2009 smart fortwo
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 30 of 111 complaints (27%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 177 in 2008 to 111 in 2009.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | vs. 2009 Two Seaters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,150 | 2,150 | 2,150 | 2,150 | |
| Combined MPG | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 33 / 41 | 33 / 41 | 33 / 41 | 33 / 39 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 247 | 247 | 247 | 247 | |
| Complaints filed | 177 | 111 | 6 | 16 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 8 | 5 | 0 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 30 | 12 | 1 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 11 | 4 | 0 | 2 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 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 2009 smart fortwo have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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 2009 smart fortwo?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 30 of 111 NHTSA complaints (27%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2009 smart fortwo get?
EPA rates it 36 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2009 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 (AM5) | 3 | 1.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 33 mpg | 41 mpg | 36 mpg | $2,150 | 247 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (AM5) | 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 | 29 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 30 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 20 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 19 | 1 | 6 | 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 (1)
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.