Illustration2008 SMART FOR TWO PASSION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR INSULATION MAT SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS
2008 Smart Fortwo
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Fortwo years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
310–25K
3425–50K
2150–75K
975–100K
10100–150K
3150K+
108 reports with mileage · 32 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports27 fire reports6 injury reports
Structure complaints
8 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INADVERTENTLY TURN OFF WHEN THE IGNITION KEY WAS ACCIDENTALLY TOUCHED. THE LOCATION FOR THE KEY WAS PLACED BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CON…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INADVERTENTLY TURN OFF WHEN THE IGNITION KEY WAS ACCIDENTALLY TOUCHED. THE LOCATION FOR THE KEY WAS PLACED BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED MIDSTATE AUTO GROUP INC. AT (508) 832-8886 (LOCATED AT 810 WASHINGTON ST, AUBURN, MA 01501) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CONVERTIBLE ROOF DID NOT COMPLETELY CLOSE. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE CONVERTIBLE ROOF FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 39,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
THE PANORAMIC ROOF EXPERIENCES WHAT IS CALLED CRAZING WHERE THE ROOF IS COVERED IN FINE CRACKS DUE TO NORMAL EXPOSURE.
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK. THE REMOTE LOCKS ALL OTHER DOORS BUT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK DOES NOT WORK.
WHILE DRIVING REAR MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE. *TR
THERE IS A LEAK IN THE SEAL FOR THE GLASS ROOF AND THE BODY, RESULTING IN TWO PROBLEMS; 1- WATER HAS LEAKED INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. 2- VERY NOTICEABLE "WIND NOISE" COMING FROM ROOF SEAL AREA. THIS SEAMS CONSISTENT WITH RECALL # 08V-390, HOWEVER, THIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS THE SA…
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THERE IS A LEAK IN THE SEAL FOR THE GLASS ROOF AND THE BODY, RESULTING IN TWO PROBLEMS; 1- WATER HAS LEAKED INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. 2- VERY NOTICEABLE "WIND NOISE" COMING FROM ROOF SEAL AREA. THIS SEAMS CONSISTENT WITH RECALL # 08V-390, HOWEVER, THIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME, AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITH RECALL # 08V-390.
ON FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014, AT APPROXIMATELY 4:00 PM WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK (US DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION), THE LATCHES THAT HOLDS THE FRONT HOOD DOWN IN THE CAR BROKE AND THE HOOD FLEW INTO THE STREET. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS BEHIND OR BESIDE ME AT THE TIME. I HAD TO PULL MY CAR TO THE SHOULDER OF ROAD AND WALK ABOUT 25 F…
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ON FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014, AT APPROXIMATELY 4:00 PM WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK (US DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION), THE LATCHES THAT HOLDS THE FRONT HOOD DOWN IN THE CAR BROKE AND THE HOOD FLEW INTO THE STREET. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS BEHIND OR BESIDE ME AT THE TIME. I HAD TO PULL MY CAR TO THE SHOULDER OF ROAD AND WALK ABOUT 25 FEET TO RETRIEVE THE HOOD IN THE ROAD WHICH CAUSE PAINT DAMAGES TO THE CAR. THIS WAS VERY FRIGHTENING FOR ME. THIS IS TRULY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED AND RECALLED. I BROUGHT THE CAR ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS AGO. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP (MERCEDES-BENZ OF CATONSVILLE) THAT HAS SERVICED MY CAR IN THE PAST TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING THE CAR INTO THE SHOP THE NEXT DAY. THE INCIDENT WAS DISCUSSED WITH THE SALES MANAGER AND GENERAL MANAGER, I WAS INFORMED THAT THESE TYPES OF CARS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THEY HAVE NOT SERVICED MANY, BUT SERVICES HAVE BEEN PERFORMED ON THESE TYPES OF CARS. THE HOOD LATCHES ARE MADE OF PLASTIC AND ITS A "WEAR/TEAR" ISSUE. MY WARRANTY INSURANCE COVERED THE PLASTIC LATCHES, BUT I HAD TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AND RESOLVED THE ISSUE BY MOUNTING (4) NEW PLASTIC LOCKING MECHANISMS (PART NUMBER SMT 451-757-01-01-C22A). I AM AFRAID THAT THIS ISSUE WILL HAPPEN AGAIN IN TIME AND SOMEONE WILL NOT BE AS LUCKY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT OR FATAL INCIDENT. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED ASAP. *TR
THE PLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIAL THAT MAKES UP THE CLEAR ROOF PANEL ON SMART FORTWO PASSION MODELS HAS BEEN KNOWN TO "CRAZE" OR HAZE OVER WITH FINE MARKS, THAT CATCH AND REFLECT THE SUN. THIS MAKES THE ROOF'S MATERIAL APPEAR TO WEAR DOWN DUE TO THE SUN'S UV LIGHT. OWNERS THAT PARK THEIR CARS IN GARAGES HAVE FEWER SYMPTOMS, AND ADV…
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THE PLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIAL THAT MAKES UP THE CLEAR ROOF PANEL ON SMART FORTWO PASSION MODELS HAS BEEN KNOWN TO "CRAZE" OR HAZE OVER WITH FINE MARKS, THAT CATCH AND REFLECT THE SUN. THIS MAKES THE ROOF'S MATERIAL APPEAR TO WEAR DOWN DUE TO THE SUN'S UV LIGHT. OWNERS THAT PARK THEIR CARS IN GARAGES HAVE FEWER SYMPTOMS, AND ADVERSELY, THOSE WHO ALWAYS KEEP THEIR CAR OUTSIDE AND EXPOSED TO SUN SEE EXASPERATED ISSUES. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF THE MATERIAL WARPING DUE TO WEAR AND EXPERIENCING LEAKS AROUND THE EDGES. AS THE PANEL IS NOT A SUN ROOF, BUT INSTEAD THE VEHICLE'S ROOF ITSELF, THE PROBLEM IS NOT CHEAP TO REPAIR. THE MATERIAL HAS BEEN KNOWN TO "CRAZE" SINCE THE SMART FORTWO WAS UPDATED IN 2008, AND AS OF 2012 THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *TR
Official recalls
218V273000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
Apr 27, 2018
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 & remedy
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
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.
08V390000 · Structure:frame And Members
Aug 7, 2008
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 & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA17003 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Sep 1, 2017 · Closed Aug 21, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
On April 30, 2018, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, (Mercedes-Benz) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a defect that could result in a vehicle fire starting from the engine compartment in 42,781 model year (MY) 2008 and 2009 Smart Fortwo cabrio and coupe vehicles (451 platform).According to Mercedes-Benz?s DIR, ?the rear insulation mat within the engine compartment might deform, deteriorate, loosen and over time, subsequently be able to contact hot components of the exhaust system.This could lead to an ignition of the insulation mat and possible fire in the engine compartment.?The US-specification exhaust system has an external catalytic converter packaged close to the insulation mat, where temperatures in the vicinity of the insulation mat reach high values.Over time, these temperatures can lead to a change in the insulation mat's material characteristics and ultimately allow the material to deform. Depending on the magnitude and the specific location of the deformation, the insulation mat could contact hot components of the exhaust system and ignite.Mercedes-Benz will replace the rear insulation mat on the affected vehicles with the improved mat first implemented in the United States in MY 2010 vehicles.ODI?s analysis of fire incident field data reported to NHTSA and Mercedes-Benz show an increasing trend of non-crash fires in the subject vehicles that begins after 4 years of service and accelerates after 7 years of service.The analysis shows that this trend is driven by fires occurring in the engine compartment.Forensic investigations of fires occurring in the past year identified the insulation mat as a likely or possible cause of most of the fires originating in the engine compartment.This investigation is closed based on Mercedes-Benz insulation mat recall.For more information about field data trends and fire investigations, see the closing resume in the document file for this investigation.
PE16016 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Dec 16, 2016 · Closed Nov 20, 2017
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-016 to investigate eight complaints alleging incidents of engine compartment fire while driving or shortly after engine shutdown in model year (MY) 2008 through 2009 Smart Fortwo vehicles.The complaints appeared to indicate an increasing trend, with all eight fires occurring since January 2015.As part of PE16-016, ODI analyzed information related to incidents reported to the Office by consumers, analyzed field data and technical information submitted by Mercedes-Benz USA (Mercedes) in response to the PE16-016 information request letter, and analyzed non-crash vehicle fire claim data provided by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI).To date, ODI's analysis of incidents reported by consumers and provided by Mercedes has identified 27 incidents of open flame fires originating in the engine compartments of the subject vehicles, 14 of which were reported to ODI by Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and 18 involving complaints or field reports to Mercedes (5 of the incidents were reported to both ODI and Mercedes).One incident reported to Mercedes includes an allegation of an injury from smoke inhalation.Nineteen (19) of the incidents occurred since January 2015.Mercedes has only investigated 2 of the 27 fire incidents, and the company was unable to identify a vehicle-based cause for either incident.To further assess incident rates and trends, ODI requested fire claim data for the subject vehicles and eight peer vehicles from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI).HLDI collects insurance claim data from companies representing over 80 percent of the market for private passenger vehicle insurance in the United States.ODI?s analysis of the HLDI data, which covered the period from 2010 through late-2016, found that the MY 2008 Fortwo vehicles had a significantly higher claim frequency than its peers and, similar to ODI?s complaint trend, experienced a sharp increase in claims in 2015.This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA17-003) to continue to investigate the high frequency and increasing trend of non-crash engine compartment fire incidents in the subject vehicles.The VOQs associated with the opening of this investigation were:10676359, 10780222, 10790017, 10820891, 10872656, 10944676, 10916505, 10924311, 10924637, 10939504, 10945296, 10993895, 11011100, 11011565.