KnownCarProblems2009 Smart Fortwo Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Smart Fortwo, most often about the engine (28% of complaints, typically around 48,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Fortwo model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2009 Smart Fortwo problems
Engine
28 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 48,000 miles.
Was driving on the highway when suddenly over heat and check engine light came on, and about 20 seconds later the car loss all power. I almost got hit my the car behind me, but was able to safely pull over to the side of the highway.
I bought the car and less than two weeks the transmission went there was flashing and beeping and the car would not go into gear. I bought a 2009 and in 2008 there was a recall on that model for that transmission problem sometimes the car won't start sometimes now and the hood latch is broken
Transmission
27 complaints · 27%Half of these problems showed up before 39,500 miles.
The vehicle fails intermittently to shift from brake to reverse or from reverse to drive. When the failure occurs, all that is seen on the front dashboard is a blank screen and the car alert systems lets out a continuous beeping denoting the failure of the shift. It sometimes requires immediate turning off of the…
The contact owns a 2009 Smart Fortwo. While driving various speeds, the transmission shifted into neutral without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle would completely shut off, causing the brakes and steering wheel to fail. The vehicle was taken to world wide motors, inc (3900 e 96th st, indianapolis, in…
Other or unspecified
18 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 49,500 miles.
I was driving my Smart car to work at 1:30 am. There was some snow on the roads so I left 10 minutes earlier than normal so I could drive slowly. I had to go up a hill and the car fishtailed and crashed into the steel rail.I was going 43 MPH in a 55 MPH zone when the car fishtailed. I hit the steel rail almost head…
There is this horrible problem with the 2009 Smart Fortwo rally red! The clearcoat is peeling for no reason and there is at least 60 people around the country with the same exact issue with proof and statements to prove it! Mercedes/Smart should issue a recall or replace these panels free of charge! This ruins the…
Electrical
14 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 33,500 miles.
The car has a problem with not going in reverse when you put the gear shifter in 'r' position? Usually after driven and the car is warmed up. The car just rolls when put in reverse, as if though it's in neutral.. When giving gas it just revs the engine and nothing happens.. The car is automatic transmission. And it…
The vehicle fails intermittently to shift from brake to reverse or from reverse to drive. When the failure occurs, all that is seen on the front dashboard is a blank screen and the car alert systems lets out a continuous beeping denoting the failure of the shift. It sometimes requires immediate turning off of the…
Body and structure
10 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
The contact owns a 2009 Smart Fortwo. The contact stated that the vehicle had mold damage due to water penetration from a crack in the roof. The vehicle was taken a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the seal between the roof and the body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made…
I bought the car and less than two weeks the transmission went there was flashing and beeping and the car would not go into gear. I bought a 2009 and in 2008 there was a recall on that model for that transmission problem sometimes the car won't start sometimes now and the hood latch is broken
Fuel system
9 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 43,000 miles.
Fuel leak of unknown origin/cause while stationary, forming a puddle beneath the vehicle overnight. Vehicle otherwise in pristine condition. No accident or other impact took place -- normal drive home, garaged the car, found puddle in the morning and garage filled with gas fumes, observed dripping from underside of…
The contact owned a 2009 Smart Fortwo. The contact's friend was driving his vehicle at 60 MPH when he smelled plastic burning inside the vehicle. Moments later, smoke began to enter the vehicle from behind the driver seat; no warning lights illuminated during the failure. The contact's friend pulled the vehicle over…
Wheels and tires
6 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 26,000 miles. Parts named most often: pressure monitoring and regulating systems.
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 valve stems are cracking and if they fail while driving a driver may lose control. The cracked valve stems were noticed when the wheels were removed for service. Photos are available if needed.
Air bags
5 complaints · 5%The contact owns a 2009 Smart Fortwo. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated and would not turn off. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the driverâs side air bag replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2009 Smart Fortwo recalls
Engine: exhaust system
Risk: If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear insulation mat with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began in july 2018. Owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mbusa's number for this recall is 2018060010.
Full defect summary
Mercedes-benz USA, llc. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles. The rear insulation mat in the engine compartment may deform, deteriorate, and loosen over time, allowing the mat to contact hot exhaust system components.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Engine compartment fire
Summary
On april 30, 2018, mercedes-benz USA, llc, (mercedes-benz) submitted a defect information report (dir) to NHTSA regarding a defect that could result in a vehicle fire starting from the engine compartment in 42,781 model year (my) 2008 and 2009 smart fortwo cabrio and coupe vehicles (451 platform).according to mercedes-benz?s dir, ?the rear insulation mat within the engine compartment might deform, deteriorate, loosen and over time, subsequently be able to contact hot components of the exhaust system.this could lead to an ignition of the insulation mat and possible fire in the engine compartment.?the US-specification exhaust system has an external catalytic converter packaged close to the ins
Engine compartment fire
Summary
On december 16, 2016, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe16-016 to investigate eight complaints alleging incidents of engine compartment fire while driving or shortly after engine shutdown in model year (my) 2008 through 2009 smart fortwo vehicles.the complaints appeared to indicate an increasing trend, with all eight fires occurring since january 2015.as part of pe16-016, odi analyzed information related to incidents reported to the office by consumers, analyzed field data and technical information submitted by mercedes-benz USA (mercedes) in response to the pe16-016 information request letter, and analyzed non-crash vehicle fire claim data provided by
Questions about the 2009 Smart Fortwo
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Smart Fortwo?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (28 complaints, typically around 48,000 miles); transmission (27 complaints, typically around 39,500 miles); other or unspecified (18 complaints, typically around 49,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2009 Smart Fortwo have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 27, 2018 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2009 a bad year for the Smart Fortwo?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Fortwo model year since 2000, with 100 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.