2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Smart › Fortwo Cabrio › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
17 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Can not turn ignition key to start the car. Car was parked in a parking lot. After several hours had to pry up console to switch the the yellow up. Then had to put gear in neutral. Put oil in gear shaft area. Plus blow out any debris that might have fallen in key hole. Also put lubricant in key…
Can not turn ignition key to start the car. Car was parked in a parking lot. After several hours had to pry up console to switch the the yellow up. Then had to put gear in neutral. Put oil in gear shaft area. Plus blow out any debris that might have fallen in key hole. Also put lubricant in key shaft. With several attempts the key finally turned over. After being stranded for four hours in 0 degree weather. My vehicle remains in a parking lot. Have no idea where to take this vehicle due to no dealers work on a smart car. Have no idea what or how to fix this problem. This faulty mechanism needs to be recalled.
- Engine
This concerns nhtsa recall #18v273. I bought this car new at a dealer 30 miles from my home. Smart has left the us market and their website shows the closest dealer IS 220 miles away (one direction). Their website says that authorized mercedes-benz dealers can perform the recall work. I tried my…
This concerns nhtsa recall #18v273. I bought this car new at a dealer 30 miles from my home. Smart has left the us market and their website shows the closest dealer IS 220 miles away (one direction). Their website says that authorized mercedes-benz dealers can perform the recall work. I tried my local mercedes-benz and they referred me to a dealer that IS over 100 miles away (one way). Doesn't the manufacturer have a responsibility to perform the recall in a reasonable manner? I bought the car from a local dealer, now it will take me doing a 200 mile trip to get this recall done. Shouldn't the manufacturer be required to arrange for a local service center to do this recall?
- Engine
Recall campaign number 2018060010. I live in boise, idaho. The closest dealer that can do the recall work IS in draper utah. The dealer wants me to drive the car to utah to have the recall done. Doesn't seem like a safe idea for me. *tr
- Air bags
I am the original owner of my continuously maintained 2008 smart car. On 12/3102015 at 11:50 am. (Sunny, 80 deg. F) I went thru a city intersection, at about 15 mph, to turn left, I was hit broadside ("t" boned), into my drivers side door by a ford E250 van, filled with air-conditioning equipment…
I am the original owner of my continuously maintained 2008 smart car. On 12/3102015 at 11:50 am. (Sunny, 80 deg. F) I went thru a city intersection, at about 15 mph, to turn left, I was hit broadside ("t" boned), into my drivers side door by a ford E250 van, filled with air-conditioning equipment, which was traveling at about 35mph. My side airbag failed to deploy, but the front steering-wheel air bag did deploy. But my injuries are on my left side of my head and body and are as follows: concussion (continued mental confusion/short term memory loss); broken sternum-clavicle--jaw (2) places (surgery implanted 2 metal plates); shattered upper femur (rod surgery inserted to knee); broken upper and lower dental plates that lacerated my tongue. Two week hospitalization. I bought my smart car, believing the sales hype, that this was a safe care with "good" ratings in front and side crash tests. Even the pictures of side crash tests showing side airbag deployment, showed much less damage than mine. failure of my driver's side airbag not deploying, I suffered extenuating injuries that would have been less severe if had my driver's side airbag deployed. Does someone need to die before this issue IS addressed?
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Structure › Body
We drove about 12 miles to a friends, parked in driveway, went inside to visit. In 10-15 minutes was a knock on the door by a neighbor who said "your car IS on fire". we called 911, emptied a fire extinguisher to no avail. I took many photos from start to finish while waiting for the fire…
We drove about 12 miles to a friends, parked in driveway, went inside to visit. In 10-15 minutes was a knock on the door by a neighbor who said "your car IS on fire". we called 911, emptied a fire extinguisher to no avail. I took many photos from start to finish while waiting for the fire department. They put out the fire. Insurance tow truck took the car to their lot. The whole back half was badly damaged. afterwards I found many reports of fires like mine. The portland, oregon mercedes dealer would not talk to us. no one was injured. The car seems like a total loss. We were never warned there was any danger from fire. *tr
- Power train
I own 2 of the 2008 smart fortwo automobiles (pure & cabrio). Both have periodically been balky shifters (stuck when trying to move the gear selector out of park). One has briefly refused to shift into any gear, independent of the gear indicated. Both have briefly refused to shift out of park...…
I own 2 of the 2008 smart fortwo automobiles (pure & cabrio). Both have periodically been balky shifters (stuck when trying to move the gear selector out of park). One has briefly refused to shift into any gear, independent of the gear indicated. Both have briefly refused to shift out of park... Until today when my wife was stuck in park at a red light. The ABS light had come on, my wife decided to see if she could clear the indicator. She quickly put it in park, engine off then on, but vehicle remained stuck in park. A deputy moved traffic around her. I arrived & after repeated attempts for 20 minutes, it finally released from park into drive. I drove it home & thoroughly lubricated the shifter mechanism per posts on the smart car of america forums. As I re-read this thread containing 4 years of contributors, there IS an impression that the factory released a 1ST, then 2ND generation of shifter replacement hardware. There IS abundant owner feedback that there IS a reliability issue in gear-shifting, at least on the 2008 model. Per my local dealership in st charles, il, there IS no factory recall for this issue. The dealership will run a $120 diagnostic, but repair IS at the expense of the owner. Apparently, I am on my own to purchase updated shifter hardware, or self-maintain sufficient lube on the original, balky shifter hardware. If one ever pulls over in a remote or dangerous area & puts the transmission in park, he may be stuck there permanently, until rescued. In dangerously cold weather, this mechanical failure could be fatal. In traffic, this could have led to a serious accident. On what other vehicle would this behavior be tolerated? If 2 out of 2 of my vehicles exhibit this issue, it IS widespread, & a danger to operators of this vehicle. I'm going to report it using my other 2008 smart fortwo vin next. *tr
- Power train
Could not shift into reverse. this problem has gotten worst. the failure to shift into reverse happens almost daily. the smart dealer stated I need a new clutch. this start at about 20,000 miles. all other manual and automatic shifting IS normal. several times I have had to push the car…
Could not shift into reverse. this problem has gotten worst. the failure to shift into reverse happens almost daily. the smart dealer stated I need a new clutch. this start at about 20,000 miles. all other manual and automatic shifting IS normal. several times I have had to push the car backwards to get out of a parking space. my wife refuses to drive this car because it IS unsafe and can not be trusted (i have had to get help getting out of a parallel parking space). the car now has 55,000 miles and shifts fine except when I want to go into reverse (it still has the original clutch). *tr
- Seat belts
I attempted to secure my right front seatbelt clip into the designated right seatbelt receptor but it would not completely insert nor lock into place. then, I checked if any debris had became lodged in the seatbelt receptor that may have blocked the seatbelt receptor entry way. no foreign debris was found so I tried again, but resulted in not locking. *js
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 smart fortwo cabrio. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was restarted some time later. In the interim, the dealer was notified and informed the contact that there was an electrical failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 smart fortwo cabrio. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was restarted some time later. In the interim, the dealer was notified and informed the contact that there was an electrical failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs to the diode. The failure and current mileage was 68,500. updated 2/4/13 *cn the consumer stated the entire vehicle shut down. The key could not be removed and the shift lever could not be moved. The dealer advised there has been reports of electrical back flow via the cigarette lighter which caused the shut down. The dealer advised not to charge cellular devices or gps in the outlet. Failure did not recur. The vehicle was repaired 12/28. Updated 2/21/2013 *js
- Power train
The transmission won't engage into reverse. Called for help. They had me reach under gear shift and release a cable to move car, after I did that I went to work and car wouldn't shift out of gear into park. Called and they picked it up to fix it, came back and I had no problem for a while and then…
The transmission won't engage into reverse. Called for help. They had me reach under gear shift and release a cable to move car, after I did that I went to work and car wouldn't shift out of gear into park. Called and they picked it up to fix it, came back and I had no problem for a while and then it would shift but not lock into gear, rocked the car, pushed it and finally it worked, this IS a repeat thing. I am having problem right this moment, I can't drive my car. I looked on line to see if there IS a resolution and the internet IS full of complaints of people having the same problem. Pages and pages of them. If this IS an on going issue why has there not been a recall to fix all these cars? I cannot be the only complaint that came to you. There are thousands. *tr
- Electrical system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
1. High failure rate of heater blower motors. 2. High replacement cost (price gouging) for a blower motor based on the believed high current failure rate. 3. 3 blower failures in 54K miles. 4. Vehicle was new in 4/2008, I am original owner 5. No heat creates a high safety risk to consumer who…
1. High failure rate of heater blower motors. 2. High replacement cost (price gouging) for a blower motor based on the believed high current failure rate. 3. 3 blower failures in 54K miles. 4. Vehicle was new in 4/2008, I am original owner 5. No heat creates a high safety risk to consumer who use the vehicle in extreme weather conditions. 6. No heat can create visibility issue due to inability to properly defrost the windows. 7. No heat presents a health issue to older users in cold weather who may have limited circulation. 8. No heat presents a safety issue to other drivers due to: a. Poor visibility b. Driver distraction due to comfort c. Driver distraction due to gage panel manipulation 9. No heat creates a health issue in the event of being stranded due to severe weather. Failure to heat the occupant space could lead to severe injury or death. 10. Disassembly and repair of the blower motor IS not part of the consumer regular service requirements. 11. Smart does not recommend changing of the blower motor during regular service intervals. So far smart has done all service to the vehicle at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50K. Not once was blower motor a suggested service item. 12. Smart therefore believes the blower motor to have significant life and does not need service. *Tr
- Seats
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 smartcar cabrio. The contact stated that the driver-side leather heated seat burned as a result of the heater. The vehicle was taken to the dealer diagnosed that the seat needed to be replaced or the heating element needed to be disconnected. The manufacturer was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 smartcar cabrio. The contact stated that the driver-side leather heated seat burned as a result of the heater. The vehicle was taken to the dealer diagnosed that the seat needed to be replaced or the heating element needed to be disconnected. The manufacturer was contacted who offered no assistance as the vehicle was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage 52,000 and the current mileage was 60,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Structure › Body
Frequently the driver's side door fails to latch even after numerous slams it still will not latch it seems to be worse when the weather gets hot. the only resolution to overcome this problem IS to snap the inside release handle then slam the door to make it latch. my concern besides having…
Frequently the driver's side door fails to latch even after numerous slams it still will not latch it seems to be worse when the weather gets hot. the only resolution to overcome this problem IS to snap the inside release handle then slam the door to make it latch. my concern besides having trouble latching it IS it becoming unlatched at some point while in motion. this problem has occurred on numerous occasions since the car was purchased. *Tr
- Electrical system
I have a 2008 smart fortwo, the ignition key IS between the seats. at least eight times in traffic, I have accidentally turned the car off by bumping the key fob. the car sits dead in traffic until I can restart it. it has everything to do with the placement of the key. I challenge anyone over…
I have a 2008 smart fortwo, the ignition key IS between the seats. at least eight times in traffic, I have accidentally turned the car off by bumping the key fob. the car sits dead in traffic until I can restart it. it has everything to do with the placement of the key. I challenge anyone over 200 lbs to take a hard left turn as in a avoidance maneuver and try not to slide to the right and accidentally kill the engine. someone IS going to die in these small cars. *tr
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 smart fortwo cabrio. the contact stated that the passenger side seat belt gets caught and becomes inoperable. the seat belt fails to retract and restrain the passenger. a complaint was filed with the manufacturer and dealers and the contact was informed that someone…
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 smart fortwo cabrio. the contact stated that the passenger side seat belt gets caught and becomes inoperable. the seat belt fails to retract and restrain the passenger. a complaint was filed with the manufacturer and dealers and the contact was informed that someone would call him back; however, he has not yet received a call. the failure mileage was 6,700. updated 02/10/09 *bf updated 02/11/09. *Jb
- Power train
Noticed transmission shifter button hard to push in a couple of times. went to post office and was stranded there as I was unable to get the car out of park. this car has less than 9,000 miles on it. *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
The shifter on my 2 month old smart car locked out of park and reverse, there fore not enabling the car to be turned off or to be placed into a safe condition after driving also possibility of not being able to move, as reverse became not functional. I was able to find a link on a web site that…
The shifter on my 2 month old smart car locked out of park and reverse, there fore not enabling the car to be turned off or to be placed into a safe condition after driving also possibility of not being able to move, as reverse became not functional. I was able to find a link on a web site that gave details as to how to take the mechanism apart and lube the mechanism. This has been occurring on a frequent basis on other smart cars, as annotated in the www.smartcarofamerica.com forum. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine Compartment Fire
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…
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.
- Engine Compartment Fire
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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10167526Highline can only be operated to a limited extent or not at all; the input points (contact points) are shifted horizontally relative to the display; calibration is not possible.
- 10167515PreConditioning of the vehicle via the Vehicle Homepage or the instrument cluster does not function or is restricted.
- 10167514PreConditioning of the vehicle via the Vehicle Homepage or the instrument cluster does not function or is restricted.
- 10167486Range does not meet customer's expectations. Customers usually differentiate as follows: 1. Total of distance driven + indicated range remaining with one HV battery charge too low 2. Actual range until the drive system shuts down too low
- 10167028If the Radio 9 was switched off while driving, it can switch itself back on again the next time the engine is started.
- 10044208Smart: high-voltage battery software update.
- 10025723Pdi procedure can be accessed through the smart USA dealer portal. This new procedure details four additional pdi processes.
Every Smart Fortwo Cabrio model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.