Owners have filed 139 complaints
about the 2009 Smart Fortwo with NHTSA between 2010 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Smart Fortwo. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 72
42% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
98.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2220.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3229.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2826.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
54.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
109.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2010peak 6Aug 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Smart Fortwo
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA17003Opened 1 Sep 2017Closed 21 Aug 2018ENGINE
Engine Compartment Fire
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 compartmen...
PE16016Opened 16 Dec 2016Closed 20 Nov 2017ENGINE
Engine Compartment Fire
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...
Recalls on the 2009 Smart Fortwo
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20182157,028 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the rear insulation mat within the engine compartment might deform, deteriorate and loosen, allowing it to contact hot exhaust system components. This could lead to ignition of the insulation mat and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear insulation mat.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 52,000 milesOlean, NYFire
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
TL* 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 AND WALKED TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN HE DISCOVER THAT FIRE STARTED FROM THE REAR LEFT BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN RETRIEVED A BOTTLE OF WATER FROM THE VEHICLE AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE FIRE BEGAN SPREAD AND COMPLETELY ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S FRIEND THEN DIALED 911. FIRE AND STATE POLICE ARRIVED AT THE SCENE OF THE INCIDENT. THE FIRE WAS EVENTUALLY EXTINGUISHED. NO INJURIES OCCURRED DURING THE INCIDENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE FIRE AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WITH HIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND SENT HIM A QUESTIONNAIRE IN RELATION TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11252270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,232 milesRiverview, FLFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT HEAT COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR CARPET AND PLASTIC FROM THE TRUNK COVER CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF TAMPA (LOCATED AT 4400 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL 33614, (813) 579-2138) WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED EMAIL ID NUMBER: 1-KEMGKL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,232.
NHTSA complaint #11197315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MIFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR THE CAR BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I NOTICED THE CAR WAS ON FIRE BEHIND ME AND I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AS THE FIRE ENGULFED THE REMAINDER OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11172272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MIFire
Other/Unknown
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR THE CAR BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I NOTICED THE CAR WAS ON FIRE BEHIND ME AND I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AS THE FIRE ENGULFED THE REMAINDER OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11172272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, VAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, IT CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ON ITS OWN AND CAUSED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF TYSONS CORNER IN VIENNA, VA (703-442-8200) AND REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT WANTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11093718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesPort Saint Lucie, FLFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS ON MY WAY TO SCHOOL, THE CAR BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE, AS I MOVED TO THE SHOULDER IT DIED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, THE RADIO CUT OFF, THE HORN STAYED ON, ALL THE WIPERS WENT FULL FORCE AND THE DOORS LOCKED. WHEN I FINALLY KICKED THE DOOR OPEN I WENT TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE GOOD. I BEGAN SO SMELL BURNING PLASTIC AND WENT TO THE DRIVER SIDE AGAIN. WHEN I GOT THERE, THERE WERE FLAMING DRIPS COMING FROM UNDER THE PANELS. I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THEM OUT BUT IT WAS FUTILE. I REMOVED MYSELF FROM THE SITUATION AND CALLED FIRE RESCUE. THE WHOLE THING TOOK 2 MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR WAS TOAST
NHTSA complaint #11091164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 74,254 milesMiami Gardens, FL
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 that the front brake pads were replaced by the dealer, and the rear brake pads were replaced by a certified mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired for the failure to accelerate, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was purchased on July 17, 2025, and the seller kept the repair issues with the vehicle from the contact and failed to provide information on the previous repairs. The contact stated that the failure recurred after retrieving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,254.
NHTSA complaint #11682335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,254 milesMiami Gardens, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 that the front brake pads were replaced by the dealer, and the rear brake pads were replaced by a certified mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired for the failure to accelerate, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was purchased on July 17, 2025, and the seller kept the repair issues with the vehicle from the contact and failed to provide information on the previous repairs. The contact stated that the failure recurred after retrieving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,254.
NHTSA complaint #11682335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Little Rock, AR
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.
NHTSA complaint #11612872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Little River, SC
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.
NHTSA complaint #11611680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vienna, VA
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 Mercedes Benz of America.
NHTSA complaint #11606245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesRockville Centre, NY
POWER TRAIN
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 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11520076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesRockville Centre, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11520076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesRockville Centre, NY
TIRES: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 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 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11520076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
POWER TRAIN
2008 Smart Fortwo has a recall open for reprograming the transmission computer because of rough shifting and bucking while shifting and lugging the engine to much before down shifting. Mine is a 2008 but the VIN was not included in the recall and I am having the same problems with mine. Can mine be added to the recall?
NHTSA complaint #11490643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesSan Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
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 driver’s side air bag replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The independent mechanic had to order the parts for the repair. The dealer was contacted however, the dealer was unable to confirm when the part would be available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
NHTSA complaint #11450806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump connectors cracked leaking fuel.
NHTSA complaint #11441187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Havasu City, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Electric fuel pump inlet and outlet nipples to fuel hoses broke and caused fuel leakage.
NHTSA complaint #11430358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Otsego, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo. The contact stated while attempting to have the vehicle repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but was denied repair due to the vehicle being a smart car. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that since the vehicle was not a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, they would not honor the recall repair. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11429035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Helena, MT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I AM WRITING TO YOU TO VOICE A COMPLAINT I HAVE WITH MERCEDES-BENDS USA, LLC'S RECALL OF THEIR SMART VEHICLES, RECALL CAMPAIGN # 2018060010. IT CALLS FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR INSULATION MAT, THAT IF NOT REPLACE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL OF THE LOCAL MERCEDES-BENDS DEALERSHIPS AND HAVE FOUND THAT THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP THAT CAN REPLACE THE MAT IS EITHER IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH OR SEATTLE WASHINGTON. I RESIDE IN HELENA MONTANA WHICH IS 485 MILES FROM SALT LAKE AND 590 MILES FROM SEATTLE. THESE DISTANCES ARE TOTALLY IMPRACTICAL FOR ME TO DRIVE TO WITH THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE REQUIRE MERCEDES-BENDS TO ESTABLISH A SMART MAINTENANCE FACILITY IN CLOSER PROXIMITY TO HELENA.
NHTSA complaint #11338873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ENGINE
I SENT AN EMAIL NOT TO LONG AGO REGARDING MY SMARTFORTWO. I WANTED TO CANCEL OR DELETE MY COMPLAINT. APPEARS THAT MY ISSUE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH KEY REPROGRAMMING. MY ISSUE IS LIKELY CLUTCH / ACTUATOR ISSUE. PLEASE CANCEL, DELETE, IGNORE THE COMPLAINT THAT IS IN ERROR.
NHTSA complaint #11328864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
APPEARS THAT MY 2009 SMART FORTWO PASSION AND OTHERS ON THE INTERNET ARE BEING CONFRONTED WITH MANY OF THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO R (REVERSE) AT TIMES AND THE KEYFOB MAY NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED FOR NOT WORKING IN THE VEHICLE AT ALL. DON'T KNOW IF IT IS THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE, TRANSPONDER, OR WHAT. I DO KNOW THAT MANY OWNERS ARE FACING THE SAME CHALLENGE. NO NEED FOR A KEY REMAKE, THE KEYS JUST DO NOT TURN THE CAR ON AT ALL. THE PROGRAMMING EQUIPMENT AND OR ALL THAT TROUBLESHOOTING YET MERCEDES TOP EXECUTIVES HAVE NOT AND WILL NOT ADDRESS OWNER CONCERNS. I CAN PULL INTO A PARKING LOT, HANDLE MY BUSINESS IN LETS SAY A SUPERMARKET. COME BACK OUT TO THE CAR AND PUT IN REVERSE AND ONLY N (NEUTRAL) APPEARS. I HAVE TO GO FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE THEN REVERSE FOR THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO REVERSE. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH 5 MILES ON IT AND HAVE OVER 100K. ONE DAY ON THE WAY TO WORK IT SHOOK BAD. I PULLED OVER. HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE ENGINE ON AT ALL. GAVE IT SOME TIME, THE BATTERY, WINDOWS, RADIO AND DASH LIGHT UP, BUT THE IGNITION ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. AGAIN, I HAVE NOTICED ON SEVERAL SITES MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE KEYS STOPPED WORKING MAY 20, 2020. THE REVERSE ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS, DO NOT HAVE A TIME FRAME OF WHEN I FIRST NOTICED IT. THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE.*DT CONSUMER STATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO DISMISS COMPLAINT.
NHTSA complaint #11326533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
APPEARS THAT MY 2009 SMART FORTWO PASSION AND OTHERS ON THE INTERNET ARE BEING CONFRONTED WITH MANY OF THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO R (REVERSE) AT TIMES AND THE KEYFOB MAY NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED FOR NOT WORKING IN THE VEHICLE AT ALL. DON'T KNOW IF IT IS THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE, TRANSPONDER, OR WHAT. I DO KNOW THAT MANY OWNERS ARE FACING THE SAME CHALLENGE. NO NEED FOR A KEY REMAKE, THE KEYS JUST DO NOT TURN THE CAR ON AT ALL. THE PROGRAMMING EQUIPMENT AND OR ALL THAT TROUBLESHOOTING YET MERCEDES TOP EXECUTIVES HAVE NOT AND WILL NOT ADDRESS OWNER CONCERNS. I CAN PULL INTO A PARKING LOT, HANDLE MY BUSINESS IN LETS SAY A SUPERMARKET. COME BACK OUT TO THE CAR AND PUT IN REVERSE AND ONLY N (NEUTRAL) APPEARS. I HAVE TO GO FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE THEN REVERSE FOR THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO REVERSE. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH 5 MILES ON IT AND HAVE OVER 100K. ONE DAY ON THE WAY TO WORK IT SHOOK BAD. I PULLED OVER. HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE ENGINE ON AT ALL. GAVE IT SOME TIME, THE BATTERY, WINDOWS, RADIO AND DASH LIGHT UP, BUT THE IGNITION ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. AGAIN, I HAVE NOTICED ON SEVERAL SITES MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE KEYS STOPPED WORKING MAY 20, 2020. THE REVERSE ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS, DO NOT HAVE A TIME FRAME OF WHEN I FIRST NOTICED IT. THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE.*DT CONSUMER STATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO DISMISS COMPLAINT.
NHTSA complaint #11326533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesWasilla, AK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES BENZ ON MONDAY 5/4/2020 LETTING ME KNOW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR, A REAR INSULATION MAT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED OUT TO AVOID A POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE. I CALLED THE MB DEALERSHIP IN ANCHORAGE AND WAS TOLD THEY DO NOT WORK ON SMART VEHICLES. I CALLED THE PHONE NUMBER FOR MBUSA TO FIND A DEALERSHIP OR AN APPROVED TECH TO MAKE THE REPAIR. I LEFT A MESSAGE AND WAS CALLED BACK YESTERDAY 5/7/2020 BY [XXX]. HE TOLD ME THAT THERE WERE NO DEALERSHIP OR APPROVED REPAIR CENTERS IN ALASKA AND THAT SINCE I CHOSE TO LIVE REMOTE THAT 'UNFORTUNATELY' IT'S MY PROBLEM. I WROTE A LETTER TO THE COMPANY OFFERING THE SAME POSSIBLE OPTIONS TO GET IT FIXED THAT I HAD SUGGESTED TO HIM; 1) SEND THE PART AND I'LL FIX IT MYSELF; 2) SEND THE PART TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP OF MY CHOICE AND PAY THEM TO FIX IT OR 3) SEND A TECHNICIAN TO THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP IN ANCHORAGE TO PERFORM THE SAFETY RECALL REPAIR. THE LETTER WAS SENT BACK TO HIM AND HE CALLED ME TODAY TO REINTERATE THAT 'UNFORTUNATELY' MBUSA WAS NOT GOING TO DO ANY OF THESE THINGS AND THAT AS A SECOND OWNER OF THE CAR THEY HAVE FULFILLED THEIR OBLIGATION TO ME. IT'S MY PROBLEM TO GET IT TO A DEALERSHIP OF MY CHOOSING. ALL DEALERSHIPS ARE IN THE CONTIGUOUS 48 STATES. I ASKED HIM IF A LAW SUIT RESULTING FROM A FIREY DEATH WAS A CONCERN TO MBUSA OR IF THEY INFORM PEOPLE WHO PURCHASE THE VEHICLES THAT IF THEY CHOSE TO TAKE THEIR CAR WITHIN THE UNITED STATES TO AN AREA WITHOUT A DEALERSHIP THAT THEY WERE ON THEIR OWN. HIS RESPONSE WAS HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT DEALERSHIPS TELL PEOPLE AND AGAIN, WHILE THEY WOULDN'T LIKE TO HAVE MY CAR CATCH FIRE IT IS REALLY MY ISSUE. SEE ATTACHED CORRESPONDENCE. SO I AM IN A SPOT TO EITHER PARK IT OR DRIVE IT KNOWING I COULD HAVE A PROBLEM. I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT WITHOUT IT BEING FIXED. THIS IS NOW A FINANCIAL ISSUE & A SAFETY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11323846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesEdgewater, FL
ENGINE
TODAY I RECEIVED A THIRD (3RD) RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR MY 2009 SMART FOUR TWO COUPE REAR ENGINE INSULATION MAT. THE NOTICE STATES THE CURRENT MAT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF FIRE. EACH TIME I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER (55 MILES DISTANT) THEY HAVE INFORMED THEY ARE OUT OF STOCK OF THIS ITEM. I'VE ASKED THEM TO NOTIFY ME WHEN THE ITEM IS IN STOCK. I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS APPARENT FIRE HAZARD. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO INSTALL THIS EASY FIX IF THEY WOULD SEND ME THE INSULATION PAD ITSELF.
NHTSA complaint #11323251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,600 milesManheim, PA
POWER TRAIN
CAR DOESN'T SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR IT GOES INTO NEUTRAL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE .IM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS ISSUE AND APPARENTLY SMART KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM.THIS PROBLEM IS PUTTING PEOPLE INTO NEUTRAL WHEN THEY START AND LEAVING YOU IN THE ROAD..THEY NEED TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND KNOWINGLY PUTTING PEOPLE AT RISK. I WAS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT WHEN I COULDN'T SHIFT INTO REVERSE . I'VE READ AND HEARD FROM OTHERS SMART IS SAYING A SOFTWARE ERROR
NHTSA complaint #11310011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesPueblo, CO
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AND REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE, ENGINE COOLING). MERCEDES-BENZ OF WESTMINISTER (LOCATED AT 10391 WESTMINISTER BLVD, WESTMINISTER, CO 80020, 303-410-7800) PERFORMED THE REPAIR. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A BOOMING NOISE WHEN THE ENGINE AND/OR RADIO WERE ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11278255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yakima, WA
ENGINE
2009 SMART FORTWO PURE/PASSION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO SAFETY NHTSA RECALL NOTICE #18V273. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WAS TO ARRANGE HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED LOCALLY DUE TO THE CONSUMER'S DISABILITY. THE DEALER DID NOT MAKE AN ARRANGEMENT THAT THE CONSUMER FOUND REASONABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11269654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesUnion City, NJ
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT MERCEDES-BENZ OF EDISON (LOCATED AT 910 US-1, EDISON, NJ 08817, (732) 394-1870) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11267410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesOlean, NYFire
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
TL* 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 AND WALKED TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN HE DISCOVER THAT FIRE STARTED FROM THE REAR LEFT BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN RETRIEVED A BOTTLE OF WATER FROM THE VEHICLE AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE FIRE BEGAN SPREAD AND COMPLETELY ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S FRIEND THEN DIALED 911. FIRE AND STATE POLICE ARRIVED AT THE SCENE OF THE INCIDENT. THE FIRE WAS EVENTUALLY EXTINGUISHED. NO INJURIES OCCURRED DURING THE INCIDENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE FIRE AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WITH HIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND SENT HIM A QUESTIONNAIRE IN RELATION TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11252270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,232 milesRiverview, FLFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT HEAT COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR CARPET AND PLASTIC FROM THE TRUNK COVER CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF TAMPA (LOCATED AT 4400 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL 33614, (813) 579-2138) WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V273000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED EMAIL ID NUMBER: 1-KEMGKL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,232.
NHTSA complaint #11197315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.