2009 smart Fortwo power train problems
27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2009 smart Fortwo — 27% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Aug 22, 2025
“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…”
filed May 2, 2023
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause…
LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 14, 2026Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in…
LI33.30-P-056665 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 21, 2025
Power Train problems in other Fortwo years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Fortwo | 1 | 5% |
| 2013 Fortwo | 5 | 20% |
| 2008 Fortwo | 31 | 22% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2009 smart Fortwo
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.