2008 Smart Fortwo
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2008 | 139 |
| 2009 | 100 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2013 | 25 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 21 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: engine — 33 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20180503
16% of complaints: power train — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20131119
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, 20131119
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, 20131017
13% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: seat belts — 10 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20240925
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, 20240604
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 PAI
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.
Campaign 08V390000 — check if this car was fixed
Engine Compartment Fire
Engine Compartment Fire
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.
Campaign 18V273000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Smart Fortwo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V390000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V273000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.