Most common 2009 Smart fortwo problems
Share of the 100 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Smart fortwo complaints by model year
Best fortwo years: 2010, 2012, 2015. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2013, 2016. Compare all years →
2009 Smart fortwo recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2009 Smart fortwo:
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…
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,…
What 2009 Smart fortwo owners say
Engine & cooling all 28 →
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.
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.
Transmission & drivetrain all 27 →
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 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.
Electrical system
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Smart fortwo. The contact heard a knocking sound under the hood of the vehicle and smoke began to fill the vehicle underneath the steering column. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle; however, the knocking sound and smoke continued. The horn and alarm began to sound. The contact disconnected the battery and flames appeared underneath the dashboard. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was declared un-drivable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.
2009 Smart fortwo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0L 3-cyl | 5-speed dual-clutch | RWD | 33 / 41 / 36 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Smart fortwo a good car?
Based on 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 fortwo rates avoid: 5.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the fortwo at the same age. It is one of the fortwo years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Smart fortwo?
The engine & cooling — 28 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (27) and electrical system (14).
How many recalls does the 2009 Smart fortwo have?
There is 1 recall for the 2009 Smart fortwo, the most recent from April 27, 2018 (exhaust system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Smart fortwo?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2012 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2016. See the full Smart fortwo years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Smart fortwo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 39,000 miles; 62% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.