2008 Smart Fortwo Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 9%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Smart Fortwo, 9% of the 140 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“2008 Smart fourtwo passion. 25,380 miles. Car failed to start. Towed to dealership and was informed that the cylinder head had cracked. Engine had to essentially be completely rebuilt. Initial cost estimate was over $6000. After much haggling it was lowered to $3000. Note the Smart warranty is 2 years, 24,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10399430, filed 2011-05, 26,380 miles“2008 Smart Fortwo passion. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle engine light and fuel tank problems. The consumer stated the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle was shaking. The consumer was told the vehicle was not being driven enough and the fuel in the tank was old. Seven months later, the consumer returned to the dealer for the same problem. The dealer stated an inspection at a cost of $414.00 would be needed to determine the problem. After the inspection, it was determined the engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $6,037.”
NHTSA complaint #10892481, filed 2016-08, 17,881 miles“Engine stops after making a harsh left turn- such as in a u-turn. Checked for physical touching of inserted key and that is not the case. Motor starts immediately when placed in neutral and ignition key is turned.”
NHTSA complaint #10358382, filed 2010-09, 23,500 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Smart Fortwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000(Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed there was smoke coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught on fire. No warning lights illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11616352, filed 2024-09, 80,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was on fire under the hood. The fire department was called to the scene and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was not towed. There was no injury sustained. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11422583, filed 2021-06, 80,000 milesRelated recalls
- 18V273000Apr 27, 2018Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles. The rear insulation mat in the engine…Covers: Smart Fortwo 2008–2009
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Smart Fortwo
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Smart Fortwo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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