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 PASSENGER SEAT BELT, THE LIGHT CAME OFF. READING DIFFERENT FORUMS ONLINE, MANY SMART CAR OWNERS HAVE ALSO HAD EXACTLY THE S…
2008 Smart Fortwo airbags problems
critical 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$1,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH AROUND A CURVE, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER RECEIVED INJURIES TO HER BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY WERE PENDING AN INVESTIGATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND …
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2008 Smart Fortwo?
It's a serious issue. 5 complaints have been filed, including 2 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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