2008 Smart Fortwo problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (27) · Power Train (21) · Engine And Engine Cooling (9)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Smart Fortwo model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
108 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System 2018-04-27 · campaign 18V273000 · 42,781 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles. The rear insulation mat in the engine compartment may deform, deteriorate, and loosen over time, allowing the mat to contact hot exhaust system components.
Risk: If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018060010.
Service bulletins (52)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). the noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. note: sound file in attachment cause if the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint there are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: a: wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering b: the windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) c: during the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the a-pillar
Exterior Lighting 2026-04-16 · LI82.10-P-078301 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. cause fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. it does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. if a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the l
Showing the 6 most recent of 52 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-08-20 · Power Train“i was entering an intersection and missed judged the traffic light and was a bit to far forward, so i tried to reverse but the car would not shift to reverse. i have had an actuator replaced but the problem still happens intermittently where it will not shift to reverse. i have logged into smart car forums online and it seems to be an ongoing probl…”
2025-05-15 · Fuel/Propulsion System“the 90 degree fittings(integral to the fuel pump) on top of the fuel pump cracked and leaks gasoline leading to a potential fire that could cause bodily injury for the driver and passenger. it is noticeable because of strong gasoline smell inside and outside of the car. there are many of the same complaints from smart car drivers in various forum. …”
2024-09-25 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System · 80,000 mi · 🔥 fire“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. the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the contact stated while driving at an undisc…”
2024-09-08 · Engine“mercedes-benz usa has no service centers on long island,ny that might fix the recall issue. for a time they were the only smart car service provider after smart car dealers were abandoned. mb usa currently will not do the recall and offers no reasonable alternative. the issue is potential engine compartment/total vehicle fire due to compartment i…”
2024-09-06 · Engine And Engine Cooling“the contact's mother owns a 2008 smart fortwo. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v273000 (engine and engine cooling). the local dealer was notified of the recall but informed the contact that the recall could not be serviced at their location. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a dea…”
2024-08-30 · Engine And Engine Cooling“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. the local dealer was contacted. the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufac…”
2024-06-04 · Engine And Engine Cooling“the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz smart fortwo. the contact received a notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v273000 (engine and engine cooling). the parts were available; however, the dealer list the manufacturer provided that the recall repair instructions were not available. the contact called multiple dealers however services could not b…”
2022-09-15 · Service Brakes · 🔥 fire“we were driving in greensboro nc this afternoon on the way to my husbands birthday dinner when off of bridford? parkway our 2008 smart car passion for two started malfunctioning all lights flashing on instrument panel & brakes quit & another motorist drove up beside us with window down screaming get out your car is on fire!!! we managed to stop on…”
2021-12-09 · Steering“2008 smart fortwo pure, currently with 85,036 miles, factory equipped with optional power steering - electric, power steering had worked fine until fall 2020 when cold temperatures caused steering lock-up, until car interior warmed enough to unlock steering, behavior consistent throughout that winter. once steering unlocked, steering was normal, un…”
2021-10-09 · Unknown Or Other · 🔥 fire“engine fire destroyed vehicle while driving on interstate at 65 mph. vehicle was serviced and maintained per manufacturer maintenance schedule at authorized dealer. no prior issues with vehicle. vehicle also passed emission check on 09/29/2021 with no obd error codes reported during inspection. mileage: 60k…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.