2008 Smart Fortwo Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the body and structure of the 2008 Smart Fortwo, 6% of the 140 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles. 1 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.
“On friday, march 28, 2014, at approximately 4:00 pm while driving home from work (us dept of transportation), the latches that holds the front hood down in the car broke and the hood flew into the street. Luckily there were no cars behind or beside me at the time. I had to pull my car to the shoulder of road and walk about 25 feet to retrieve the hood in the road which cause paint damages to the car. This was very frightening for me. This is truly a safety issue that needs to be resolved and recalled. I brought the car about eight months ago. …”
NHTSA complaint #10577127, filed 2014-04, 41,547 miles“There is a leak in the seal for the glass roof and the body, resulting in two problems; 1- water has leaked into the passenger compartment. 2- very noticeable wind noise coming from roof seal area. This seams consistent with recall # 08v-390, however, this VIN is not included in that recall. I believe the problem is the same, and should be included with recall # 08v-390.”
NHTSA complaint #10722518, filed 2015-05, 24,000 miles“The plastic composite material that makes up the clear roof panel on Smart Fortwo passion models has been known to craze or haze over with fine marks, that catch and reflect the sun. This makes the roof's material appear to wear down due to the sun's uv light. Owners that park their cars in garages have fewer symptoms, and adversely, those who always keep their car outside and exposed to sun see exasperated issues. There have been reports of the material warping due to wear and experiencing leaks around the edges. …”
NHTSA complaint #10489288, filed 2012-12, 17,500 milesRelated recalls
- 08V390000Aug 7, 2008Smart usa is recalling 43 my 2008 fortwo 451 vehicles. A single batch of paint sent to the company did not meet specifications. A re-work was done in the…Covers: Smart Fortwo 2008
Related service bulletins
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise…
- 11009122Oct 23, 2024Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump…
- 10135686May 10, 2016Outside door handle does not return to end position
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Smart Fortwo
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsBrakes
9 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