2008 Smart Fortwo Coupe Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“Several times my 2008 Smart will not go into reverse gear.or start sometimes as explained in many other post here. Mb said that its my clutch assemby, mb report says (1) transmission need to be removed inspect clutch disk pressure plates and thowout bearing/ clutch will not teach in causing engine lamp cost $1359.00 and if that dont work (2) clutch assemby replacement of clutch thowout bearing pressure plate if needed when transmission is out parts only $1031.20 this car only has 38,326 miles on it I am the 2nd owner pad got the car with 4,500 miles on it. …”

“I own 2 of the 2008 Smart fortwo automobiles (pure & cabrio). Both have periodically been balky shifters (stuck when trying to move the gear selector out of park). One has briefly refused to shift into any gear, independent of the gear indicated. Both have briefly refused to shift out of park... Until today when my wife was stuck in park at a red light. The ABS light had come on, my wife decided to see if she could clear the indicator. She quickly put it in park, engine off then on, but vehicle remained stuck in park. A deputy moved traffic around her. …”

“This car has periodically failed to go into reverse and drive. Last event that I experienced is when I actually realized it to be an safety issue. I got into my car that was parked in my drive way to take my daughter to school. I started the car as usual and proceeded to place it in reverse. It was backing down the driveway as I believed it should. A car was coming down the road which would normally not be a problem but this time it was different my car was not truly engaged into reverse and wouldn't and also wouldn't go into drive. My car rolled down the driveway into the road instead. …”

“My new Smart car would not shift into reverse or park. The button on the shifter lever would not depress. Many owners are finding this problem. There is a do-it-yourself fix listed. However this problem is due to faulty manufacture and needs to be recalled and replaced.”

“The contact owns a 2008 mercedes Smart car Fortwo Coupe. The contact stated that the actuator and clutch plate were replaced twice within a year. The failure has occurred while driving various speeds. Whenever he shift gears from park and engage the brake pedal the gears were stuck. The failure has occurred on three occasions; however, the dealer has not been contacted. The failure mileage was 36,000. The current mileage was 81,000. Updated 03/04/10 updated 06/02/10”