2008 smart fortwo
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 50 of 177 complaints (28%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | vs. 2008 Two Seaters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,150 | 2,150 | 2,150 | |
| Combined MPG | 36 | 36 | 36 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 33 / 41 | 33 / 41 | 33 / 41 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 247 | 247 | 247 | |
| Complaints filed | 177 | 111 | 6 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 8 | 5 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 30 | 12 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 11 | 4 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2008 smart fortwo have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2008 smart fortwo?
Engine: 50 of 177 NHTSA complaints (28%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 smart fortwo get?
EPA rates it 36 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2008 smart fortwo?
EPA estimates $2,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S5) | 3 | 1.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 33 mpg | 41 mpg | 36 mpg | $2,150 | 247 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S5) | 3 | 1.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 33 mpg | 41 mpg | 36 mpg | $2,150 | 247 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 50 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 44 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 14 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 26 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 16 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 19 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 20 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM · Campaign 18V273000 · May 2, 2018
Defect: 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.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS · Campaign 08V390000 · Aug 7, 2008
Defect: 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.