At the shop, Smart transmission and driveline issues have a recognizable signature. 55 documented complaints across 2 year-model entries from 2008 to 2009 is consistent with what we see come in. The 2008 Smart Fortwo is the standout — roughly 55% of the transmission and driveline complaint volume on Smart's record traces to that year-model. 6 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Across the 48 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 34,813 miles. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin SMART / POWERTRAIN
2 model-year entries · 2008–2009
Smart powertrain problems
55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Smart vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
55
Recalls
0
Year-models
2
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
1fire
6injuries
Worst-affected Smart model-years for powertrain Top 2 by complaint volume
1 2
2008 Smart Fortwo
30 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2009 Smart Fortwo
25 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
Common questions
How many Smart powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
55 complaints across 2 model-year entries from 2008 to 2009. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Smart.
Which Smart model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2008 Smart Fortwo leads with 30 complaints in this category. Next: 2009 Fortwo (25) and others.
What does it cost to fix Smart powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Smart lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Smart powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Smart vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Smart.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.