Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
28 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
21,850 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2008 to 2009 model years. Data updated: . 25 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Owner-reported patterns
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 28 complaints (39.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic
Matching reports
Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting
8
28.6%
Electrical and battery issues
3
10.7%
Braking behavior
2
7.1%
Steering behavior
1
3.6%
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
Electrical System
11
Power Train
7
Engine
2
Seat Belts
2
Structure:Body
2
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
2
Air Bags
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Component breakdown data
Category
Count
Electrical System
11
Power Train
7
Engine
2
Seat Belts
2
Structure:Body
2
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
2
Air Bags
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Electrical System: 11; Power Train: 7; Engine: 2; Seat Belts: 2; Structure:Body: 2; Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System: 2; Air Bags: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
Under 25,000
13
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
5
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
Category
Count
Under 25,000
13
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
5
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Under 25,000: 13; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (13). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
Electrical System leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 8 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
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
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 C…
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 RE…
(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. (2) ELECTRICA…
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 ARO…
AS I PULLED UP TO THE GARAGE AND OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR I NOTICED A BANANA SLUG ON THE GROUND, SO I BACKED UP AND PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LEFT THE CAR RUNNING TO PICK UP THE SLUG AND MOVE IT. AS I WAS DOING SO, THE CAR STARTED MOVING TOWARDS ME UP THE INCLINE OF THE DRIVEWAY. I QUICKLY OPENED THE CAR DOOR AND STARTED TO JUMP IN. IT DIDN'T OCCUR TO ME THAT THE CAR WAS MOVING THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR FRAME. THE MIRROR SNAPPED OFF AND MY LEFT LEG WAS CRUSHED IN THE DOOR AS IT SCRAPED ALONG THE GARAGE DOOR FRAME. MY LEF…
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 …
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
28 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
89.3%Usable mileage25 / 28 records
100.0%Valid incident date28 / 28 records
100.0%Valid filing date28 / 28 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates28 / 28 records
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
Component complaint heatmap
Component
2008
2009
Electrical System
529.4%ODI 10256548
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
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. *TT
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
AS I PULLED UP TO THE GARAGE AND OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR I NOTICED A BANANA SLUG ON THE GROUND, SO I BACKED UP AND PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LEFT THE CAR RUNNING TO PICK UP THE SLUG AND MOVE IT. AS I WAS DOING SO, THE CAR STARTED MOVING TOWARDS ME UP THE INCLINE OF THE DRIVEWAY. I QUICKLY OPENED THE CAR DOOR AND STARTED TO JUMP IN. IT DIDN'T OCCUR TO ME THAT THE CAR WAS MOVING THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR FRAME. THE MIRROR SNAPPED OFF AND MY LEFT LEG WAS CRUSHED IN THE DOOR AS IT SCRAPED ALONG THE GARAGE DOOR FRAME. MY LEF…
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
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
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
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 PR…
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 DRI…
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 …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO CABRIO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
Component failure mileage distribution
Component
Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)
Median
Usable records
Examples
Electrical System
20,380–86,000 mi
48,000 mi
9
ODI 10397144 · 20,380 mi
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 PR…
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 RE…
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.…
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
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 C…
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…
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
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 …
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
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
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
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.…
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 PR…
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 DRI…
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 …
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month
Complaints
Campaigns announced
Examples
2024-10
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2024-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2024-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-09
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-10
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2008: 7 complaints · 2009: 3 complaints
Equal observation windows
Model year
Through age 0
Through age 1
Through age 2
2008
4
7
7
2009
0
0
3
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year
Incident dates used
Filing date fallbacks
Excluded dates
2008
17
0
0
2009
11
0
0
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
Component co-occurrence matrix
Component
Electrical System
Power Train
Engine
Seat Belts
Structure:Body
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Air Bags
Engine And Engine Cooling
Electrical System
—
1ODI 10501295 · 21,850 mi
(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. (2) ELECTRICA…
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.…
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 PR…
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 DRI…
(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. (2) ELECTRICA…
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.…
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 PR…
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 DRI…
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
1 patterns with matching reports.
Warning lights and dashboard alerts
1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints
Median mileage: 95,000 mi (1 usable records).
ODI 10593762 · 95,000 mi
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. *TR