Worst 2008 Smart Fortwo Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
ENGINE
POWER TRAIN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Smart Fortwo.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 33 | — | 16 | 74,453 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN | 22 | 3 | 1 | 41,914 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18 | — | 4 | 48,058 mi | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 17 | 1 | 7 | 54,065 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 10 | — | 2 | 35,783 mi | |
| SEAT BELTS | 10 | — | — | 34,722 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 9 | — | — | 16,438 mi | |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 8 | — | — | 70,109 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6 | — | 1 | 65,250 mi | |
| AIR BAGS | 5 | 2 | — | 33,425 mi | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 5 | — | 1 | 31,661 mi | |
| STEERING | 4 | 1 | — | 38,083 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 3 | — | — | 8,183 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 | — | — | 76,500 mi | |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 2 | — | — | 3,750 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 2 | — | — | 36,585 mi | |
| STRUCTURE | 2 | — | — | 17,500 mi | |
| VISIBILITY | 2 | — | — | 33,940 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | 1 | — | — | 139,000 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 | — | — | 23,500 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 1 | — | 1 | 80,000 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL | 1 | — | — | — | |
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 1 | — | — | 29,650 mi | |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH | 1 | — | — | 51,424 mi | |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 1 | — | — | 51,424 mi | |
| SEATS | 1 | — | — | 51,699 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT | 1 | — | — | 139,000 mi | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS | 1 | — | — | 39,000 mi | |
| SUSPENSION | 1 | — | — | 52,000 mi | |
| TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS | 1 | — | — | 15,000 mi |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Smart Fortwo. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2008 Smart Fortwo
2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~85,562 vehicles.
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.
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.
Other Smart Fortwo Years
Wider context: See the full Smart Fortwo reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2008 Smart Fortwo
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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