MotorDeets

2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio: 0 recalls, 17 owner complaints.

0vehicle recalls
17owner complaints
1mention a crash
–best combined mpg
2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio
Photo: Detectandpreserve · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain5
Electrical5
Seat belts2
Body & structure2
Engine2
Latches & locks1
Seats1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1

What owners describe

The 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio has 17 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 2 Fortwo Cabrio model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 14). Complaints peaked in 2013 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 21,394 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (11 complaints, 0 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio problems?

Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (5), electrical (5), seat belts (2).

Where can I get a 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Fortwo Cabrio years

20082009