VehicleVerdict

2009 Smart Fortwo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 139 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.7 times the median Fortwo year — the 2009 model ranks #2 of 13 Fortwo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (28), transmission (27), and other (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

139

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

21

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Fortwo years?

Fortwo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fortwo years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Smart Fortwo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2820%
Transmission2719%
Other1914%
Electrical System1511%
Body & Structure118%
Tires & Wheels107%
Fuel System96%
Airbags54%
Seat Belts54%
Brakes32%
Suspension21%
Latches & Locks11%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Speed Control11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2009 Smart Fortwo have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DRIVING TO A FRIENDS HOUSE, ABOUT A 10-15 MIN. DRIVE... FRIEND SAY HE SMELLS SMOKE, LOOK TO THE RIGHT SIDE ONTO THE MIRROR AND ITS SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK SIDE OF MY CAR. OPEN THE BACK TO LOOK AT THE ENGINE - A LOT OF SMOKE IS COMING OUT AND AS THE SMOKE IS CLEARING MY FRIEND SEES FLAMES AND WE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 11, 2015 · fire

“RANDOMLY, AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND SELECTING REVERSE, THE DASH DISPLAY DOESN'T DISPLAY 'R' OR IT FLASHES 'N', AND THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T ENGAGE REVERSE GEAR. MOVING GEAR SHIFTER BETWEEN PARK AND DRIVE SEVERAL TIMES OR RESTARTING VEHICLE HELPS SOMETIMES. THIS WOULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF NEEDING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 12, 2018

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR THE CAR BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I NOTICED THE CAR WAS ON FIRE BEHIND ME AND I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AS THE FIRE ENGULFED THE REMAINDER OF THE CAR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 22, 2019 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE VEHICLE UNDERNEATH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE KNOCKING SOUND AND SMOKE CONTINUED. THE HORN AND ALARM BEGAN TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 29, 2016 · fire

“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. MY CLIENT FOLLOWED THE SMOKE TO THE GARAGE WHERE HE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 8, 2017 · fire

2009 Smart Fortwo — common questions

Is the 2009 Smart Fortwo reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 139 complaints put the 2009 model at #2 of 13 Fortwo years. It is one of the Fortwo years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Fortwo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (28 complaints), transmission (27 complaints), other (19 complaints).

Does the 2009 Smart Fortwo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Smart Fortwo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 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.