Model year guide

2008 Smart fortwo

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Smart fortwo is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 42 on record.

2008 Smart fortwo — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Smart fortwo at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints139
Combined36 mpg
Typical price$4,270

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Smart fortwo recalls 2

Structure:frame And Members NHTSA Campaign #08V390000 · 07/08/2008

SMART USA IS RECALLING 43 MY 2008 FORTWO 451 VEHICLES. A SINGLE BATCH OF PAINT SENT TO THE COMPANY DID NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS. A RE-WORK WAS DONE IN THE PLANT USING DIFFERENT FORMULATIONS OF PAINTING MATERIALS. AFTER THE RE-WORK WAS COMPLETED, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE COMBINATION OF MATERIALS USED TO REPAINT THE FRAME AND CHASSIS COULD LEAD TO DE LAMINATION OF THE PAINT MATERIALS FROM THE BODY AND FRAME ST…

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAINT THE AFFECTED AREAS TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SMART USA AT 1-248-648-2451.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System NHTSA Campaign #18V273000 · 27/04/2018

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Smart fortwo common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2008 Smart fortwo MPG & running costs

Combined36 mpg
City33 mpg
Highway41 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,100

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Smart fortwo worth?

Low
$3,000
Typical price
$4,270
High
$5,900

From 42 comparable 2008 Smart fortwo listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Smart fortwo costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,500
Fuel only$10,500
Per mile$0.14

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Smart fortwo trims & engines on record

Trims
passion · passion cabrio · pure
Engines
1.0L 3-cyl

2008 Smart fortwo vehicles on record

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Other Smart fortwo model years

2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

2008 Smart fortwo — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Smart fortwo have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2008 Smart fortwo. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Smart fortwo?

Based on 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, engine and engine cooling, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Smart fortwo get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Smart fortwo at about 36 mpg combined (33 city / 41 highway).

How much is a 2008 Smart fortwo worth?

Comparable 2008 Smart fortwo listings run roughly $3,000–$5,900, typically around $4,270 (from 42 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.