2008 Smart Fortwo engine problems

The 2008 Smart Fortwo has 46 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 26% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Engine complaints

26%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Fortwo engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2008 Smart Fortwo have?

NHTSA has 46 complaints about the 2008 Smart Fortwo engine — 26% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2008 Smart Fortwo engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 18V273000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.