2011 Smart fortwo problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 2011 Smart fortwo get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2011 Smart fortwo at about 36 mpg combined (33 city / 39 highway).

Q: How much is a 2011 Smart fortwo worth?

Comparable 2011 Smart fortwo listings run roughly $4,000–$7,500, typically around $5,614 (from 14 vehicles).

2011 Smart fortwo at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints16

Combined36 mpg

Typical price$5,614

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2011 Smart fortwo recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2011 Smart fortwo.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2011 Smart fortwo common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Seat Belts

Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Tires

Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

Fuel/propulsion System

Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2011 Smart fortwo MPG & running costs

Combined36 mpg

City33 mpg

Highway39 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,100

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2011 Smart fortwo worth?

Low

$4,000

Typical price

$5,614

High

$7,500

From 14 comparable 2011 Smart fortwo listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Smart fortwo costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,500

Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,250

Total$12,750

Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($5,614) with the same model 3 model-years older ($4,270), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.