There are no safety recalls for the 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio, but owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA.
2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Electrical System | 5 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Engine | 2 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 | |
| Seats | 1 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 2
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 21,543 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · at 90,100 miles · reported Feb 24, 2021
Can not turn ignition key to start the car. Car was parked in a parking lot. After several hours had to pry up console to switch the the yellow up. Then had to put gear in neutral. Put oil in gear shaft area. Plus blow out any debris that might have fallen in key hole. Also put lubricant in key shaft. With several attempts the key finally turned over. After being stranded for four hours in 0 degree weather. My vehicle remains in a parking lot. Have no idea where to take this vehicle due to no dealers work on a smart car. Have no idea what or how to fix this problem. This faulty mechanism needs…
Engine · at 21,000 miles · reported Sep 28, 2020
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 200 mile trip to get this recall done. Shouldn't the…
Air Bags · at 85,000 miles · reported Feb 22, 2016
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 loss); broken sternum-clavicle--jaw (2) places…
Structure · at 86,000 miles · reported Jan 18, 2015
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. The car seems like a total loss. We were never warned…
Power Train · at 38,760 miles · reported Nov 19, 2013
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 around her. I arrived & after repeated attempts for…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio?
Owners report power train problems most often (5 reports), followed by electrical system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 21,543 miles.
Are Smart recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Smart dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.