Model year guide

2009 Smart fortwo

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Smart fortwo is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 40 on record.

2009 Smart fortwo — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2009 Smart fortwo at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints100
Combined36 mpg
Typical price$4,240

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

2009 Smart fortwo recalls 1

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.

2009 Smart fortwo common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2009 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 2009 Smart fortwo worth?

Low
$3,100
Typical price
$4,240
High
$6,000

From 40 comparable 2009 Smart fortwo listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2009 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.

2009 Smart fortwo trims & engines on record

Trims
BRABUS coupe · BRABUS cabriolet
Engines
1.0L 3-cyl

2009 Smart fortwo vehicles on record

2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X19K241827 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X99K331436 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X49K212922 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X99K236990 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31XX9K325466 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X69K259160 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X19K253332 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X39K251226 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X19K256151 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS cabrioletWMEEK31X29K226282 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X39K274215 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X69K316120 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X59K210290 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X09K216515 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X99K262523 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X09K269201 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X59K287225 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS cabrioletWMEEK31XX9K209990 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X09K302620 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X49K232359 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X59K251230 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X59K257352 2009 Smart fortwo 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X19K251810 2009 Smart fortwo BRABUS coupeWMEEJ31X29K249497

Other Smart fortwo model years

2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008

2009 Smart fortwo — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Smart fortwo have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2009 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 2009 Smart fortwo?

Based on 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, power train, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Smart fortwo get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2009 Smart fortwo at about 36 mpg combined (33 city / 41 highway).

How much is a 2009 Smart fortwo worth?

Comparable 2009 Smart fortwo listings run roughly $3,100–$6,000, typically around $4,240 (from 40 vehicles).

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