TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, IT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF ORLANDO (810 ORLANDO AVE, MAITLAND, FL 32751, (407) 680-0784) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO…

12/31/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292231.0

2008 Fortwo · powertrain

THE FAILING PART IS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER. THE SHIFT LEVER RELEASE BUTTON BEGINS TO GET RESISTIVE IN IT'S OPERATION AND THEN FAILS TO ACTUATE ALL TOGETHER. IN MY CASE THIS RESULTED IN THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SHIFT LEVER…

12/24/2008 · NHTSA ODI #10252757.0

2008 Fortwo · airbags

I RECENTLY HAD THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON MY CAR. I TOOK IT IN TO AN AUTHORIZED SMART CAR SHOP (MERCEDES BENZ). MB INFORMED THAT THE WIRES FROM THE SEAT BELT UNDERNEATH PASSENGER SEAT WERE FRAYED AND NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT SYSTEM. AFTER PAYING $400.00, FOR A NEW…

12/22/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10667650.0

2008 Fortwo · suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN ABNORMAL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCKS WERE LEAKING FLUID ONTO THE BRAKES AND THAT THE BRAKES AND SHOCKS…

12/20/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10936528.0

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 08V390000 07/08/2008

SMART USA IS RECALLING 43 MY 2008 FORTWO 451 VEHICLES

SUCH DE LAMINATING CAN TAKE PLACE IN THE AREA OF THE BODY WHERE THE WINDSHIELD AND ROOF HAVE BEEN AFFIXED WITH ADHESIVE, WHICH COULD AFFECT THE ADHESION OF THOSE COMPONENTS TO THE VEHICLE BODY, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEPARATION. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH IF THE ROOF OR WINDSHIELD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAINT THE AFFECTED AREAS TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SMART USA AT 1-248-648-2451.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Smart Fortwo reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Smart Fortwo is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Smart Fortwo?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 40 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Smart Fortwo has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Smart Fortwo?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 139 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 21 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Smart. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.