MYRModel Year Report

2008 Smart Fortwo

○ Not enough data
2008 Smart Fortwo
RENDERED 2026-11-01T08:05:45.845Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
140
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

2005: 2 complaints 2008: 140 complaints 2008 140 2009: 100 complaints 2010: 6 complaints 2011: 16 complaints 2011 2012: 8 complaints 2013: 25 complaints 2013 2014: 13 complaints 2015: 6 complaints 2015 2016: 21 complaints 2017: 7 complaints 2017 2018: 1 complaint 2019: 1 complaint 2019
2005: 2 complaints 2005 2008: 140 complaints 2008 140 2009: 100 complaints 2009 2010: 6 complaints 2010 2011: 16 complaints 2011 2012: 8 complaints 2012 2013: 25 complaints 2013 2014: 13 complaints 2014 2015: 6 complaints 2015 2016: 21 complaints 2016 2017: 7 complaints 2017 2018: 1 complaint 2018 2019: 1 complaint 2019
2005: 2 complaints 2005 2008: 140 complaints 2008 140 2009: 100 complaints 2009 2010: 6 complaints 2010 2011: 16 complaints 2011 2012: 8 complaints 2012 2013: 25 complaints 2013 2014: 13 complaints 2014 2015: 6 complaints 2015 2016: 21 complaints 2016 2017: 7 complaints 2017 2018: 1 complaint 2018 2019: 1 complaint 2019

2008: 140 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20052
2008140
2009100
20106
201116
20128
201325
201413
20156
201621
20177
20181
20191

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

24% · 33 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Smart Fortwo. The contact stated that the vehicle burst into flames after it was parked. The contact was unaware of how the fire started or where it originated, but it was believed to be near the engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-03

Power train

23% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The 2008 Smart car, has been consistently, shifting into neutral, while driving, usually, when entering, or exiting a highway, or at an intersection (Speed changes).

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-19

The 2008 Smart car, has been consistently, shifting into neutral, while driving, usually, when entering, or exiting a highway, or at an intersection (Speed changes).

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-19

Smart car had history of not going in reverse. "R" Would not come up on screen, car would just roll forward, hitting vehicle(S) in front.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-17

Electrical system

14% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE

Engine and engine cooling

9% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing emission control and exhaust system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2008 Smart Fortwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000(Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-25

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling).

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-04

Seat belts

8% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2008-10-30Structure08V390000 Smart USA is recalling 43 my 2008 Fortwo 451 vehicles. A single batch of paint sent to the company did not meet specifications. A re-work was done in the plant using different formulations of…

    Remedy: Dealers will repaint the affected areas to meet specifications. The recall began on August 18, 2008. Owners may contact Smart USA at 1-248-648-2451.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2016-12-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2017-11-20 Engine Compartment Fire
  3. I
    2017-09-01Engineering analysisClosed 2018-08-21 Engine Compartment Fire
  4. R
    2018-07-30Engine and engine cooling18V273000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear insulation mat with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began in July 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Smart Fortwo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 32 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 08V390000 · Structure
  • Recall 18V273000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2008 Smart Fortwo reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Smart Fortwo?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Smart Fortwo have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-22 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.