repaired · 2026 Q1
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire.
2008 Smart FortwoProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 140 owner complaints about the 2008 Smart Fortwo, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-273 the manufacturer reports only 41% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 20, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Smart Fortwo has problems
140 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
33Engine16 crash/fire/injury
32Power train4 crash/fire/injury
20Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
12Engine and engine cooling2 crash/fire/injury
10Seat belts
8Structure
8Fuel/propulsion system
6Service brakes
5Air bags
2413 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 33 | 16 |
| Power train | 32 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 20 | 4 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 12 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 10 | 0 |
| Structure | 8 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 1 |
| Air bags | 5 | 2 |
| 13 other systems | 24 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 Smart Fortwo recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Structure: frame and members
Risk. SUCH DE LAMINATING CAN TAKE PLACE IN THE AREA OF THE BODY WHERE THE WINDSHIELD AND ROOF HAVE BEEN AFFIXED WITH ADHESIVE, WHICH COULD AFFECT THE ADHESION OF…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Smart.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
50kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 21 engine complaints. 71% were reported before 100,000 miles.
0under 30k miles15under 100k miles6100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Fortwo year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Fortwo median. How we score
'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Smart Fortwo safety ratings
2008 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Smart Fortwo, and the recalls they led to.
- Engine Compartment FireLed to recall 18V-273
- Engine Compartment FireLed to recall 18V-273
In owners' words
What Fortwo owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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.…
Own a 2008 Fortwo?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.