Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2008 Smart FORTWO problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

140 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

39,229 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2008 model year. Data updated: . 108 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 33 of 140 complaints (23.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting1712.1%
Braking behavior128.6%
Fuel system concerns85.7%
Electrical and battery issues75.0%
Engine operation42.9%
Steering behavior42.9%

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.

Engine
33
Power Train
23
Electrical System
19
Unknown Or Other
17
Engine And Engine Cooling
10
Seat Belts
10
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
9
Fuel/Propulsion System
8
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine33
Power Train23
Electrical System19
Unknown Or Other17
Engine And Engine Cooling10
Seat Belts10
Power Train:Automatic Transmission9
Fuel/Propulsion System8

Engine: 33; Power Train: 23; Electrical System: 19; Unknown Or Other: 17; Engine And Engine Cooling: 10; Seat Belts: 10; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 9; Fuel/Propulsion System: 8

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
31
25,000 to 49,999
34
50,000 to 74,999
21
75,000 to 99,999
9
100,000 to 149,999
10
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00031
25,000 to 49,99934
50,000 to 74,99921
75,000 to 99,9999
100,000 to 149,99910
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 31; 25,000 to 49,999: 34; 50,000 to 74,999: 21; 75,000 to 99,999: 9; 100,000 to 149,999: 10; 150,000 and above: 3

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (34). 32 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.

2008
3
2009
6
2010
10
2011
9
2012
9
2013
4
2014
16
2015
8
2016
11
2017
18
2018
20
2019
7
2020
7
2021
4
2022
1
2024
5
2025
1
2026
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20083
20096
201010
20119
20129
20134
201416
20158
201611
201718
201820
20197
20207
20214
20221
20245
20251
20261

2008: 3; 2009: 6; 2010: 10; 2011: 9; 2012: 9; 2013: 4; 2014: 16; 2015: 8; 2016: 11; 2017: 18; 2018: 20; 2019: 7; 2020: 7; 2021: 4; 2022: 1; 2024: 5; 2025: 1; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 17 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 8 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.

Owner report 10252757 · 2008-12-24 (December 24, 2008)

THE FAILING PART IS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER. THE SHIFT LEVER RELEASE BUTTON BEGINS TO GET RESISTIVE IN IT'S OPERATION AND THEN FAILS TO ACTUATE ALL TOGETHER. IN MY CASE THIS RESULTED IN THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 8400 MILES. IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 500 MILES SINCE THE REPAIR AND I CAN FEEL THE LEVER BECOMING RESISTIVE AGAIN. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 8,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10252757 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10360350 · 2010-10-13 (October 13, 2010)

I HAVE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 PASSIONFORTWO, WHICH HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES IN THE 28 MONTHS AND 13K MILES OF OWNERSHIP. I'M HAPPILY DRIVING ALONG UNTIL I REACH MY DESTINATION, THEN I NEED TO GO INTO REVERSE TO PARK. THE SHIFTER WORKS FLAWLESSLY AND THE DISPLAY CLEARLY SHOWS THE CORRECT POSITION OF THE SHIFTER. BUT, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE, NOR WILL IT ENGAGE IF I RESELECT DRIVE. THE FIRST TWO TIMES THAT THIS HAPPENED, I EVENTUALLY TURNED OFF THE KEY AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND ALL WAS WELL. THE LAST TWO TIMES, THAT WORK-AROU…

Owner-reported narrative. 11,271 miles reported. Look up ODI 10360350 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10307796 · 2010-02-09 (February 9, 2010)

ON MY 2008 SMART CAR PASSION AT 36,585 MILES THE CLUTCH PLATE AND ACTUATOR BECAME DEFECTIVE AFTER ONLY THREE MONTHS OF DRIVING. I REPAIRED THIS ISSUE AND AT 81,000 MILES THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME PART BECAME DEFECTIVE. I PUT ON HIGH MILES DO TO THE NATURE OF MY BUSINESS WHICH IS A COURIER COMPANY. I AM WORRIED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY DRIVERS. I HAVE EXPRESSED THIS ISSUE TO THE SMART DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS THE NATIONAL REPS. THEY HAVE NO INTEREST IN EXPLORING THAT THIS COULD BE A MAJOR DEFECT WITH THEIR CAR. BRAKES ARE A ISSUE I TAKE VERY SERIO…

Owner-reported narrative. 36,585 miles reported. Look up ODI 10307796 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10375542 · 2011-01-11 (January 11, 2011)

I WAS LEAVING FOR WORK IN MY SMART FORTWO 451 ON A SNOWY MORNING. MY DRIVEWAY IS RATHER STEEP, AND WHILE SLOWLY GOING DOWN THE HILL THE CAR BEGAN TO SLIDE. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND BEGAN SLOWING TO A STOP BUT WAS STILL SLIDING. I PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS STILL IN CONTROL OF THE CAR WHEN MY FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BECAME WEDGED BETWEEN IT AND THE ACCELERATOR. I TRIED FRANTICALLY TO PULL IT OUT BUT IT WAS STUCK FAST, AND THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING (DUE TO GRAVITY) DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO PULL MY FOOT OUT OF M…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10375542 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10629843 · 2014-09-01 (September 1, 2014)

FRACTURE IN THE PLASTIC NIPPLE AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP WHICH CONNECTS THE FUEL PUMP OUTPUT TO THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION ALLOWED GASOLINE TO SPRAY ALL OVER THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER'S FIELD REPRESENTATIVE WHO WAS PRESENT WHEN THE DEFECT WAS DISCOVERED STATED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND WAS NOT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 41,179 miles reported. Look up ODI 10629843 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10760011 · 2015-08-28 (August 28, 2015)

FUEL LEAK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10760011 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10564801 · 2014-02-18 (February 18, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO PASSION CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS TOUCHING THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT ONE OF THE CYLINDER VALVES BURNED CAUSING THE FAILURE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MAN…

Owner-reported narrative. 39,457 miles reported. Look up ODI 10564801 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10705574 · 2015-04-14 (April 14, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO REMAIN IN THE CORRECT GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 29,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10705574 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10552988 · 2013-11-19 (November 19, 2013)

THE 2008 SMART CAR, HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY, SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL, WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY, WHEN ENTERING, OR EXITING A HIGHWAY, OR AT AN INTERSECTION (SPEED CHANGES). THE CAR SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL, AND THEN USUALLY SHUTS DOWN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE REAR ENDED, FROM UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS BEHIND THIS VEHICLE..THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR, WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE, WHILE PARKED..SMART OFFERED A SOFTWARE FIX, TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE. HAD THAT DONE, THEN PROBLEM PROGRESSED, TO SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING, AND STALLING OUT...AT TIMES CAR,…

Owner-reported narrative. 71,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10552988 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10552991 · 2013-11-19 (November 19, 2013)

THE 2008 SMART CAR, HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY, SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL, WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY, WHEN ENTERING, OR EXITING A HIGHWAY, OR AT AN INTERSECTION (SPEED CHANGES). THE CAR SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL, AND THEN USUALLY SHUTS DOWN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE REAR ENDED, FROM UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS BEHIND THIS VEHICLE..THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR, WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE, WHILE PARKED..SMART OFFERED A SOFTWARE FIX, TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE. HAD THAT DONE, THEN PROBLEM PROGRESSED, TO SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING, AND STALLING OUT...AT TIMES CAR,…

Owner-reported narrative. 71,350 miles reported. Look up ODI 10552991 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10340958 · 2010-07-01 (July 1, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART CAR FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO MOVE TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL HE NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WOULD IN THE SAME DIRECTION WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A MAILBOX. NO ONE WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 23,000. UPDATED 8/25/10 *CN UPDATED 08/27/10 UPDATED 08/30/10*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 23,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10340958 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10706473 · 2015-04-19 (April 19, 2015)

CAR MAKES LOUD LOUD NOISES AND THEY TELLING ME IT WAS NORMAL NOTHING WRONG I DON'T THINK THAT'S TRUE CAN SOME ONE HELP ME IT'S BEEN LIKE THIS SENSE I N OUGHT IT AT ANNAPOLIS DEALERSHIP SEAT BELT STEERING WHEEL LOUD NOISES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 19,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10706473 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

140 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

77.1%Usable mileage108 / 140 records
100.0%Valid incident date140 / 140 records
100.0%Valid filing date140 / 140 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates140 / 140 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
Component2005200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

3323.6%
ODI 10562121 · 30,000 mi

DRIVING ON I - 10 DOWN BY PALM SPRINGS. THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, SHIFTED TO 4TH GEAR. SOON AFTER THE CAR SLOWED DOWN MORE AND PULLED OVER. THE ENGINE STOPPED AND WASN'T ABLE TO RESTART IT. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO SMART RIVERSIDE, WHERE THEY SAID THE ENGINE HAD OVER HEATED AND BLEW OUT THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING THAT THE ENGINE WAS GETTING TOO HOT. ALL FLUIDS WERE CHECKED, PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. *TR

Look up ODI 10562121 at NHTSA ↗

1919.0%
ODI 10457393 · 19,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO PASSION. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OIL LEAK UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 19,000. UPDATED 6/4/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REFUSED TO ASSIST IN REPAIR COST. THE OIL PAN WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 06/07/12 *JS

Look up ODI 10457393 at NHTSA ↗

350.0%
ODI 10617738 · 37,900 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 7 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,900.

Look up ODI 10617738 at NHTSA ↗

531.3%
ODI 10475775 · 24,928 mi

THIS CAR IS JUST OVER A YEAR OLD, ONLY 24,928 MILES ON IT. IT WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. I CALLED THE SMART DEALERSHIP OF BUCKHEAD, GA AND THEY TOLD ME TO TRY TO "RE-TRAIN" IT BY TURNING IT ON PART WAY 3 TIMES WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THEN IT WOULD SHIFT. NOPE. I CALLED THEM BACK UP AND THEY SAID THAT I WAS OVER MY 24,000 MILE WARRANTY (EVEN IF ONLY BY 928 MILES WHICH IS LESS THAN 2 WEEKS WORTH OF DRIVING FOR ME) AND BECAUSE I DID MY OIL CHANGES SOMEWHERE ELSE THEY WON'T DO THIS AS WARRANTY WORK. (EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM I HAD THE RECORDS!…

Look up ODI 10475775 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 10466970 · 2,500 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (5 LANE) IN MY 2012 SMART FORTWO PASSION COUPE IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT 65-70 MPH. ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY ACCELERATOR WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THAT MY SPEEDOMETER AND GEAR INDICATOR WERE ALSO NON-FUNCTIONAL. I WAS ABLE TO COAST (DESPITE HEAVY TRAFFIC) TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FAST LANE - IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO GET TO THE SLOW LANE SHOULDER DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO USE THE BREAKS ONCE I HIT THE SHOULDER (UNSURE IF POWER BRAKES OR NOT) AND ONCE STOPPED WAS UNABLE TO USE AUTOMATIC WINDOW…

Look up ODI 10466970 at NHTSA ↗

624.0%
ODI 10503982 · 8,000 mi

I WAS ON THE ONRAMP TO A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 50 MPH SO THAT I COULD MERGE INTO TRAFFIC WITHOUT SLOWING TRAFFIC DOWN. ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST POWER. I WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER BEFORE THE VEHICLE LOST IT'S MOMENTUM. LUCKILY I DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WITH FAST ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR ABOUT 2 TO 3 TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES I TRIED AGAIN AND THE CAR STARTED. I MANAGED TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND MAKE IT HOME, BUT EVER SINCE THIS INCIDENT I AM TERRIFIED …

Look up ODI 10503982 at NHTSA ↗

430.8%
ODI 10588504 · 232 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED OF 40MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. YOU COULD HEAR THAT THE CYLINDERS AND PISTONS STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE HAD 2 GALLONS OF GAS. WE PUT IN 2 MORE GALLONS AT THE ADJACENT GAS STATION AND LIMPED HOME AT 30MPH. THE DEALERSHIP PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AT OUR HOME AND DROVE IT FROM MILWAUKEE TO CHICAGO WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY REPLACED THE PURGE VALVE AND ALL 3 IGNITION COILS;COME AND PICK IT UP. ON OUR DRIVE HOME, GOING A STEADY UNINTERRUPTED 40 MPH (NO STOP SIGNS, OR STOP LIGHTS AT AL…

Look up ODI 10588504 at NHTSA ↗

233.3%
ODI 11166341 · 12,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH OLMSTED (28450 LORAIN RD, NORTH OLMSTED, OH 44070, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR CAUSED THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES TO SEIZE. ALSO, THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT T…

Look up ODI 11166341 at NHTSA ↗

838.1%
ODI 10885818 · 3,500 mi

ON STEEP UPHILLS AND WHEN YOU HAVE COME TO A STOP BECAUSE OF A RED LIGHT OR A STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE TOO WEAK TO PUSH THE TRANSMISSION FORWARD AND ACTUALLY THE CAR MY ROLL BACK AND BRAKES GO IN A LOCK MODE WHICH CREATES A BIG SAFETY ISSUE.

Look up ODI 10885818 at NHTSA ↗

114.3%
ODI 11730040

The Power Electronics Control Unit (ECM), Part No. A453-900-72-11, and the DC-to-DC converter have both failed, rendering this all-electric vehicle completely inoperable. There is no backup propulsion system. The DC-to-DC converter powers safety-critical systems including lighting, turn signals, and hazard flashers , its failure could cause loss of safety-critical functions while driving. Total repair estimate is $20,560.43. The manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA denied warranty coverage using a Canadian warranty document for the wrong vehicle mode…

Look up ODI 11730040 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2316.4%
ODI 10456796

I HAVE A SMART FORTWO HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE REVERSE CALL THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND THAT THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THEY HAD TO UP DATE IT SO THE REVERSE WOULD WORK I HAVE CALL MANY SMART CAR DEALERS THRU OUT THE STATES AND IT IS A PROBLEM SO MY QUESTION IS WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL BECAUSE I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS BECAUSE THE FACTORY WARRANTY IS UP AND MY REVERSE WENT FORWARD TO I DON'T THINK ITS FAIR THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS SINCE THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS PLEASE HELP. *TR

Look up ODI 10456796 at NHTSA ↗

2727.0%
ODI 10447076

THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER THE LAST YEAR, AT LEAST A FEW DOZEN TIMES. SOMETIMES IT'S HAPPENED AS OFTEN AS 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK. I WILL START MY CAR, AND SHIFT INTO REVERSE, AND WHERE THERE WAS A P FOR PARK ON THE DISPLAY, THE DISPLAY IS NOW BLANK, AND MY CAR WILL NOT REVERSE. IT WILL ALSO NOT GO INTO DRIVE, OR DISPLAY D. I WILL TRY MOVING IT BACK AND FORWARD AND THE DISPLAY STAYS BLANK, AND MY CAR WON'T MOVE. SOMETIMES WHEN I RESTART MY CAR IT WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL, SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, AND DISPLAYING AN R ON THE DISPLAY PANEL...OTHER TIMES IT WIL…

Look up ODI 10447076 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10493540 · 20,025 mi

MY CAR WAS IN PARK AND I COULD NOT MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT TO DRIVE. I AM TRYING TO SELL THE CAR. SOMEONE BOUGHT THE CAR YESTERDAY AND I AM WORRIED THEY WILL WANT TO BRING THE CAR BACK TO ME. *TR

Look up ODI 10493540 at NHTSA ↗

212.5%
ODI 10475775 · 24,928 mi

THIS CAR IS JUST OVER A YEAR OLD, ONLY 24,928 MILES ON IT. IT WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. I CALLED THE SMART DEALERSHIP OF BUCKHEAD, GA AND THEY TOLD ME TO TRY TO "RE-TRAIN" IT BY TURNING IT ON PART WAY 3 TIMES WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THEN IT WOULD SHIFT. NOPE. I CALLED THEM BACK UP AND THEY SAID THAT I WAS OVER MY 24,000 MILE WARRANTY (EVEN IF ONLY BY 928 MILES WHICH IS LESS THAN 2 WEEKS WORTH OF DRIVING FOR ME) AND BECAUSE I DID MY OIL CHANGES SOMEWHERE ELSE THEY WON'T DO THIS AS WARRANTY WORK. (EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM I HAD THE RECORDS!…

Look up ODI 10475775 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 10966517 · 32,000 mi

TRANSMISSION WILL GO INTO THREE BARS AND NOT SHIFT ON HIGHWAYS AND PARKWAYS, USUALLY ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE UNDER POWER TO SIDE OF ROAD SOMETIMES GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND HAVE TO COAST TO SIDE. OCCURS WITH ELEVATED AMBIENT MOISTURE. STARTED AT 32,000 MILES. KNOWN ISSUE, TRANSMISSION HAS A LIMP MODE FOR THIS OCCURRENCE. VERY DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE, APPEARS ELECTRICAL IN NATURE. SMART DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ADDRESS.

Look up ODI 10966517 at NHTSA ↗

520.0%
ODI 10810493 · 11,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR HESITATED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS SLOW TO RESPOND AND ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS, BRAKES, AND ROTORS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY HAD TO CHANGE GEARS BACK AND FORTH DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION BEING SLOW TO CHANGE OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MORE THAN TWO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND WAS U…

Look up ODI 10810493 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 11234271 · 30,000 mi

LOUD CLANKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. WAS DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY CONDENSER FAN AND LOSE BOLTS/SCREWS WHICH HOLD IT IN PLACE. MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED SAID WILL COST $1,700-$1,800 TO FIX! INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALED TO ME THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT/PROBLEM. I PAID ALMOST $7,000 FOR MY SMART FOR TWO PURE COUPE. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE PAYING AN ADDITIONAL NEARLY $2,000 BECAUSE BOLTS JIGGLED LOSE.I NO LONGER FEEL SECURE IN MY CAR.NOW IM DRIVING IN HOT FLORIDA IN THE SUMMER WITH NO A/C BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD THIS FIX.

Look up ODI 11234271 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.8%
ODI 10885818 · 3,500 mi

ON STEEP UPHILLS AND WHEN YOU HAVE COME TO A STOP BECAUSE OF A RED LIGHT OR A STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE TOO WEAK TO PUSH THE TRANSMISSION FORWARD AND ACTUALLY THE CAR MY ROLL BACK AND BRAKES GO IN A LOCK MODE WHICH CREATES A BIG SAFETY ISSUE.

Look up ODI 10885818 at NHTSA ↗

114.3%
ODI 11730040

The Power Electronics Control Unit (ECM), Part No. A453-900-72-11, and the DC-to-DC converter have both failed, rendering this all-electric vehicle completely inoperable. There is no backup propulsion system. The DC-to-DC converter powers safety-critical systems including lighting, turn signals, and hazard flashers , its failure could cause loss of safety-critical functions while driving. Total repair estimate is $20,560.43. The manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA denied warranty coverage using a Canadian warranty document for the wrong vehicle mode…

Look up ODI 11730040 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1913.6%
ODI 10256870 · 50 mi

GAS GAUGE DOES NOT REGISTER FULL ON FILL UPS. *TR

Look up ODI 10256870 at NHTSA ↗

1414.0%
ODI 10478536 · 38,000 mi

AFTER GETTING HOME FROM SCHOOL, COMING IN SAYING HELLO TO THE FAMILY I WENT BACK OUT TO MY CAR TO GET MY BAG. WHEN I APPROACHED MY CAR I COULD HEAR WHAT I BELIEVED TO BE MY RADIATOR FANS STILL RUNNING DESPITE THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. MY LOGIC WAS "MAYBE A GLITCH IN THE COMPUTER." SO I PROCEEDED TO SIMPLY TURN THE CAR ON AND THEN OFF TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP. NOPE, THAT DIDN'T DO THE TRICK. PUZZLED I CAME INSIDE TO INFORM MY DAD WHAT WAS GOING ON, WHILE I WAS TALKING TO MY DAD I COULD HEAR THE FACTORY ALARM GOING OFF, THEN IT STARTED HONKING, TH…

Look up ODI 10478536 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 11206595 · 149,000 mi

MY CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE FREEWAYWHEN IT SEIZED. WHEN STOPPED THE ENGINE IN THE BACK CAUGHT FIRE, MY VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND, THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THIS THE YEAR BEFORE, (FOR THE 2009 SMART CAR) THERE ARE VIDEOS DOCUMNTING THIS ON YOU TUBE. MY BROTHER WHO WORKED FOR MERCEDES (THE PARENT COMPANY OF SMART) AS A MECHANIC TOLD ME TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS.

Look up ODI 11206595 at NHTSA ↗

425.0%
ODI 10475775 · 24,928 mi

THIS CAR IS JUST OVER A YEAR OLD, ONLY 24,928 MILES ON IT. IT WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. I CALLED THE SMART DEALERSHIP OF BUCKHEAD, GA AND THEY TOLD ME TO TRY TO "RE-TRAIN" IT BY TURNING IT ON PART WAY 3 TIMES WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THEN IT WOULD SHIFT. NOPE. I CALLED THEM BACK UP AND THEY SAID THAT I WAS OVER MY 24,000 MILE WARRANTY (EVEN IF ONLY BY 928 MILES WHICH IS LESS THAN 2 WEEKS WORTH OF DRIVING FOR ME) AND BECAUSE I DID MY OIL CHANGES SOMEWHERE ELSE THEY WON'T DO THIS AS WARRANTY WORK. (EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM I HAD THE RECORDS!…

Look up ODI 10475775 at NHTSA ↗

225.0%
ODI 10466970 · 2,500 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (5 LANE) IN MY 2012 SMART FORTWO PASSION COUPE IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT 65-70 MPH. ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY ACCELERATOR WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THAT MY SPEEDOMETER AND GEAR INDICATOR WERE ALSO NON-FUNCTIONAL. I WAS ABLE TO COAST (DESPITE HEAVY TRAFFIC) TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FAST LANE - IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO GET TO THE SLOW LANE SHOULDER DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO USE THE BREAKS ONCE I HIT THE SHOULDER (UNSURE IF POWER BRAKES OR NOT) AND ONCE STOPPED WAS UNABLE TO USE AUTOMATIC WINDOW…

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312.0%
ODI 10608766 · 12,000 mi

ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED BRIEFLY AND WENT OFF. WITHIN ONE MILE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. AS I SLOWED TO A STOP, A LARGE CLOUD OF STEAM ERUPTED. CAR WAS IN SHOP FOR OVER A MONTH AND MOST OF THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. NO EXPLANATION OF LACK OF WARNING LAMPS. A SECOND TWO WEEK TRIP TO THE DEALER WAS NEEDED TO RESOLVE ALL THE ISSUES. CAR STILL HAS ENGINE LIGHT ON

Look up ODI 10608766 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 10883432 · 6,157 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,157.

Look up ODI 10883432 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 11650674

Sunday 3/23 I was driving west on 225 heading towards work, all of a sudden the check engine light comes on and all kinds of other lights on the dash came on. I got pulled over and looked in the rear view mirror I seen flames. Quickly grabbed my stuff and got out of the car. The investigation at the time stated most of the heat was coming from the engine

Look up ODI 11650674 at NHTSA ↗

523.8%
ODI 11129713 · 1 mi

TYSINGER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK ON 08/30/2018. THE CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL TANK SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD BANG AND THEN THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF SMOKE AFTERWARDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 45 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR, I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY, BUT IT HAS NOT. THE CAR STALLS AT RED LIGHTS AND DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF SMOKE AFTER IT STALLS.

Look up ODI 11129713 at NHTSA ↗

457.1%
ODI 11072673 · 1,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT FULLY CHARGE TO THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED MILEAGE RANGE. IN ADDITION, IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MERCEDES-BENZ OF BOSTON (259 MCGRATH HWY, SOMERVILLE, MA) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.

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1100.0%
ODI 11442053

Vehicle stalled and would not start due to issue with the electric motor.

Look up ODI 11442053 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 11586101

Faulty n83 and Electric Drive Failure occured after charging @ public charging center. No longer under warranty but currently owe 5k on Mercedes lease . Mercedes dealership recommended replacement of both @ 16k I leased the car from them used . Time when lease began 19k

Look up ODI 11586101 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
150.0%
ODI 10873252

I CAN GET NO INFORMATION ABOUT RECALLS FOR THIS CAR, BUT ESPECIALLY WHETHER OR NOT THE AIRBAGS IN THIS CAR ARE PART OF THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. MERCEDES USA CAN'T HELP. MERCEDES GERMANY WON'T HELP. THE COMPANY THAT PURCHASED THESE CARS, BROUGHT THEM TO THE US, AND MODIFIED THEM TO MEET US STANDARDS, REFUSES TO ANSWER MY QUESTION. NO ONE CAN HELP ME FIND OUT IF MY AIRBAGS ARE PART OF THE RECALL.

Look up ODI 10873252 at NHTSA ↗

1712.1%
ODI 10378960 · 12,610 mi

FAILED COMPONENT - AIR CONDITIONER (FAN WORKS BUT NO COLD AIR). OPERATION HAS BEEN ERRATIC. IN THE SUMMER, THIS WAS A NUISANCE. IN THE WINTER, IT IS AS SERIOUS AS BRAKE LOSS! I HAVE NOW HAD THREE OCCURANCES OF NINETY PERCENT LOSS OF VISIBILITY AS A RESULT OF COMPLETE FOGGING OF ALL WINDOWS. THIS IS THE RESULT OF THE RIGHT AMBIENT TEMP., HUMIDITY AND INTERIOR TEMP. INCIDENTS OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MILES AND WERE VIRTUALLY INSTANTANEOUS (LESS THAN 30 SECONDS). AN AC/HEAT BLEND IS NEEDED TO DEHUMIDIFY WINDOWS. THE LOCAL DEAL…

Look up ODI 10378960 at NHTSA ↗

1818.0%
ODI 10424136 · 18,200 mi

SIX WEEKS OUT OF WARRANTY - I WAS DRIVING ALONG & ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE CAR SEEMS TO THINK IT'S IN NEUTRAL, WON'T LET ME CHANGE GEARS - WAS ONLY ABLE TO COAST TO A SAFE AREA OFF THE HIGHWAY. ANY GEAR I SHIFTED TO KEPT COMING ACROSS THE DASH AS THE NEUTRAL POSITION. ONCE I TURNED THE CAR OFF, IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN & THE DREADED THREE BARS APPEARED. WE TRIED THE "TEACH-IN" FIX RECOMMENDED IN THE USER MANUAL & IT WORKED TEMPORARILY BEFORE ACTING UP AGAIN. FROM THE INTERNET BLOGS I'VE READ, THIS WAS A PROBLEM IN THE 2008 MODEL - AN UPGRADE WAS PRO…

Look up ODI 10424136 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 10910436 · 10,004 mi

AFTER ONLY 10.000 MILES THE ENGINE MOUNTS ALL GO BAD!

Look up ODI 10910436 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

28.0%
ODI 11074117 · 15,000 mi

ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16TH WHEN TRYING TO START MY 2013 SMART FORTWO BRABUS, THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD STARTED FLICKING, SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM THE AC VENTS, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND EXPLODED, FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY ON A CITY STREET AT THE TIME. HERE IS A LINK TO AN ARTICLE IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER: HTTP://WWW.EMPORIAGAZETTE.COM/AREA_NEWS/ARTICLE_8D176B4C-1351-11E8-99E4-A352E891F430.HTML AND I'VE ATTACHED A PICTURE OF THE FIRE DEPT. REPORT.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

233.3%
ODI 11010314 · 16,325 mi

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY DIED-WAS NOT OUT OF GAS- TOOK A WHILE AND STARTED BUT SHOOK VIOLANTLY AND DIDN'T STAY STARTED- WAITED A WHILE LONGER AND IT STARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME.

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314.3%
ODI 10937409 · 61 mi

GAS TANK 5 GALLONS NOT 8 AS LISTED IN THE BOOK. TANKS FILLS UP PREMIUM GAS FOR $10. GAS PUMP SAID IT PUT OUT 5 GALLONS ONLY INTO THE TANK. THAT FILLED UP THE WHOLE. NOW I'M NAIVE TO FILL UP SOON I REACH ANOTHER 100 MILES. THIS IS NOT GOING TO WORK. YOU SOLD ME THE WRONG VEHICLE. INSTEAD OF HELPING ME MAKE A WISE DECISION YOUR ONLY CONCERN WAS TO SELL SELL SELL THAT'S IT. MPG IS AROUND 30. NOT TRUE IT'S AT 23 MPG. MIRRORS DON'T ADJUST CORRECTLY. BLIND-SIDING IS DANGEROUS AND FATAL. EMISSIONS ISSUE: SMELLS LIKE PLASTIC/RUBBER BURNING ??? B…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

107.1%
ODI 10439219

THE SEAT BELT WILL NO LONGER LATCH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. AFTER REVIEWING THE FOLLOWING FORUM I REALIZED THIS IS EFFECTING SEVERAL OTHERS: HTTP://WWW.SMARTCAROFAMERICA.COM/FORUMS/F25/SEAT-BELT-BUCKLE-JAMMED-32961/INDEX2.HTML THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH A MALFUNCTIONING SEAT BELT. *TR

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44.0%
ODI 10555102 · 28,800 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BECAME INOPERABLE AND WOULD NOT LATCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,800.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

425.0%
ODI 10717770 · 57,200 mi

MY WIFE WAS DEPARTING WITH THE CAR AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO INSERT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND IT WOULD NOT INSERT. I CALLED THE MERCEDES DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE BUT THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME FOR THE REPAIR.

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225.0%
ODI 10907128 · 110,000 mi

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO BUCKLE. NOTHING LODGED IN BUCKLE, BUT MECHANISM APPEARS TO BE BROKEN.

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728.0%
ODI 10555019 · 7,000 mi

THE 2013 SMART FORTWO PURE EDITION (BASE MODEL) SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS. WHEN THE DRIVER LEANS FORWARD TO LOOK OUT EITHER SIDE WINDOW TO CHECK FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC THE SEAT BELT BECOMES LOOSE AND WILL NOT RETRACT INTO THE GUIDE UNLESS IT IS HAND FED. THIS ALSO REMAINS TRUE FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT APPEARS IT IS BEING CAUGHT UP IN THE GUIDE ATTACHED TO THE SIDE OF THE SEATS. *TR

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430.8%
ODI 10722112 · 2,600 mi

MY SEAT BELT SHOULDER STRAP RIDES ON MY NECK.

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116.7%
ODI 11532331 · 65,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Smart ForTwo. The contact stated while buckling the seat belt, he became aware that a metal cable through the eyelet bolted to the frame by the door jamb on the driver's side had started to fray. The contact stated that the vehicle was not driven frequently and felt that there could not be a wear and tear issue. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately …

Look up ODI 11532331 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 11190596 · 2,900 mi

SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. THERE WERE COUPLE OF TIMES WHILE IN TRANSIT ON CITY ROAD, I HAD TO APPLY BRAKE SUDDENLY AND SEAT BELT FAIL TO ENGAGE TO HOLD THE PASSENGER BACK . ALL THE TIME , BOTH SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT TO THEIR HOME POSITION WHEN NOT IN USE AND CAR IS STOPPED AND PARKED, THIS CAUSED DENTS TO THE CAR'S BODY AND FRAME AROUND THE DOOR WHEN WE CLOSE THE DOORS. I REPORTED TO THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER SEPTEMBER 2018. IN DECEMBER, THEY COULD ONLY REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. THE PASSENGER SIDE'S BELT HAS BEEN CLAIMED TO…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel/Propulsion System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

85.7%
ODI 10629843 · 41,179 mi

FRACTURE IN THE PLASTIC NIPPLE AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP WHICH CONNECTS THE FUEL PUMP OUTPUT TO THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION ALLOWED GASOLINE TO SPRAY ALL OVER THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER'S FIELD REPRESENTATIVE WHO WAS PRESENT WHEN THE DEFECT WAS DISCOVERED STATED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND WAS NOT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR

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88.0%
ODI 10705509 · 15,000 mi

WHERE DO I BEGIN? AFTER ABOUT A YEAR OF OWNING MY SMART CAR, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I FEEL MY CAR PULL TO THE RIGHT AND START SHAKING. I PULL SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER TO FIND THE VALVE STEM FOR MY TIRE HAD DETACHED AND MY TIRE WAS NOW FLAT. NOT HAVING A SPARE, I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK. THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED TO THE REMAINING 3 TIRES IN THE FOLLOWING MONTHS TO A YEAR. WHILE DRIVING THE VALVE STEM WOULD DETACH AND ALL AIR DEPLETING FROM THE TIRES. I CALLED THE SMART DEALER TO BE TOLD THIS WAS IMPOSSIBLE BECA…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 10914887 · 54,000 mi

THE CAR BROKE DOWN ON EXIT 231 B IN VIRGINIA. THE SMART HAD A GAS TANK DEFECT. I WAS NEARLY KILLED. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO TYSINGER MOTORS IN VIRGINIA MULTIPLE TIMES.

Look up ODI 10914887 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 11413227 · 10,000 mi

CAR HAS MAJOR DELAYS MANY TIMES WHEN YOU HIT THE GAS PEDAL - YOU CAN BE TURNING INTO TRAFFIC AT TIMES AND THERE'S A MAJOR DELAY TO PROPEL THE VEHICLE FORWARD WHEN YOUR FOOT IS ON THE PEDAL - THIS DELAY IN GETTING THE CAR MOVING COULD CAUSE A MAJOR CRASH. MOTOR MOUNTS WEAR OUT UNDER 50,000 MILES SEEMS TOO SOON WHEN COMPARED TO MOST OTHER VEHICLES - SUSPENSION (SHOCKS) COME SUPER HARD FROM THE FACTORY.

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733.3%
ODI 10824416 · 90 mi

MY NEW CAR AND MANY OTHERS HAVE GAS GAUGES THAT DO NOT WORK PROPERLY AT ALL! YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN YOUR TANK AT ALL. HTTP://WWW.SMARTCAROFAMERICA.COM/FORUMS/F208/2016-GAS-GAUGE-ISSUE-107826/

Look up ODI 10824416 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Body
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

53.6%
ODI 10577127 · 41,547 mi

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.…

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88.0%
ODI 10446907 · 11,617 mi

THE PANORAMIC ROOF ON MY PASSION MODEL HAS BEGUN TO SEPARATE FROM THE REST OF THE CAR IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CORNER. IT RATTLES WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES OVER A BUMP AND WIND NOISE FROM THE PANEL LIFTING OCCURS AT 50 MPH AND ABOVE. DUE TO THE FORCE EXERTED BY THE WIND AND THE FACT THAT THIS PANEL IS MERELY GLUED TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE -NOT BOLTED, SCREWED, OR OTHERWISE FASTENED- THE CONDITION IS WORSENING AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO UNTIL I IMAGINE THE ROOF SEPARATES COMPLETELY IN A HIGH-SPEED INCIDENT. (OF COURSE I WILL HAVE THE ROOF REPAIRED…

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116.7%
ODI 11206595 · 149,000 mi

MY CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE FREEWAYWHEN IT SEIZED. WHEN STOPPED THE ENGINE IN THE BACK CAUGHT FIRE, MY VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND, THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THIS THE YEAR BEFORE, (FOR THE 2009 SMART CAR) THERE ARE VIDEOS DOCUMNTING THIS ON YOU TUBE. MY BROTHER WHO WORKED FOR MERCEDES (THE PARENT COMPANY OF SMART) AS A MECHANIC TOLD ME TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS.

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16.3%
ODI 10906862 · 15,000 mi

THE PANORAMIC ROOF IS CRAZING! IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE THE GLASS CAN SHATTERED ON TOP OF MY HEAD AT ANY GIVING MOMENT! WHEN IT'S RAINING OR WASHING THE CAR AT THE CARWASH THE ROOF IS ALSO LEAKING. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE SMART CAR PASSION MODEL! A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT!

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112.5%
ODI 10874568 · 45,100 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE BODY PANEL DISENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,100.

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28.0%
ODI 10522854 · 2,000 mi

IN COMPLIANCE WITH MY 2013 SMART FORTWO VEHICLE OWNER'S MANUAL, I WASHED MY VEHICLE IN AN AUTOMATIC CAR WASH, LOCATED AT A FUEL STATION. UPON THE START OF THE DRYING CYCLE, THE FRONT "HOOD ASSEMBLY" DETACHED FROM THE CAR AND FLEW BACK, STRIKING MY WINDSHIELD. IT WAS CAUSED BY THE FAILURE OF ONE OF TWO PLASTIC CLIPS, LOCATED IN THE FRONT GRILLE. THE CLIP WAS STRESSED TO THE POINT OF BREAKAGE. THIS EVENT BLOCKED ALL VISIBILITY, THEREFORE, CAUSING A POSSIBLE CRASH HAZARD AND/OR A PEDESTRIAN STRIKE. THE EVENT ALSO PLACED RISK TO OCCUPANTS, IN THE E…

Look up ODI 10522854 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

29.5%
ODI 11256423 · 51,000 mi

MY 2016 SMART CAR AT ONLY 51000 MILES HAD TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY ALMOST RESULTING IN CRASH. MY CAR WENT FROM 65 MILES A HOUR, THEN WARNING LIGHT SAID TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND CAR WAS UNABLE TO EXCEL RATE OR BREAK, THE EMERGENCY BREAK WAS THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME. MERCEDES DIAGNOSED A WIG WAS ABLE TO FLY UP UNDER CAR AND GET WRAPPED AROUND AXELS, TRANSMISSION, AND BREAK BELTS. THE CAR WAS TOTALED FROM A WIG. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT THE UNDERNEATH IS LEFT VULNERABLE TO A OBJECT BEING ABLE TO CAUSE SO MUCH DAMAGE, TH…

Look up ODI 11256423 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

107.1%
ODI 10397147 · 34,000 mi

FAN BLOWER MOTOR STARTED MAKING NOISE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP COSTS $100 WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR

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99.0%
ODI 10478536 · 38,000 mi

AFTER GETTING HOME FROM SCHOOL, COMING IN SAYING HELLO TO THE FAMILY I WENT BACK OUT TO MY CAR TO GET MY BAG. WHEN I APPROACHED MY CAR I COULD HEAR WHAT I BELIEVED TO BE MY RADIATOR FANS STILL RUNNING DESPITE THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. MY LOGIC WAS "MAYBE A GLITCH IN THE COMPUTER." SO I PROCEEDED TO SIMPLY TURN THE CAR ON AND THEN OFF TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP. NOPE, THAT DIDN'T DO THE TRICK. PUZZLED I CAME INSIDE TO INFORM MY DAD WHAT WAS GOING ON, WHILE I WAS TALKING TO MY DAD I COULD HEAR THE FACTORY ALARM GOING OFF, THEN IT STARTED HONKING, TH…

Look up ODI 10478536 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine37,988–100,400 mi50,000 mi21
ODI 10562121 · 30,000 mi

DRIVING ON I - 10 DOWN BY PALM SPRINGS. THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, SHIFTED TO 4TH GEAR. SOON AFTER THE CAR SLOWED DOWN MORE AND PULLED OVER. THE ENGINE STOPPED AND WASN'T ABLE TO RESTART IT. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO SMART RIVERSIDE, WHERE THEY SAID THE ENGINE HAD OVER HEATED AND BLEW OUT THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING THAT THE ENGINE WAS GETTING TOO HOT. ALL FLUIDS WERE CHECKED, PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. *TR

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ODI 10564801 · 39,457 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO PASSION CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS TOUCHING THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT ONE OF THE CYLINDER VALVES BURNED CAUSING THE FAILURE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MAN…

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ODI 10579034 · 53,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2008 SMART CAR ON 21 OCT 13. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT THE END OF DECEMBER OF 13. I TOOK IT IN TO HONEST 1 TO HAVE IT SERVICED, OIL CHANGED, ALL FLUIDS CHECKED, BRAKES AND ENGINE. I WAS TOLD THAT ALL FLUIDS WERE GREAT AND I PAID THE BILL. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND I WENT BACK IN. THE GENTLEMAN WORKED ON IT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND THEN TURNED IT OFF. ON 30 MAR 14 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM CHURCH AND THE CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH ALL THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS COMING ON, BY THE GRACE OF GOD I WAS ABLE TO…

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Power Train27,000–60,000 mi43,000 mi21
ODI 10464576 · 30,000 mi

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE ON A HOT DAY. AFTER APPROX. 1 HOUR OF DRIVING, SLOWED DOWN TO CHANGE LANES, PUT ON BRAKES, SCREEN WENT BLANK AND THERE WERE NO GEARS. NOTHING...THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT THERE WAS NO WAY TO MOVE, AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT OTHER OWNERS HAD SAME PROBLEM. WENT THROUGH A COMPUTER RESET AND IT RAN FINE. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY CHARGED ME $200 FOR A SOFTWARE UPDATE (AFTER I HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR $300 TO GET HOME). *TR

Look up ODI 10464576 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10464578 · 54,000 mi

IT WAS A VERY HOT DAY AND HAD BEEN DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. I SLOWED DOWN TO TURN ONTO RAMP AND CAR WENT OUT OF GEAR (WHILE DRIVING!). SCREEN WENT BLANK. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ONCE BEFORE IN A SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCE SO I PULLED OVER. TURNED OFF CAR AND FOUND ADVICE ON THE SMART CAR FORUM (THIS HAS OBVIOUSLY HAPPENED TO OTHERS AS WELL). AFTER ABOUT 3 TIMES OF COMPLETING THE CYCLE TO REBOOT THE SYSTEM, IT FINALLY WORKED AND I CONTINUED ON MY WAY. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED DEALER DID A SOFTWARE UPDATE AT MY COST ($200+…

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ODI 10477561 · 25,000 mi

ATTEMPTING TO LEAVING STORE PARKING LOT, ENTERED CAR, STARTED ENGINE, MOVED GEAR SHIFT TO "R" BUT TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE "R" DOES NOT APPEAR IN DASHBOARD DISPLAY. TRY MOVING SHIFTER TO "D" BUT STILL NO TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT OR DASH DISPLAY.. SHIFT BACK TO "P" THAT NOW DISPLAYS ON DASH. TRY "R" AGAIN, NOTHING. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO ENGAGE TRANSMISSION FAIL, TURN ENGINE OFF, AND RESTART. NOW IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING CORRECTLY. THIS TYPE OF OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED MANY, MANY TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR. CAN'T IDENTIFY WHAT MIGHT B…

Look up ODI 10477561 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System23,175–73,875 mi31,000 mi16
ODI 10256870 · 50 mi

GAS GAUGE DOES NOT REGISTER FULL ON FILL UPS. *TR

Look up ODI 10256870 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10339597 · 22,200 mi

WHEN I DRIVE BY AN INTERSECTION WHERE THERE ARE A LOT OF RADIO, SATELLITE AND CELL PHONE TOWERS, THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN MY CAR IS IMMOBILIZED. BY THAT I MEAN THAT THE CAR IS IN "D" BUT WON'T MOVE. I PUSH OR COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR "OFF." I WAIT A COUPLE OF MINUTES AND RESTART. THE WARNING LIGHTS STAY ON BUT IT WILL ALLOW ME TO DRIVE OFF IN "D." I THEN PARK, DO MY ERRANDS AND COME BACK TO THE CAR. I START IT UP, ALL WARNING LIGHTS STAY OFF AND IT DRIVES NORMALLY. THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED ON BOTH O…

Look up ODI 10339597 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10358382 · 23,500 mi

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10358382 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other29,325–90,250 mi56,500 mi12
ODI 10378960 · 12,610 mi

FAILED COMPONENT - AIR CONDITIONER (FAN WORKS BUT NO COLD AIR). OPERATION HAS BEEN ERRATIC. IN THE SUMMER, THIS WAS A NUISANCE. IN THE WINTER, IT IS AS SERIOUS AS BRAKE LOSS! I HAVE NOW HAD THREE OCCURANCES OF NINETY PERCENT LOSS OF VISIBILITY AS A RESULT OF COMPLETE FOGGING OF ALL WINDOWS. THIS IS THE RESULT OF THE RIGHT AMBIENT TEMP., HUMIDITY AND INTERIOR TEMP. INCIDENTS OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MILES AND WERE VIRTUALLY INSTANTANEOUS (LESS THAN 30 SECONDS). AN AC/HEAT BLEND IS NEEDED TO DEHUMIDIFY WINDOWS. THE LOCAL DEAL…

Look up ODI 10378960 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10382221 · 28,350 mi

AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, I BEGIN TO TURN RIGHT ONTO ANOTHER STREET AND THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND INTO NEUTRAL. I TRIED TO PUT THE CAR BACK INTO DRIVE, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. I STARTED AND STOPPED THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT GO INTO EITHER REVERSE OR DRIVE. I WAS PUSHED INTO A PARKING LOT. I HAVE HAD PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION BEFORE. THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AND COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO GO INTO REVERSE. AFTER I TURNED THE CAR …

Look up ODI 10382221 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10721194 · 29,650 mi

SHIFT LEVER WILL NOT GO INTO PARK. IGNITION KEY CANNOT BE REMOVED. SUBSEQUENT FAILURES RESULTED IN NOT BEING ABLE TO SELECT REVERSE AND PARK WITH THE SHIFT LEVER, AND THEREFOR, UNABLE TO REMOVE IGNITION KEY.

Look up ODI 10721194 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling28,285–72,000 mi41,000 mi6
ODI 10397147 · 34,000 mi

FAN BLOWER MOTOR STARTED MAKING NOISE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP COSTS $100 WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR

Look up ODI 10397147 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10399430 · 26,380 mi

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10399430 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10892481 · 17,881 mi

2008 SMART FORTWO PASSION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT AND FUEL TANK PROBLEMS. *SMD 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 O…

Look up ODI 10892481 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts18,000–51,562 mi20,000 mi7
ODI 10486440 · 51,424 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LATCH. THE FRONT HOOD LATCH CAME APART CAUSING THE HOOD TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND A CRASH DID NOT OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR COST AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,424. UPDATED 12/11/12*LJ THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND HOOD LATCH WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/12/12

Look up ODI 10486440 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10488696 · 17,000 mi

SEATBELT LATCH MECHANISM BROKE. THIS, IN COMBINATION WITH THE FACT THAT THE SEATBELT MECHANISM ITSELF FREQUENTLY FAILS TO RETRACT, SUGGESTS THAT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS FAULTY. *TR

Look up ODI 10488696 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10610575 · 51,699 mi

THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON. HAD THE DEALER DIAGNOSE TO FIND IT IS AN INTERMITTENT CONNECTION TO MULTIPLE CONNECTORS. SERVICE TECH ADVISED BY SOFTWARE ANALYSIS TO USE CONTACT ENHANCEMENT FLUID OR SPRAY. CODE WAS CLEARED. THE SRS LIGHT WAS OUT AND STAYED OFF FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS. CONCLUSION IS THE SRS SYSTEM IN THESE CARS ARE UNRELIABLE AND SAFETY CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. CHEAP CONNECTORS CAUSING ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THESE CARS. *TR

Look up ODI 10610575 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission3,000–25,000 mi8,400 mi9
ODI 10251656 · 5,334 mi

MY CAR'S SHIFTER IS STUCK IN PARK. I CANNOT SHIFT TO N (NEUTRAL), D (DRIVE), OR R (REVERSE). THIS EFFECTIVELY RENDERS THE CAR INOPERABLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10251656 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10252757 · 8,400 mi

THE FAILING PART IS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER. THE SHIFT LEVER RELEASE BUTTON BEGINS TO GET RESISTIVE IN IT'S OPERATION AND THEN FAILS TO ACTUATE ALL TOGETHER. IN MY CASE THIS RESULTED IN THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 8400 MILES. IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 500 MILES SINCE THE REPAIR AND I CAN FEEL THE LEVER BECOMING RESISTIVE AGAIN. *TR

Look up ODI 10252757 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10255590 · 3,000 mi

GEAR SHIFT LEVER FREEZES IN PARK & THEREFORE WILL NOT ALLOW CAR TO MOVE. *TR

Look up ODI 10255590 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion System41,179–81,000 mi79,866 mi5
ODI 10629843 · 41,179 mi

FRACTURE IN THE PLASTIC NIPPLE AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP WHICH CONNECTS THE FUEL PUMP OUTPUT TO THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION ALLOWED GASOLINE TO SPRAY ALL OVER THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER'S FIELD REPRESENTATIVE WHO WAS PRESENT WHEN THE DEFECT WAS DISCOVERED STATED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND WAS NOT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR

Look up ODI 10629843 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11000905 · 32,500 mi

AS MY WIFE WAS FILLING THE GAS TANK IT FAILED TO BUILD BACK PRESSURE THAT WOULD NORMALLY SHUT OFF THE GAS PUMP. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE. THEN ON MON. THE 19TH OF JUNE AFTER WORK MY WIFE COMPLAINED OF A STRONG GAS ODER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SHE DROVE THE CAR TO WORK ON TUES. MORNING AND HAD THE SAME STRONG GAS SMELL. SHE THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT BE DUE TO OVERFILLING THE TANK. WHEN SHE GOT HOME ON TUES. NIGHT WE NOTICED A STEADY STREAM OF GAS POURING OUT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER THE CAR NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE GAS ONLY STREAMED OUT WH…

Look up ODI 11000905 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11019607 · 81,000 mi

TOP OF FUEL PUMP CRACK AFTER CAR HIT BUMPY ROADWAYS LEAKING FUEL FILLING WITH GASOLINE FUMES

Look up ODI 11019607 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-051None
ODI 11661330

The 90 degree fittings(integral to the fuel pump) on top of the fuel pump cracked and leaks gasoline leading to a potential fire that could cause bodily injury for the driver and passenger. It is noticeable because of strong gasoline smell inside and outside of the car. There are many of the same complaints from Smart Car drivers in various forum.

Look up ODI 11661330 at NHTSA ↗

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-081None
ODI 11758392

I was entering an intersection and missed judged the traffic light and was a bit to far forward, so I tried to reverse but the car would not shift to reverse. I have had an actuator replaced but the problem still happens intermittently where it will not shift to reverse. I have logged into smart car forums online and it seems to be an ongoing problem with many smart cars. I have not had the manufacturer look at it yet. Many on the forum said in some cases it is a software issue. But it is dangerous.

Look up ODI 11758392 at NHTSA ↗

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2018: 0 complaints · 2019: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2018000
2019000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2018100
2019100

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
ComponentEnginePower TrainElectrical SystemUnknown Or OtherEngine And Engine CoolingSeat BeltsPower Train:Automatic TransmissionFuel/Propulsion System
Engine—
1
ODI 10924311 · 35,756 mi

WHILE DRIVING REAR MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE. *TR

Look up ODI 10924311 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11111657 · 39,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INADVERTENTLY TURN OFF WHEN THE IGNITION KEY WAS ACCIDENTALLY TOUCHED. THE LOCATION FOR THE KEY WAS PLACED BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED MIDSTATE AUTO GROUP INC. AT [phone removed] (LOCATED AT 810 WASHINGTON ST, AUBURN, MA 01501) AND WAS INFORMED…

Look up ODI 11111657 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11484742

We were driving in Greensboro NC this afternoon on the way to my husbands birthday dinner when off of Bridford? Parkway our 2008 smart car passion for two started malfunctioning all lights flashing on instrument panel & brakes quit & another motorist drove up beside us with window down screaming GET OUT YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE!!! We managed to stop on side of road at woods & jumped out car was on fire looked like under back tires and engine in back! We grabbed what we could save & ran. 911 was called & fire and police came. 2 Witnesses also to ev…

Look up ODI 11484742 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11436171

Engine fire destroyed vehicle while driving on Interstate at 65 MPH. Vehicle was serviced and maintained per manufacturer maintenance schedule at authorized dealer. No prior issues with vehicle. Vehicle also passed emission check on 09/29/2021 with no OBD error codes reported during inspection. Mileage: 60K

Look up ODI 11436171 at NHTSA ↗

000
2
ODI 11000905 · 32,500 mi

AS MY WIFE WAS FILLING THE GAS TANK IT FAILED TO BUILD BACK PRESSURE THAT WOULD NORMALLY SHUT OFF THE GAS PUMP. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE. THEN ON MON. THE 19TH OF JUNE AFTER WORK MY WIFE COMPLAINED OF A STRONG GAS ODER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SHE DROVE THE CAR TO WORK ON TUES. MORNING AND HAD THE SAME STRONG GAS SMELL. SHE THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT BE DUE TO OVERFILLING THE TANK. WHEN SHE GOT HOME ON TUES. NIGHT WE NOTICED A STEADY STREAM OF GAS POURING OUT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER THE CAR NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE GAS ONLY STREAMED OUT WH…

Look up ODI 11000905 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11103933

TRUNK INSIDE THE CAR IS VERY HOT , ENGINE THEY DON'T HAVE A POWER IF I DRIVE I FEEL CAR HAVE A 20HP , I DO NOT FELL MY CAR HAVE A 70HP

Look up ODI 11103933 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
1
ODI 10924311 · 35,756 mi

WHILE DRIVING REAR MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE. *TR

Look up ODI 10924311 at NHTSA ↗

—
5
ODI 10477561 · 25,000 mi

ATTEMPTING TO LEAVING STORE PARKING LOT, ENTERED CAR, STARTED ENGINE, MOVED GEAR SHIFT TO "R" BUT TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE "R" DOES NOT APPEAR IN DASHBOARD DISPLAY. TRY MOVING SHIFTER TO "D" BUT STILL NO TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT OR DASH DISPLAY.. SHIFT BACK TO "P" THAT NOW DISPLAYS ON DASH. TRY "R" AGAIN, NOTHING. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO ENGAGE TRANSMISSION FAIL, TURN ENGINE OFF, AND RESTART. NOW IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING CORRECTLY. THIS TYPE OF OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED MANY, MANY TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR. CAN'T IDENTIFY WHAT MIGHT B…

Look up ODI 10477561 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10577754 · 82,500 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AT ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR, I WAS SHIFTING INTO FIFTH GEAR AND THE CAR JUST WENT BLANK. THE LIGHTS WENT OUT AND ALL NOISE CEASED TO EXIST. AT FIRST IT WAS A BIT OF A SHOCK, SO I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD ONTO THE DIRT. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND AS THE SUDDEN LOSE OF POWER COULD HAVE CAUSED SOMEONE TO RUN INTO ME, AS I HAD NO LIGHTS. AFTER LOOKING AROUND THE INSDE OF THE CAR I NOTICED THAT THE KEY WAS IN THE OFF POSITION. THE KEY ON THIS CAR IS IN THE MIDDLE CONSOLE, RIGHT NEXT TO THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR. …

Look up ODI 10577754 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10653909 · 28,000 mi

FAILURE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE. GEARSHIFT MOVES BUT GEAR DISPLAY GOES BLANK AND CHIME SOUNDS. SOMETIMES IT WILL GO INTO DRIVE. IT MAY BE A SOLENOID PROBLEM. VERY FRUSTRATING AND IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE OVER TIME. I NOW HAVE 38,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO. I EXPECT BETTER OUT OF DAMLIER BENZ. *TR

Look up ODI 10653909 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Electrical System
2
ODI 11111657 · 39,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INADVERTENTLY TURN OFF WHEN THE IGNITION KEY WAS ACCIDENTALLY TOUCHED. THE LOCATION FOR THE KEY WAS PLACED BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED MIDSTATE AUTO GROUP INC. AT [phone removed] (LOCATED AT 810 WASHINGTON ST, AUBURN, MA 01501) AND WAS INFORMED…

Look up ODI 11111657 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11484742

We were driving in Greensboro NC this afternoon on the way to my husbands birthday dinner when off of Bridford? Parkway our 2008 smart car passion for two started malfunctioning all lights flashing on instrument panel & brakes quit & another motorist drove up beside us with window down screaming GET OUT YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE!!! We managed to stop on side of road at woods & jumped out car was on fire looked like under back tires and engine in back! We grabbed what we could save & ran. 911 was called & fire and police came. 2 Witnesses also to ev…

Look up ODI 11484742 at NHTSA ↗

5
ODI 10477561 · 25,000 mi

ATTEMPTING TO LEAVING STORE PARKING LOT, ENTERED CAR, STARTED ENGINE, MOVED GEAR SHIFT TO "R" BUT TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE "R" DOES NOT APPEAR IN DASHBOARD DISPLAY. TRY MOVING SHIFTER TO "D" BUT STILL NO TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT OR DASH DISPLAY.. SHIFT BACK TO "P" THAT NOW DISPLAYS ON DASH. TRY "R" AGAIN, NOTHING. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO ENGAGE TRANSMISSION FAIL, TURN ENGINE OFF, AND RESTART. NOW IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING CORRECTLY. THIS TYPE OF OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED MANY, MANY TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR. CAN'T IDENTIFY WHAT MIGHT B…

Look up ODI 10477561 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10577754 · 82,500 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AT ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR, I WAS SHIFTING INTO FIFTH GEAR AND THE CAR JUST WENT BLANK. THE LIGHTS WENT OUT AND ALL NOISE CEASED TO EXIST. AT FIRST IT WAS A BIT OF A SHOCK, SO I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD ONTO THE DIRT. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND AS THE SUDDEN LOSE OF POWER COULD HAVE CAUSED SOMEONE TO RUN INTO ME, AS I HAD NO LIGHTS. AFTER LOOKING AROUND THE INSDE OF THE CAR I NOTICED THAT THE KEY WAS IN THE OFF POSITION. THE KEY ON THIS CAR IS IN THE MIDDLE CONSOLE, RIGHT NEXT TO THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR. …

Look up ODI 10577754 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10653909 · 28,000 mi

FAILURE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE. GEARSHIFT MOVES BUT GEAR DISPLAY GOES BLANK AND CHIME SOUNDS. SOMETIMES IT WILL GO INTO DRIVE. IT MAY BE A SOLENOID PROBLEM. VERY FRUSTRATING AND IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE OVER TIME. I NOW HAVE 38,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO. I EXPECT BETTER OUT OF DAMLIER BENZ. *TR

Look up ODI 10653909 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 10899842 · 110,000 mi

VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE, FOUND VEHICLE BATTERY BOX AND PASSENGER SEAT FLOODED DUE TO THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSATION TUBE JOINT LOCATED IN THE BATTERY BOX DISCONNECTED. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, VEHICLE WILL NOT START, EVEN AFTER EMPTYING THE WATER FROM THE BATTERY BOX AND RECHARGING THE BATTERY. HAVE A READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS ISSUE ON THE SMART BLOG. POSSIBLE ELECTRIC SHOCK ISSUE AS WELL AS ALL ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTS OUT.

Look up ODI 10899842 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Unknown Or Other
1
ODI 11436171

Engine fire destroyed vehicle while driving on Interstate at 65 MPH. Vehicle was serviced and maintained per manufacturer maintenance schedule at authorized dealer. No prior issues with vehicle. Vehicle also passed emission check on 09/29/2021 with no OBD error codes reported during inspection. Mileage: 60K

Look up ODI 11436171 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10899842 · 110,000 mi

VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE, FOUND VEHICLE BATTERY BOX AND PASSENGER SEAT FLOODED DUE TO THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSATION TUBE JOINT LOCATED IN THE BATTERY BOX DISCONNECTED. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, VEHICLE WILL NOT START, EVEN AFTER EMPTYING THE WATER FROM THE BATTERY BOX AND RECHARGING THE BATTERY. HAVE A READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS ISSUE ON THE SMART BLOG. POSSIBLE ELECTRIC SHOCK ISSUE AS WELL AS ALL ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTS OUT.

Look up ODI 10899842 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Engine And Engine Cooling0000—000
Seat Belts00000—00
Power Train:Automatic Transmission000000—0
Fuel/Propulsion System
2
ODI 11000905 · 32,500 mi

AS MY WIFE WAS FILLING THE GAS TANK IT FAILED TO BUILD BACK PRESSURE THAT WOULD NORMALLY SHUT OFF THE GAS PUMP. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE. THEN ON MON. THE 19TH OF JUNE AFTER WORK MY WIFE COMPLAINED OF A STRONG GAS ODER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SHE DROVE THE CAR TO WORK ON TUES. MORNING AND HAD THE SAME STRONG GAS SMELL. SHE THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT BE DUE TO OVERFILLING THE TANK. WHEN SHE GOT HOME ON TUES. NIGHT WE NOTICED A STEADY STREAM OF GAS POURING OUT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER THE CAR NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE GAS ONLY STREAMED OUT WH…

Look up ODI 11000905 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11103933

TRUNK INSIDE THE CAR IS VERY HOT , ENGINE THEY DON'T HAVE A POWER IF I DRIVE I FEEL CAR HAVE A 20HP , I DO NOT FELL MY CAR HAVE A 70HP

Look up ODI 11103933 at NHTSA ↗

000000—

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.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

7 mentions · 5.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 53,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10339597 · 22,200 mi

WHEN I DRIVE BY AN INTERSECTION WHERE THERE ARE A LOT OF RADIO, SATELLITE AND CELL PHONE TOWERS, THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN MY CAR IS IMMOBILIZED. BY THAT I MEAN THAT THE CAR IS IN "D" BUT WON'T MOVE. I PUSH OR COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR "OFF." I WAIT A COUPLE OF MINUTES AND RESTART. THE WARNING LIGHTS STAY ON BUT IT WILL ALLOW ME TO DRIVE OFF IN "D." I THEN PARK, DO MY ERRANDS AND COME BACK TO THE CAR. I START IT UP, ALL WARNING LIGHTS STAY OFF AND IT DRIVES NORMALLY. THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED ON BOTH O…

Look up ODI 10339597 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10579034 · 53,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2008 SMART CAR ON 21 OCT 13. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT THE END OF DECEMBER OF 13. I TOOK IT IN TO HONEST 1 TO HAVE IT SERVICED, OIL CHANGED, ALL FLUIDS CHECKED, BRAKES AND ENGINE. I WAS TOLD THAT ALL FLUIDS WERE GREAT AND I PAID THE BILL. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND I WENT BACK IN. THE GENTLEMAN WORKED ON IT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND THEN TURNED IT OFF. ON 30 MAR 14 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM CHURCH AND THE CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH ALL THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS COMING ON, BY THE GRACE OF GOD I WAS ABLE TO…

Look up ODI 10579034 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10872656 · 42,000 mi

WITHIN 20 MILES OF THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMING ON, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATED AND SET THE CAR ON FIRE, BURNING THE CAR TO THE GROUND.

Look up ODI 10872656 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

5 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 39,457 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10552988 · 71,300 mi

THE 2008 SMART CAR, HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY, SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL, WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY, WHEN ENTERING, OR EXITING A HIGHWAY, OR AT AN INTERSECTION (SPEED CHANGES). THE CAR SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL, AND THEN USUALLY SHUTS DOWN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE REAR ENDED, FROM UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS BEHIND THIS VEHICLE..THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR, WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE, WHILE PARKED..SMART OFFERED A SOFTWARE FIX, TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE. HAD THAT DONE, THEN PROBLEM PROGRESSED, TO SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING, AND STALLING OUT...AT TIMES CAR,…

Look up ODI 10552988 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10552991 · 71,350 mi

THE 2008 SMART CAR, HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY, SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL, WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY, WHEN ENTERING, OR EXITING A HIGHWAY, OR AT AN INTERSECTION (SPEED CHANGES). THE CAR SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL, AND THEN USUALLY SHUTS DOWN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE REAR ENDED, FROM UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS BEHIND THIS VEHICLE..THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR, WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE, WHILE PARKED..SMART OFFERED A SOFTWARE FIX, TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE. HAD THAT DONE, THEN PROBLEM PROGRESSED, TO SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING, AND STALLING OUT...AT TIMES CAR,…

Look up ODI 10552991 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10564801 · 39,457 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FORTWO PASSION CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS TOUCHING THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT ONE OF THE CYLINDER VALVES BURNED CAUSING THE FAILURE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MAN…

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

4 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 71,325 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10552988 · 71,300 mi

THE 2008 SMART CAR, HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY, SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL, WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY, WHEN ENTERING, OR EXITING A HIGHWAY, OR AT AN INTERSECTION (SPEED CHANGES). THE CAR SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL, AND THEN USUALLY SHUTS DOWN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE REAR ENDED, FROM UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS BEHIND THIS VEHICLE..THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR, WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE, WHILE PARKED..SMART OFFERED A SOFTWARE FIX, TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE. HAD THAT DONE, THEN PROBLEM PROGRESSED, TO SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING, AND STALLING OUT...AT TIMES CAR,…

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ODI 10552991 · 71,350 mi

THE 2008 SMART CAR, HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY, SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL, WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY, WHEN ENTERING, OR EXITING A HIGHWAY, OR AT AN INTERSECTION (SPEED CHANGES). THE CAR SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL, AND THEN USUALLY SHUTS DOWN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE REAR ENDED, FROM UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS BEHIND THIS VEHICLE..THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR, WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE, WHILE PARKED..SMART OFFERED A SOFTWARE FIX, TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE. HAD THAT DONE, THEN PROBLEM PROGRESSED, TO SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING, AND STALLING OUT...AT TIMES CAR,…

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ODI 10899842 · 110,000 mi

VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE, FOUND VEHICLE BATTERY BOX AND PASSENGER SEAT FLOODED DUE TO THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSATION TUBE JOINT LOCATED IN THE BATTERY BOX DISCONNECTED. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, VEHICLE WILL NOT START, EVEN AFTER EMPTYING THE WATER FROM THE BATTERY BOX AND RECHARGING THE BATTERY. HAVE A READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS ISSUE ON THE SMART BLOG. POSSIBLE ELECTRIC SHOCK ISSUE AS WELL AS ALL ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTS OUT.

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

4 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 74,250 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10760011

FUEL LEAK

Look up ODI 10760011 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11000905 · 32,500 mi

AS MY WIFE WAS FILLING THE GAS TANK IT FAILED TO BUILD BACK PRESSURE THAT WOULD NORMALLY SHUT OFF THE GAS PUMP. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE. THEN ON MON. THE 19TH OF JUNE AFTER WORK MY WIFE COMPLAINED OF A STRONG GAS ODER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SHE DROVE THE CAR TO WORK ON TUES. MORNING AND HAD THE SAME STRONG GAS SMELL. SHE THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT BE DUE TO OVERFILLING THE TANK. WHEN SHE GOT HOME ON TUES. NIGHT WE NOTICED A STEADY STREAM OF GAS POURING OUT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER THE CAR NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE GAS ONLY STREAMED OUT WH…

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ODI 11021082 · 116,000 mi

2008 SMART PASSION, 116K MILES, MAINTAINED AT RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS: CONDITION: VEHICLE IN USE, VARIOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS: "OLD GAS" SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE AFTER A BREAK FROM USAGE OF ~4-8 HOURS. "FRESH GAS" SMELL OUTSIDE VEHICLE NEAR THE REAR, AFTER VEHICLE IS USED. NO SMELL INSIDE OR OUTSIDE IF VEHICLE IS LEFT TO STAND 2-3 DAYS. INSPECTION: NO FLUID LEAKS OBSERVED UNDER CAR. CONDITION IS REPEATING/REPEATABLE. UPON REMOVING RH REAR LAMP INSPECTION PLATE, GAS SMELL WAS FOUND TO BE GREATER. NO VISUAL EVIDENCE OF OVERFILL O…

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 37,988 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10375542

I WAS LEAVING FOR WORK IN MY SMART FORTWO 451 ON A SNOWY MORNING. MY DRIVEWAY IS RATHER STEEP, AND WHILE SLOWLY GOING DOWN THE HILL THE CAR BEGAN TO SLIDE. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND BEGAN SLOWING TO A STOP BUT WAS STILL SLIDING. I PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS STILL IN CONTROL OF THE CAR WHEN MY FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BECAME WEDGED BETWEEN IT AND THE ACCELERATOR. I TRIED FRANTICALLY TO PULL IT OUT BUT IT WAS STUCK FAST, AND THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING (DUE TO GRAVITY) DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO PULL MY FOOT OUT OF M…

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ODI 11132462 · 37,988 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SMART FOR TWO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EURO MOTORCARS DEVON MERCEDES-BENZ (214 W LANCASTER AVE, DEVON, PA 19333, [phone removed]) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER AND DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AS THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONTACT DETECTED SMOKE COMING OUT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTM…

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11443181

2008 Smart Fortwo Pure, currently with 85,036 miles, factory equipped with optional POWER STEERING - ELECTRIC, power steering had worked fine until Fall 2020 when cold temperatures caused steering lock-up, until car interior warmed enough to unlock steering, behavior consistent throughout that winter. Once steering unlocked, steering was normal, until car sat & chilled sufficiently to re-lock steering, or fault disappeared with warmer Spring 2021 temperatures. NEW DEVELOPMENTS - December 2021, outside temperatures in the 20s F, it takes much lo…

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b