2009 Smart Fortwo Cabrio Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 55%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,850miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 Smart Fortwo Cabrio, 55% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,850 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“(1) power train issue; no rhyme or reason the vehicle will not shift into gear. After some time, I discovered that you must shut the vehicle off and re-start to shift the transmission into gear. This seems to be happening more often over the past two months! I have had this happen after pulling out of a parking spot and trying to place the vehicle into r or d, I have tried placing the car into n and back to either r or d with no luck, again had to re-start while blocking traffic! This should not be happening on a newer vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10501295, filed 2013-03, 21,850 miles“Blower motor operating intermittently. Sometimes it will come on and sometimes it doesn't, no rhyme or reason to it. Heater and AC function properly, but without a forced air system. This becomes a major problem when the windows fog up during rainy or cold weather and there is no way to clear them. I have read of many of these complaints online even on the Smart car forum. Smart does not acknowledge any problem. Out of 20 or so cars in my life I have never seen an issue of this nature and it can create a hazard due to inability to see while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10489554, filed 2012-12, 48,000 miles“Had been driving on highway for approximately 25 miles when a strong odor of electrical wiring burning became evident. Windshield wipers, horn, check engine light, and dash lights began to malfunction. Pulled car to side of road and noticed smoke coming from dash. Driver exited the vehicle and then flames became evident from dash and front area of car. Car burned completely, total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10593762, filed 2014-05, 95,000 miles“Blower motor became intermittent then failed at only 16,000 miles. Causes safety issue with inability to defrost windshield and side windows, driver distraction fiddling with controls, driver discomfort and distraction from high heat in cabin due to loss of air conditioning in over 100 degree f weather.”
NHTSA complaint #10425900, filed 2011-09, 16,700 miles“Had issues 5 or 6 times with ignition turning off when I'm driving along and came close to getting killed! Have also had issues with transmission not going into gears right, always have to look to be sure I'm in right spot on shifter, because it doesn't do anything sometimes when you shift into drive or reverse.also, constantly buying headlights! Noticed on hills these cars have a tendency to roll when you're in park!”
NHTSA complaint #10576681, filed 2014-04Related service bulletins
- 10167526Mar 25, 2014Highline 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.
- 10167515Mar 20, 2014PreConditioning of the vehicle via the Vehicle Homepage or the instrument cluster does not function or is restricted.
- 10167514Mar 7, 2014PreConditioning of the vehicle via the Vehicle Homepage or the instrument cluster does not function or is restricted.
- 10167486Mar 3, 2014Range 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…
- 10044208Apr 18, 2012Smart: high-voltage battery software update.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 6 | 55% |
| 2008 | 5 | 29% |
Other parts of the 2009 Smart Fortwo Cabrio
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Smart Fortwo Cabrio
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology