Model year
2008 smart fortwo
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 140 complaints for the 2008 smart fortwo (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 0 recalls and 37 complaints under FORTWO CABRIO and FORTWO COUPE. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE (33), POWER TRAIN (23), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19). NHTSA lists 2 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 36 mpg combined (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,300, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2008 140 complaints
- 2009 100 complaints
- 2010 6 complaints
- 2011 16 complaints
- 2012 8 complaints
- 2013 25 complaints
- 2014 13 complaints
- 2015 6 complaints
- 2016 21 complaints
- 2017 7 complaints
- 2018 1 complaints
- 2019 1 complaints
Recalls
18V273000 · Apr 27, 2018
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
08V390000 · Aug 7, 2008
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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…
Complaints
140 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 7, fire flag on 27, injury field 9, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| FORTWO CABRIO | 0 | 17 |
| FORTWO COUPE | 0 | 20 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE16016 | Engine Compartment Fire · ENGINE | Dec 16, 2016 | Nov 20, 2017 |
| EA17003 | Engine Compartment Fire · ENGINE | Sep 1, 2017 | Aug 21, 2018 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fortwo convertible · 1L · Automatic (S5) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 33 | 41 | 36 | — | — | $2,300 |
| fortwo coupe · 1L · Automatic (S5) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 33 | 41 | 36 | — | — | $2,300 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2008 smart fortwo at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.