Recall 18V273 affects 42,781 2008-2009 Smart Fortwo vehicles for a rear insulation mat that can touch hot exhaust parts. Repair is free at Smart dealers.
Smart is recalling 42,781 2008-2009 Fortwo coupe and cabrio vehicles because the rear insulation mat in the engine compartment can deform, deteriorate, and loosen until it contacts hot exhaust parts. That contact raises the risk of a fire, and Smart dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear insulation mat in the engine compartment of the 2008-2009 Smart Fortwo is a heat shield and sound barrier. It sits near the back of the engine bay and helps separate nearby body panels from engine and exhaust heat. The exhaust system carries hot gases away from the engine, and its catalytic converter runs at very high temperature.
On affected Fortwo vehicles, the US exhaust layout places an external catalytic converter close to that insulation mat. Heat in that area changes the mat material as it ages. The mat can deform, break down, and loosen from its intended position. If the sagging section reaches the hot exhaust components, the material can ignite.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the mat changes shape inside the engine compartment, an owner is not expected to notice a sound, warning light, smell, or drivability change before contact occurs.
Who's affected?
Each listed model year includes engine and exhaust-system components.
| 2009 Smart Fortwo | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2008 Smart Fortwo | Exhaust system |
| 2008 Smart Fortwo | Engine |
| 2009 Smart Fortwo | Exhaust system |
| Units affected | 42,781 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
If the rear insulation mat touches hot exhaust components, heat can raise the risk of a fire. There is no warning sign before this failure, so treat the recall as a repair to schedule soon after your VIN is confirmed. Repair is free at any franchised Smart dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 Smart Fortwo is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Smart dealer to schedule the free rear insulation mat replacement that keeps the mat from contacting hot exhaust components.
- Bring the recall notice if Smart mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V273 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop the vehicle if you smell burning or see smoke from the engine compartment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Smart technician replaces the rear insulation mat in the engine compartment with an improved mat. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. The new mat is meant to stay clear of hot exhaust components after the original mat deforms, deteriorates, or loosens. If you already paid out of pocket for this insulation mat repair, Smart's general reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring your repair invoice and payment records to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 27, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 11, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| June 27, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 30, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V273?
Recall 18V273 covers 42,781 2008-2009 Smart Fortwo cabrio and coupe vehicles with a rear insulation mat that can deform, deteriorate, and loosen in the engine compartment. If the mat contacts hot exhaust system parts, fire risk increases. Smart dealers replace the mat for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Smart Fortwo is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Fortwo is included in recall 18V273. If it is, contact a franchised Smart dealer to schedule the rear insulation mat replacement. Reference recall number 18V273 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Smart dealers replace the rear insulation mat with an improved part free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The rear insulation mat can loosen in the engine compartment and contact hot exhaust system components. That contact increases the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, arrange the free mat replacement with a franchised Smart dealer.
What if I bought my Smart Fortwo used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2008-2009 Fortwo is included, then reference recall number 18V273 when you call a Smart dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V273000 |
|---|---|
| Smart customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V273 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V273000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →