2009 Smart Fortwo engine problems

The 2009 Smart Fortwo has 28 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 20% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

Engine complaints

20%

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

“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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2009 Smart Fortwo have?

NHTSA has 28 complaints about the 2009 Smart Fortwo engine — 20% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2009 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.