2008 Smart Fortwo: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Smart Fortwo: 2 recalls, 140 owner complaints and up to 36 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #08V390000 · 2008 · 43 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Dealers will repaint the affected areas to meet specifications. The recall began on August 18, 2008.
Engine & cooling, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V273000 · 2018 · 42,781 vehicles
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.
Why it matters: If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 27 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (33): the most common themes are fire / smoke (21), stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (32): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (19), stalls / loses power (4).
- Electrical (20): the most common themes are electrical failure (6), stalls / loses power (4).
- Other / unknown (17): the most common themes are fire / smoke (9).
The 2008 Smart Fortwo has 140 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 13 Fortwo model years for complaints (5.3× the average Fortwo year). Complaints peaked in 2018 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 39,228 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (100 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 L 3-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 33 | 41 | 36 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Smart Fortwo.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Smart Fortwo have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Smart Fortwo. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Smart Fortwo problems?
Owners have filed 140 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (33), transmission & drivetrain (32), electrical (20).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Smart Fortwo get?
EPA ratings run up to 36 mpg combined (1.0 L, Automatic (S5)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Smart Fortwo repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.