Smart Fortwo 2008 problems
The Smart Fortwo (stylized as "smart fortwo") is a two-seater city car built by the Smart division of the Mercedes-Benz Group from 1998 to 2024. In its third generation, the Fortwo has a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a one-box design.
The first generation was internally designated as the W450, launched at the 1998 Paris Motor Show. The second generation W451-build series was launched at the 2006 Bologna Motor Show. The third generation Fortwo (2014–) was internally designated as the C453 build series, and debuted globally on July 16, 2014, at the Tempodrom in Berlin along with a closely related four-door version, the Smart Forfour, co-developed and sharing the same platform and engines with the third-generation Renault Twingo.
Marketed in 46 countries worldwide, Fortwo production had surpassed 1.7 million units by early 2015. The brand name Smart supposedly derives from its early history as a cooperative venture between Swatch and Mercedes: Swatch Mercedes ART. The Fortwo nameplate derives from its two-person seating capacity. Until 2002, the Fortwo had been marketed as the smart City-Coupé.
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Common Smart Fortwo 2008 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Smart Fortwo 2008, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Transmission Issues:
Owners have frequently reported transmission problems with the 2008 Smart Fortwo. Specifically, difficulties switching into reverse gear and transmission failure have been highlighted as major concerns. The 2008 model year, along with the 2009 model, has been particularly problematic in this regard. Transmission issues can significantly impact the driving experience and overall reliability of the vehicle. - Suspension Problems:
Another common complaint among Smart Fortwo owners is related to suspension issues. Problems with the suspension system can affect the handling and comfort of the vehicle, leading to a less than optimal driving experience. Addressing suspension problems promptly is crucial to ensure the safety and performance of the car. - Electrical Failures:
Electrical failures have been reported by owners of the Smart Fortwo 2008. These failures can manifest in various ways, impacting critical components such as the charging unit, heater blower motors, and other electrical systems. Electrical issues can be challenging to diagnose and repair, necessitating attention from experienced technicians. - Engine Failure:
Engine failure has also been a concern raised by some Smart Fortwo owners. Engine issues can lead to a loss of power, decreased fuel efficiency, and potential safety hazards. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to prevent and address engine failures effectively. - Other Reported Problems:
- Muffler Pipes: Owners have reported failing muffler pipes, which can impact the vehicle's exhaust system and overall performance.
- Crazing: This refers to a condition where the car's roof develops small cracks due to wear and tear, affecting the vehicle's aesthetics and potentially its structural integrity.
- Brake Light/Line Switch: The location of this component makes it prone to corrosion, leading to potential malfunctions that can disable the vehicle unexpectedly.
Addressing these common problems with the Smart Fortwo 2008 requires thorough inspection, timely maintenance, and expert repairs. Owners are advised to stay vigilant, especially if they own a 2008 model, and address these issues promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles.
Is a 2008 Smart car a good car?
Edmunds says
The 2008 Smart Fortwo is a tiny, fuel-sipping city car for those whose daily driving limits them to congested downtown streets. As a second, commuting-only car, it's wonderful, but those with room for only one vehicle in the garage may want to consider a larger subcompact or compact car.
What is the most common problems with a smart car?
According to getjerry.com, here are a few common troubles with Smart cars:
- Suspension issues.
- Clutch/malfunction failure.
- Electrical failures.
- Transmission/gearbox issues.
- Engine problems.
How many miles can you get out of a 2008 Smart car?
Typically, a Smart Car will survive 150,000-450,000 miles, providing an excellent ownership opportunity for buyers. The car can last for several decades with flawless maintenance, though most will get around two out of the system.
What is the mechanical problem with the 2009 smart fortwo?
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.
Smart Fortwo 2008 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Smart Fortwo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Smart Fortwo 2008 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints Smart Fortwo 2008
The NHTSA has received 138 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Smart Fortwo 2008. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Smart Fortwo 2008 vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEK31X68K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Smart Fortwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000(Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed there was smoke coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught on fire. No warning lights illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle quickly and entered a mechanic shop and a mechanic put on safety gloves to extinguish the fire with a fire hose. The fire was able to be extinguished by the mechanic. The mechanic mentioned that the insulation mat detached from the vehicle and caught on fire. No injuries were sustained. A fire report was not filed since the fire department was not at the scene. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's parents' home where it remained. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts Distribution Disconnect
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- VIN: WMEEJ31X28K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA has no service centers on Long Island,NY that might fix the recall issue. For a time they were the only Smart Car service provider after Smart Car dealers were abandoned. MB USA currently will not do the recall and offers no reasonable alternative. The issue is potential engine compartment/total vehicle fire due to compartment insulation failure. Offers no suggestions for doing the recall service except one MB dealer in CT at one time might be able; if I research them.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
- VIN: WMEEJ31X48K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact's mother owns a 2008 Smart ForTwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was notified of the recall but informed the contact that the recall could not be serviced at their location. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer that was 180 miles away. The manufacturer was informed that the owner of the vehicle was elderly and would not be able to travel that far a distance yet was offered no additional assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- VIN: WMEEK31X58K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Smart ForTwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer suggested that the vehicle be towed to another local dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-04
- VIN: WMEEK31X48K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The parts were available; however, the dealer list the manufacturer provided that the recall repair instructions were not available. The contact called multiple dealers however services could not be provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEJ31X38K
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: We were driving in Greensboro NC this afternoon on the way to my husbands birthday dinner when off of Bridford? Parkway our 2008 smart car passion for two started malfunctioning all lights flashing on instrument panel & brakes quit & another motorist drove up beside us with window down screaming GET OUT YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE!!! We managed to stop on side of road at woods & jumped out car was on fire looked like under back tires and engine in back! We grabbed what we could save & ran. 911 was called & fire and police came. 2 Witnesses also to event we have photos & videos. Our car burned all the way down to frame! Total loss! We could have died because we couldnt see the fire behind us under car & if not for the man we may have blown up!!
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-06
- VIN: WMEEJ31X98K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 2008 Smart Fortwo Pure, currently with 85,036 miles, factory equipped with optional POWER STEERING - ELECTRIC, power steering had worked fine until Fall 2020 when cold temperatures caused steering lock-up, until car interior warmed enough to unlock steering, behavior consistent throughout that winter. Once steering unlocked, steering was normal, until car sat & chilled sufficiently to re-lock steering, or fault disappeared with warmer Spring 2021 temperatures. NEW DEVELOPMENTS - December 2021, outside temperatures in the 20s F, it takes much longer, 30-60 minutes or longer with heat & blower on max heat, before steering unlocks. After steering unlocks, it can seem fully unlocked, BUT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND FRIGID TEMPERATURES STEERING NOW GETS DANGEROUSLY STIFF AND STICKY AND STUCK-IN-POSITION MOMENTARILY WHILE DRIVING. Unlike some vehicles with steering lockable by key position for theft deterrence, THERE IS NO STEERING-LOCK-BASED ANTI-THEFT FEATURE ON THE FORTWO. I hope you’ll agree that any vehicle whose steering may lock-up in operation at highway speeds as a function of U.S. midwestern winter temperatures has a life-threatening steering safety defect worthy of further investigation.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEJ31X98K
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Engine fire destroyed vehicle while driving on Interstate at 65 MPH. Vehicle was serviced and maintained per manufacturer maintenance schedule at authorized dealer. No prior issues with vehicle. Vehicle also passed emission check on 09/29/2021 with no OBD error codes reported during inspection. Mileage: 60K
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-14
- VIN: WMEEK31XX8K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I am seeing melted and possible burnt material on the underside of the engine compartment cover and I am concerned for a fire to develop.. i have photos i will send
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-26
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEJ31X88K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was on fire under the hood. The fire department was called to the scene and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was not towed. There was no injury sustained. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEK31X88K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH AT NIGHT, LIGHTS FLASHED ON/OFF, HER A THUMP AND POP, CAR AND LIGHTS SHUT OFF, THEN A LARGE FIRE ERUPTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-01
- VIN: WMEEK31X78K
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 2008 SMART FOR TWO PASSION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR INSULATION MAT SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEJ31X48K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WE NOTICED SUDDEN SMOKE WITHIN THE CAR. THE CAR GOT VERY HOT. WE STOPPED AND OPENED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IN THE TRUNK AND NOTICED THAT THE INSULATION MAT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE. WE DID NOT NOTICE ANY CAUSES THAT COULD HAVE LEAD TO THE BURN BESIDES THE MAT ITSELF.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-26
- VIN: WMEEJ31X58K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER ASSIST WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEW COUNTRY MERCEDES-BENZ LOCATED AT 1 WESTON ST, HARTFORD, CT 06120, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,250.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEJ31X68K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 45-55 MPH HE UNEXPECTEDLY SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S SON CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHEN HE DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE EMITTED SMOKE FROM THE REAR. SHORTLY AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE CONTACT'S SON OPENED THE REAR HATCH AND NOTICED FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED WITH A WATER HOSE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CALLED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000 THE CONTACT STATED RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-27
- VIN: WMEEJ31X28K
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). FRANK FLETCHER IMPORTS (3111 E 32ND ST, JOPLIN, MO 64804, (417) 297-0821) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE JACKIE COOPER IMPORTS (9393 S MEMORIAL DR, TULSA, OK 74133, (918) 615-2185) A TWO AND A HALF HOUR DRIVE AWAY. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A THE VEHICLE WAS ELIGIBLE FOR PICKUP AND THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD CALL TO MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-13
- VIN: WMEEK31X28K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SMART FOR TWO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER MERCEDES BENZ OF PALM BEACH, 4000 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409, CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-31
- VIN: WMEEJ31X98K
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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 DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES PREVIOUSLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-01
- VIN: WMEEJ31X28K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO LOCAL DEALERS NEAR THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-19
- VIN: WMEEK31X18K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOTORWORLD MILEONE AUTO GROUP (150 MOTORWORLD DR, WILKES-BARRE, PA 18702, (866) 591-7116), BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-09
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WMEEJ31X88K
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND LANDED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED AND WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SENT AN ENGINEER AND LAWYER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT PROVIDED ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY WERE INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE TWR AIR BAGS, WHICH WERE INCLUDED IN NHTSA INVESTIGATION NUMBER: [XXX] (AIR BAGS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,500.*TR*JB*JB ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).')*JB*JB*DT*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-23
- VIN: WMEEJ31XX8K
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: .........I NOT THE CURREN OWNER FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT, MY SMART IS AFFECTED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OR FAULT-DEFECT. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=31877430&ROWNUMBER=9&LOADRECENT=TRUE . .........VEHICLE WON'T START. ..........FUSE BOX. FAIL. .......... ......... THANK YOU.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
- VIN: WMEEJ31X68K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SMART CAR. CONSUMER WRITES WITH CONCERN FOR VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE WHILE IDLE IN DRIVE-WAY FOLLOWING RECALL AND REPAIRS BY MANUFACTURER. *AS *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-01
- VIN: WMEEJ31X58K
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT SWITCH TO THE REVERSE POSITION. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMEEJ31X68K
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FOR TWO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EURO MOTORCARS DEVON MERCEDES-BENZ (214 W LANCASTER AVE, DEVON, PA 19333, (610) 687-1500) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER AND DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AS THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONTACT DETECTED SMOKE COMING OUT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,988. *TT UPDATED 11/19/18*JB
Smart Fortwo 2008 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Smart Fortwo 2008.
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear insulation mat with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began in July 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018060010.
- Manufacturer: SMART USA DISTRIBUTOR LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: 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 COMBINATION OF MATERIALS USED TO REPAINT THE FRAME AND CHASSIS COULD LEAD TO DE LAMINATION OF THE PAINT MATERIALS FROM THE BODY AND FRAME STRUCTURES.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative Smart Fortwo 2008 car reviews
Positive Smart Fortwo 2008 car reviews
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The smart is definitely a blast to drive, and boasts excellent mileage. I've managed to get 53 MPG on my best tank so far, driving conservatively on the highway. Realistically, one should expect high 30s to mid 40s depending on their driving habits. It's worth noting that mileage tends to suffer above 65 MPH as the drag increases. The quirky transmission is the car's greatest weak spot. It's neither as smooth as a traditional automatic nor as quick to change gears as a manual. However, with a bit of practice, you'll get used to it and become smoother. Despite this, the car is an absolute joy to drive. If you don't want to wait a full year for a reservation, try getting on your local dealer's
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Bought for our daughter who is 15 so that she can learn to drive and take it to college. I now drive it almost every day and will miss it when she gets her license. It's a solid, practical, and efficient car with great handling and a peppy drive.
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After two years, I'm happy to report that the honeymoon may be over, but the marriage is still going strong. I've learned to adapt to the fussy transmission, and I've found that a relaxed driving style works wonders. In fact, the ride has actually improved with time. While winter driving is okay, winter parking after a snowstorm can be a bit painful because the smart is so light. During the summer, the AC occasionally blows hot air or the fan stops, even after it was replaced as part of a popular warranty fix. Additionally, the driver side airbag cover popped a bit, which is unsightly. However, overall, the smart is still mostly a pleasure to drive. As someone who is 5'9
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I love the car. When you're in it, you feel like you're in a normal-sized car. You're actually higher up than in many cars, which is one of the safety features. The mileage is much better than advertised, and I find it to have great pick up. It feels like any other car going 80mph. I was pleased by how well it drives and feels.
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The SMART may not be the best car for everyone, but if you understand what it offers, it could be the perfect car for you. It delivers great gas mileage, fits two tall people very comfortably, can be easily towed behind an RV, and is a great around-town car. If you're not expecting the manual transmission it comes with to shift smoothly (it's not an automatic, but a manual that can be driven in automated mode), don't buy the smart. However, it shifts just fine if you drive it in manual mode. If you're a baby boomer with no kids at home, or someone looking for an around-town car to go to work or run down to the grocery store, or even to commute a reasonable distance to work, this may be the car for you.
Additional sources
More sources of information about Smart Fortwo 2008 problems:
Thinking of Buying One - What are Common Issues? | Smart Car of ...
Feb 17, 2020 ... Poor maintenance (or only ever using 87 octane fuel) can sometimes lead to burned valves. · 2008s and 2009s should have their engine mats ...
Thinking about buying a 2008 Smart ForTwo - Buying/Selling - Car ...
Oct 16, 2018 ... It is extremely unreliable, poorly designed, and anything you need done on it is going to take forever to get the parts, the labor will be ...
Expected mileage out of a smart car before major issues : r/SmartCar
Jul 15, 2022 ... I just got a 2010 Smart Fortwo with 36k miles. I used to have a 2009 passion cabriolet but I started to run into many problems including ...
2008 Smart ForTwo Reliability - Consumer Reports
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 ...
2008 smart ForTwo Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
I have owned this car 2008 smart for 3 years and it work great some minor issues like engine light that was just gas cap and heater whlch i removed and cleaned.
Other years of Smart Fortwo
Are you having problems with your Smart Fortwo 2008?
Korey Rowe 2024-04-11
The combination of skinny front tires and an automatic transmission can cause the ABS to engage frequently when stopping in snowy conditions. To avoid this, I have developed the habit of shifting into neutral as I come to a stop. While driving on bumpy roads with frost heaves and potholes, the ride can be quite harsh due to the limited suspension travel. However, on smooth and dry roads, the driving experience is enjoyable and the car handles well in urban areas.
Raymundo Lesch 2024-03-16
I have owned this car for 9 months. Although it looks cute, it hasn't lived up to my expectations. The gas mileage is decent, but only if you drive conservatively. For a car of this size, I expected better fuel efficiency. The transmission has been a major issue for me, even after the software update. It can be quite uncomfortable and annoying, especially in traffic. The constant shifting between 1st and 2nd gear can make you feel nauseous. This is the main reason why I want to sell it. Unfortunately, the gas gauge still doesn't read correctly, even after multiple visits to the dealer. It's disappointing to see Mercedes' name associated with this car. Overall, my experience has been a little herky-jerky rollercoaster ride.