DecodedCars2012 smart fortwo
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Passion/Brabus 2dr Conv RWD, Pure/Passion/Brabus 2dr Coupe RWD
- Engines
- 1.0L 3-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 34 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 106.3 in
- Curb weight
- 1,654–1,742 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 74% better than the average 2012 two seaters (20.7 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 smart fortwo is a two seaters offered with a 1.0L 3-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 106 inches long and 61 inches wide on a 74-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 1,742 lb (Passion/Brabus 2dr Conv RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (34 city / 38 highway), 74% better than the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the seat belts.
What changed for 2012
- No all-electric version any more
- Lightest version 154 lb lighter
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 fortwo →
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Hambach, France
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2012 fortwo configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passion/Brabus 2dr Conv RWD | 106.3 in | 61.4 in | 60.6 in | 73.6 in | 50.4 / 53.5 in | 1,742 lb | 43/57 |
| Pure/Passion/Brabus 2dr Coupe RWD | 106.3 in | 61.4 in | 60.6 in | 73.6 in | 50.4 / 53.5 in | 1,654 lb | 43/57 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fortwo coupe | 1.0L 3-cyl | Automatic (AM5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 34 / 38 / 36 | +74% | $2,300 | 247 |
| fortwo cabriolet | 1.0L 3-cyl | Automatic (AM5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 34 / 38 / 36 | +74% | $2,300 | 247 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 smart fortwo.
Similar 2012 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 smart fortwo (this car) | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 MINI Roadster | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 smart fortwo.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 smart fortwo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 smart fortwo buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Seat Belts — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,100 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 smart fortwo. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other fortwo years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 fortwo | 58 mi | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 fortwo | 58 mi | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 fortwo | 35 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2016 fortwo | 35 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 22 |
| 2015 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2014 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2013 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 17 |
| 2011 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 10 |
| 2010 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2009 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 75 |
| 2008 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 92 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or smart. How we calculate this →