MYRModel Year Report

2009 Smart Fortwo

○ Not enough data
2009 Smart Fortwo
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:49:02.022Z

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
100
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

27% of complaints

Complaints per year

2005: 2 complaints 2005 2008: 140 complaints 2009: 100 complaints 2009 100 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 2009: 100 complaints 2009 100 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 2009: 100 complaints 2009 100 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

2009: 100 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.

Power train

27% · 27 reports

Engine

19% · 19 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I represent the owners of this 2009 Smart Fortwo vehicle. My client drove the vehicle home after work and parked in the garage. Approximately 30 minutes after parking the vehicle in the garage, my client was awoken by his son who smelled smoke.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-01

Also filed under Structure

Electrical system

14% · 14 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

After getting home from school, coming in saying hello to the family I went back out to my car to get my bag. When I approached my car I could hear what I believed to be my radiator fans still running despite the car was turned off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-03

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Structure

11% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing body and roof and pillars.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving my Smart car to work at 1:30 am. There was some snow on the roads so I left 10 minutes earlier than normal so I could drive slowly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-06

Engine and engine cooling

9% · 9 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-05

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz 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, 2024-08-29

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2016-12-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2017-11-20 Engine Compartment Fire
  2. I
    2017-09-01Engineering analysisClosed 2018-08-21 Engine Compartment Fire
  3. 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

2009 Smart Fortwo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 27 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

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

FAQ

Is the 2009 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 2009 Smart Fortwo?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Smart Fortwo have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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