2009 Smart Fortwo Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1 safety recall on file

The 2009 Smart Fortwo has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 11 fires, 2 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Power Train (27 reports).

1Recalls
100Owner complaints
3Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Fortwo?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2009 Smart Fortwo recalls

Engine insulation mat can contact hot exhaust, raising fire risk

Recall 18V273Apr 27, 201842,781 vehicles affected

The rear insulation mat in the engine compartment may deform, deteriorate, and loosen over time.

Most common 2009 Smart Fortwo problems

Problem areas named in the 100 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Power Train27
Engine19
Unknown Or Other18
Electrical System14
Structure11
Engine And Engine Cooling9
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Air Bags5
Wheels5
Tires5

What owners report

2025-08-22, Power Train
The contact owns a 2009 Smart Fortwo. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The vehicle was turned off, the contact waited, and then restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed. The failure had occurred several times while driving. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to brake immediately and drifted to the left. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard for the vehicle to come to a stop. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS was faulty and retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Codes: 1314 and C1443. The contact stated
2024-09-05, Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo. 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 had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer scheduled an appointment at the dealer; however, the dealer contacted the contact and decline to honor the recall repair appointment. The contact contacted two dealers and was informed that they do not perform repair on Mercedes-Benz Smart Cars. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2024-08-29, Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz Smart Fortwo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and several unknown dealers were contacted and informed the contact that they did not service Smart vehicles. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2024-08-03, Unknown Or Other
When starting the car, the transmission will not respond to the shifter being put into any gear. A computer diagnostic says it is a communications issue. Mercedes, who sold the car to me new, refuses to do any repair work as they have discontinued Smart sales in the US. If the communications for the transmission fails during operation, this will be very dangerous. There are numerous reports on the internet of similar issues and owners trying to repair this themselves. Mercedes needs to be forced to repair what they have sold and represented. If this is a software update issue, who has the software to fix this issue? It is outrageous that NHTSA has not enforced these issues with Merced
2023-05-02, Tires
The contact owns a 2009 Smart ForTwo. The contact stated that on multiple occasions when the vehicle was parked and the gear shifter was shifted, the transmission would only shift into neutral. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, parts to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37

2009 Smart Fortwo questions

Does the 2009 Smart Fortwo have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2009 Smart Fortwo: Engine insulation mat can contact hot exhaust, raising fire risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Smart Fortwo?

Based on 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (27), Engine (19), Unknown Or Other (18).

How do I check if a recall on my 2009 Smart Fortwo has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Smart Fortwo years

Other 2009 Smart models