel economy ensures low running costs at the pump. Under the hood, a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder engine paired with an AM5 automatic transmission drives the rear wheels. While official safety ratings are unavailable, the vehicle has no reported recalls or consumer complaints, suggesting a generally trouble-free ownership experience. However, a significant number of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) indicate potential minor issues or operational quirks that buyers should be aware of.

Critical Failure Risk

Some owners report rough shifting or hesitation from the AM5 automatic transmission. This can be exacerbated by low or degraded transmission fluid.

Early detection can help you avoid a $1,000-$2,500 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls0
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

0

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
36
MPG
City
34
MPG
Highway
38
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.8/ 10

Practicality

3.5/ 10

The score is mainly limited by small boot, limited door access, and limited seating.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Urban commuters prioritizing parking ease and fuel efficiency above all else.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Drivers who frequently travel long distances or require highway cruising comfort.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2013 smart Fortwo Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2013 smart Fortwo.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects

Limited reliability records are available for this model year.

Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Premium
Seating Capacity
2
Transmission
Automatic (AM5)
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Chassis Cab
EPA Combined MPG
36

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Most Common Issues

1. Transmission Shifting Issues

Most reported

Usage data observed

2. Electrical System Gremlins

Usage data observed

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Brake Inspection

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2013 smart Fortwo reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2013 smart Fortwo is 8.8/10. Reliability score is 8.8/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2013 smart Fortwo for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 3.5/10. The score is mainly limited by small boot, limited door access, and limited seating. EPA combined economy is 36 MPG. Seating capacity is 2. 2 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 220 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2013 smart Fortwo?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2013 smart Fortwo is 6.9/10. Overall score is 6.9/10 (Good). Confidence 55%. Maintenance 8.7/10. Practicality 3.5/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2013 smart Fortwo?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Brake Inspection at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Transmission (typical at 75,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $500 • Max: $1,500).

What engine is in the 2013 smart Fortwo?▾

Engine specs list 3 • 1.0.

What transmission does the 2013 smart Fortwo use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 smart Fortwo, transmission is Automatic (AM5). The paired drivetrain is Rear-Wheel Drive.

Does the 2013 Fortwo require Premium gas?▾

Manufacturer fuel recommendation: Premium.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2013 smart Fortwo?▾

EPA combined estimate is 36 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2013 smart Fortwo?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

How many people fit in a 2013 smart Fortwo?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 smart Fortwo, seating capacity is 2.

What body style is the 2013 smart Fortwo?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 smart Fortwo, body style is chassis_cab.

What drivetrain does the 2013 smart Fortwo use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 smart Fortwo, drivetrain is Rear-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (AM5).

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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