smart fortwo, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2008 smart fortwo recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2008 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
2
Park-it warnings
0
Complaints
160
Latest campaign
Apr 27, 2018

Recall summary by component2

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsLatestCampaign IDs
Engine and engine cooling1Apr 27, 2018
Structure1Aug 7, 2008

Safety recalls2

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
0Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Apr 27, 2018Latest campaign
Apr 27, 201818V273000

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system

If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire.

DetailsHide details for campaign 18V273000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 18V273000 · Apr 27, 2018
Aug 7, 200808V390000

Structure: frame and members

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…

DetailsHide details for campaign 08V390000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 08V390000 · Aug 7, 2008
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Owner complaints by component160

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
160Complaints filed
7Involving a crash
28Involving a fire
10Injuries reported · 1 death
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Power train3924316
Engine34210160
Electrical system2113040
Unknown or other1811171
Engine and engine cooling149030
Structure128010
Service brakes117010
Seat belts106000
Fuel/propulsion system85001
Steering53101
Air bags53201
Hydraulic53000
Fuel system53000
Gasoline53000
Latches/locks/linkages32000

11 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number, merged from NHTSA model names fortwo, Fortwo Coupe.

Latest reports

  • Power train

    “I was entering an intersection and missed judged the traffic light and was a bit to far forward, so I tried to reverse but the car would not shift to reverse.”

    Filed 08/20/2026 · ODI 11758392
  • Fuel/propulsion system

    “The 90 degree fittings(integral to the fuel pump) on top of the fuel pump cracked and leaks gasoline leading to a potential fire that could cause bodily injury for the driver and passenger.”

    Filed 05/15/2025 · ODI 11661330
  • Engine and engine cooling

    “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.”

    Filed 09/25/2024 · ODI 11616352

Other smart fortwo model years

All years: 2017 · 2016 · 2015 · 2014 · 2013 · 2011 · 2009 · 2008

2008 smart fortwo recall questions

How many recalls does the 2008 smart fortwo have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns for the 2008 smart fortwo. The most recent, 18V273000 (reported April 27, 2018), concerns engine and engine cooling. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2008 smart fortwo?

Power train is the most-reported component, named in 39 complaints out of 160 filed with NHTSA (24%). Across all complaints, owners reported 7 crashs and 28 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2008 smart fortwo?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Check a specific smart by VIN

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