VehicleVerdict

2008 Smart Fortwo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 175 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 13.5 times the median Fortwo year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 13 Fortwo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 46 reports (26% of the total).

175

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

33

Fires reported

9

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Fortwo years?

Fortwo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted175 complaints2005: 4 complaints2008: 175 complaints2009: 139 complaints2010: 8 complaints2011: 23 complaints2012: 11 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 14 complaints2015: 10 complaints2016: 39 complaints2017: 13 complaints2018: 1 complaints2019: 1 complaints
Fortwo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fortwo years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Smart Fortwo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4626%
Transmission3118%
Electrical System2011%
Other1810%
Fuel System116%
Seat Belts116%
Brakes95%
Body & Structure85%
Airbags53%
Steering42%
Latches & Locks32%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Lighting21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Suspension11%
Seats11%

Does the 2008 Smart Fortwo have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V273000EngineApril 27, 2018 · 42,781 units

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.

Consequence

If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire.

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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018060010.

08V390000Body & StructureAugust 7, 2008 · 43 units

Defect

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 PAINTING MATERIALS. AFTER THE RE-WORK WAS COMPLETED, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE COMBINATION OF MATERIALS USED TO REPAINT THE FRAME AND CHASSIS COULD LEAD TO DE LAMINATION OF THE PAINT MATERIALS FROM THE BODY AND FRAME STRUCTURES.

Consequence

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 THOSE COMPONENTS TO THE VEHICLE BODY, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEPARATION. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH IF THE ROOF OR WINDSHIELD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WE NOTICED SUDDEN SMOKE WITHIN THE CAR. THE CAR GOT VERY HOT. WE STOPPED AND OPENED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IN THE TRUNK AND NOTICED THAT THE INSULATION MAT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE. WE DID NOT NOTICE ANY CAUSES THAT COULD HAVE LEAD TO THE BURN BESIDES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 14, 2020 · fire

“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. THEN FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, (2 YEARS) CAR WOULD GO INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING, (EVEN ON HIGHWAY) COAST FOR A WHILE, THEN SHUT DOWN, AND NOT RESTART. IF YOU…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 12, 2011 · crash

“IN MY GARAGE I TRIED TO START CAR AFTER EMPTYING WATER FROM FLOODED BATTERY BOX AND ALLOWING TO DRY FOR 4 DAYS. ELECTRICAL CABLE RUNNING THROUGH BATTERY BOX CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED COMPLETELY THROUGH, SEE PICTURE. BATTERY BOX FLOODED FROM A/C CONDENSATION TUBE DISCONNECT IN BATTERY BOX, SEE PICTURE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 1, 2016 · fire

“2008 SMART CAR FORTWO, WAS SOUTH BOUND,WHEN IT LEFT THE ROAD ON THE LEFT AND THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE DUG INTO SOFT DIRT. *BF THE VEHICLE ROLLED AND CAME TO REST UPRIGHT. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE DRIVER HAD A PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION, WHICH COULD HAVE LED TO THE ACCIDENT, BUT COULD NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 29, 2011 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 10, 2025

2008 Smart Fortwo — common questions

Is the 2008 Smart Fortwo reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 175 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 13 Fortwo years. It is one of the Fortwo years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Fortwo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (46 complaints), transmission (31 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints).

Does the 2008 Smart Fortwo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Smart Fortwo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Smart Fortwo under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Smart Fortwo years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fortwo years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2016, 2013. The cleanest record among Fortwo years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.