Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
240–25K
2025–50K
1850–75K
375–100K
6100–150K
0150K+
71 reports with mileage · 29 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.
Power Train. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
3 crash reports11 fire reports2 injury reports
What owners actually said
100 reports
47,500 miles · Jan 16, 2015
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD MOLD DAMAGE DUE TO WATER PENETRATION FROM A CRACK IN THE ROOF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE SEAL BETWEEN THE ROOF AND THE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD MOLD DAMAGE DUE TO WATER PENETRATION FROM A CRACK IN THE ROOF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE SEAL BETWEEN THE ROOF AND THE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,500.
NHTSA ODI #10673110
38,500 miles · Jan 6, 2015
StructureUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury
I WAS DRIVING MY SMART CAR TO WORK AT 1:30 AM. THERE WAS SOME SNOW ON THE ROADS SO I LEFT 10 MINUTES EARLIER THAN NORMAL SO I COULD DRIVE SLOWLY. I HAD TO GO UP A HILL AND THE CAR FISHTAILED AND CRASHED INTO THE STEEL RAIL.I WAS GOING 43 MPH IN A 55 MPH ZONE WHEN THE CAR FISHTAILED. I HIT THE STEEL RAIL ALMOST HEAD ON. THE CAR …
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I WAS DRIVING MY SMART CAR TO WORK AT 1:30 AM. THERE WAS SOME SNOW ON THE ROADS SO I LEFT 10 MINUTES EARLIER THAN NORMAL SO I COULD DRIVE SLOWLY. I HAD TO GO UP A HILL AND THE CAR FISHTAILED AND CRASHED INTO THE STEEL RAIL.I WAS GOING 43 MPH IN A 55 MPH ZONE WHEN THE CAR FISHTAILED. I HIT THE STEEL RAIL ALMOST HEAD ON. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS YET THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HIT MY HEAD AND HAVE A SORE BACK AND KNEE PLUS I MISSED A DAY OF WORK. I DO NOT BELIEVE THESE CARS ARE SAFE TO DRIVE IN WINTER DUE TO THE REAR WHEEL DRIVE AND THE AIR BAGS THAT DO NOT WORK. THANKS FOR READING MY STORY.
NHTSA ODI #10670497
41,000 miles · Nov 11, 2014
Structure
WHILE A BODY PANEL WAS BEING REPLACED ON A 2009 SMART FORTWO PASSION, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT, UNBEKNOWNST TO THE CAR'S OWNER, THE MECHANISM SECURING THE TAILGATE IN PLACE HAD CORRODED SO BADLY THAT THE TAILGATE WAS IN DANGER OF, LITERALLY, FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE. HE REATTACHED THE TAILGATE BUT WAS SINCERELY CONCERNED THA…
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WHILE A BODY PANEL WAS BEING REPLACED ON A 2009 SMART FORTWO PASSION, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT, UNBEKNOWNST TO THE CAR'S OWNER, THE MECHANISM SECURING THE TAILGATE IN PLACE HAD CORRODED SO BADLY THAT THE TAILGATE WAS IN DANGER OF, LITERALLY, FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE. HE REATTACHED THE TAILGATE BUT WAS SINCERELY CONCERNED THAT IT HAD BEEN IN DANGER OF FALLING OFF OR--GIVEN THE RIGHT CONDITIONS, LIKE OPEN WINDOWS AND HIGHWAY SPEED--FLYING OFF AND PERHAPS HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE OR BEING HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC ADVISED FILING A REPORT IN CASE THIS CORROSION PROBLEM AFFECTS OTHER SIMILAR MODELS. MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE MECHANIC. TO CONTACT THE MECHANIC, SIMPLY EMAIL OR CALL THE FILER OF THIS REPORT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10654214
14,724 miles · Oct 2, 2014
Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,724. UPDATED 11/21/14*…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,724. UPDATED 11/21/14*CN UPDATED 5/7/2015 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10640838
9,400 miles · Aug 6, 2014
TiresWheels
THE VALVE STEMS ARE CRACKING AND IF THEY FAIL WHILE DRIVING A DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL. THE CRACKED VALVE STEMS WERE NOTICED WHEN THE WHEELS WERE REMOVED FOR SERVICE. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10619397
9,391 miles · Jun 3, 2014
Suspension
THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WITHOUT IMPACT TO THE SUSPENSION. THE SPRING IS CLEAN WITH NO RUST OR CORROSION AT THE BREAK POINT. THE SPRING PAINT STILL LOOKS NEW. THERE IS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT A SPRING SHOULD BREAK AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET FOR SPRIN…
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THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WITHOUT IMPACT TO THE SUSPENSION. THE SPRING IS CLEAN WITH NO RUST OR CORROSION AT THE BREAK POINT. THE SPRING PAINT STILL LOOKS NEW. THERE IS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT A SPRING SHOULD BREAK AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET FOR SPRINGS BREAKING, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES, ON SMART VEHICLES. THE BREAK WAS AT THE LOWER PORTION OF THE SPRING WHICH MAY PUNCTURE A TIRE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES OR POSSIBLY JAM THE HUB AND THROWING THE VEHICLE OUT OF CONTROL. IF THE SPRING BROKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT SPEED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER MAY BE AT RISK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10595802
10,000 miles · May 30, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine
WHEN I START MY CAR AND PUT IT IN DRIVE IT SHOWS REVERSE ON THE SCREEN OR NOTHING AT ALL. THEN MY CAR WILL BACK UP INSTEAD OF GOING FORWARD. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT A FEW TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO ME MORE THAN ONCE. THE AIR TUBES IN THE ENGINE ALREADY HAVE CRACKS IN THEM LIKELY BECAUSE A C…
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WHEN I START MY CAR AND PUT IT IN DRIVE IT SHOWS REVERSE ON THE SCREEN OR NOTHING AT ALL. THEN MY CAR WILL BACK UP INSTEAD OF GOING FORWARD. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT A FEW TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO ME MORE THAN ONCE. THE AIR TUBES IN THE ENGINE ALREADY HAVE CRACKS IN THEM LIKELY BECAUSE A CHEAP MATERIAL WAS USED TO PRODUCE THEM, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT CAN LEAD TO ENGINE FIRES IN MANY OF THESE VEHICLES. IN ADDITION, SOMETHING SEEMS TO BE ALREADY WRONG WITH MY TRANSMISSION AND THE CAR IS NOT EVEN THAT OLD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10595006
23,445 miles · Mar 16, 2014
Electrical System
OK THE MOTION SENSOR STOPPED WORKING, THE RADIO WAS DRAWING 870MA WHILE CAR IS SHUT OFF SO HAD TO GET THAT DISCONNECTED. THE HEATER FAN WENT THEY REPLACED THE HEATER FAN FROM MY EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THE OTHER TWO THINGS WAS NOT SO NOW IM WITH OUT A RADIO THAT WAS PUT IN BY THE SMART CAR PEOPLE AND WHEN MY TOP IS DOWN I HAVE NO …
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OK THE MOTION SENSOR STOPPED WORKING, THE RADIO WAS DRAWING 870MA WHILE CAR IS SHUT OFF SO HAD TO GET THAT DISCONNECTED. THE HEATER FAN WENT THEY REPLACED THE HEATER FAN FROM MY EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THE OTHER TWO THINGS WAS NOT SO NOW IM WITH OUT A RADIO THAT WAS PUT IN BY THE SMART CAR PEOPLE AND WHEN MY TOP IS DOWN I HAVE NO MOTION SENSOR THE RADIO DREW SO BAD OF A DRAW THAT THE BATTERY WOULD DIE OVER NIGHT WHILE THE CAR WAS OFF YES THE CAR WAS OFF AND SO WAS THE RADIO. I AM UP SET THAT BEING IT WAS NOT MY DOINGS AT ALL OF THE MISS HAPS OF THE RADIO AND MOTION SENSOR THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO GO WITH OUT A RADIO OR SENSOR IN MY 2009 CAR IM NOW AFFRAID TO DRIVE IT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS AND THAT I HAVE NO RADIO IN IT OR MOTION SENSOR. I CANT AFFORD TO PAY THE DEALER SHIP OR ANYONE ELSE FOR A NEW ONE I DIDN'T BRAKE IT ITS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD WITH 23,000 MILES ON IT PLEASE HELP ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10572690
62,419 miles · Jan 10, 2014
Power TrainSeat Belts
DRIVERS SEATBELT BUCKLE DOES NOT LATCH AT ALL. MERCEDES WILL NOT PAY FOR IT OR FIX IT AND WANT US TO PAY OUT OF POCKET . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10559369
4,600 miles · Dec 19, 2013
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND CAUSED THE TRACTION CONTROL TO ALSO FAIL. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND CAUSED THE TRACTION CONTROL TO ALSO FAIL. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,600.
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: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.
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.
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
2
EA17003 · 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.
2009 Smart Fortwo Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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