Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.5× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
139Complaints
2Recalls
7Crashes
27Fires
9Injured
1Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (23.7% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 2.5× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
33 · 23.7%
Recalled
Recall 18V273000
Power Train
22 · 15.8%
not available
—
Electrical System
18 · 12.9%
not available
—
Engine And Engine Cooling
10 · 7.2%
Recalled
Recall 18V273000
Seat Belts
10 · 7.2%
not available
—
Power Train:automatic Transmission
9 · 6.5%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 139 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“Mercedes-Benz USA has no service centers on Long Island,NY that might fix the recall issue. For a time they were the only Smart Car service…”NHTSA complaint 11613305 — filed 09/08/2024 · ENGINE
“Engine fire destroyed vehicle while driving on Interstate at 65 MPH. Vehicle was serviced and maintained per manufacturer maintenance schedule at authorized dealer. No prior…”NHTSA complaint 11436171 — filed 10/09/2021 · ENGINE
“WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH AT NIGHT, LIGHTS FLASHED ON/OFF, HER A THUMP AND POP, CAR AND LIGHTS SHUT OFF, THEN A LARGE FIRE ERUPTED…”NHTSA complaint 11372369 — filed 10/30/2020 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Smart Fortwo?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 33 of 139 NHTSA complaints (23.7%), followed by power train (22), electrical system (18), unspecified/other issues (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2008 Smart Fortwo have?
139 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 27 involved a fire, and 9 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Does the 2008 Smart Fortwo have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 08V390000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 Smart Fortwo's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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