Smart #1 problems (2022–today)
Smart #1 rating: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 2 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. Limited evidence: it is based on few sources or few documented faults, so it is not included in the rankings. Having few documented faults does not mean it is reliable: it may simply be little studied. How it is calculated
- EngineNot analysed
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension10.0No documented faults
- Brakes10.0No documented faults
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering10.0No documented faults
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights10.0No documented faults
- Electronics and infotainment8.61 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior10.0No documented faults
- Airbags and safety7.91 fault
The weak points of the Smart #1
- 1High severity: Rear centre seatbelt buckle that can come loose (2025 recall)Airbags and safety
- 2Medium severity: eCall system not fully compatible with Galileo and EGNOS (KBA recall 012747)Electronics and infotainment · free repair (recall)
Outside the engine
2 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Recall of the Smart #1 and #3 rear centre seatbelt. See the campaigns for the Smart #1
Faults of the Smart #1 outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.
Wear parts for the Smart #1
Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.
Brake pads
Brake discs
Wiper blades
Pollen filter
Battery
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Buying a Smart #1?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Smart #1 reliable?
The two documented recalls for the Smart #1 outside the mechanics are minor: a wireless update of the eCall in 2023 and an adjustment of about 10 minutes to the rear centre seatbelt buckle in 2025. We have found no reliable sources on battery, electric motor or charging faults.
What problems does the Smart #1 have apart from the engine?
The two documented recalls for the Smart #1 outside the mechanics are minor: a wireless update of the eCall in 2023 and an adjustment of about 10 minutes to the rear centre seatbelt buckle in 2025. We have found no reliable sources on battery, electric motor or charging faults. The most important documented faults are: rear centre seatbelt buckle that can come loose (2025 recall) (airbags and safety, high severity) and eCall system not fully compatible with Galileo and EGNOS (KBA recall 012747) (electronics and infotainment, medium severity).[1][2]
What is the best year to buy a Smart #1?
According to our rating by year, the best is 2024 (7.9/10); the worst rated is 2022 (7.1/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.
Does the Smart #1 have recalls?
Yes: we have documented 2 campaigns for the Smart #1, such as recall of the Smart #1 and #3 rear centre seatbelt (2025). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[2]
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Rückruf Smart #1: E-Call-System mit Schwächenauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 8 August 2023 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in German
- smart #1/#3: Probleme mit dem hinteren mittleren SicherheitsgurtÖAMTC · Consumer association · published 6 August 2025 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in German