2009 Smart Fortwo Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 27%of 100 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Smart Fortwo, 27% of the 100 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought the car and less than two weeks the transmission went there was flashing and beeping and the car would not go into gear. I bought a 2009 and in 2008 there was a recall on that model for that transmission problem sometimes the car won't start sometimes now and the hood latch is broken”
NHTSA complaint #11078574, filed 2018-03, 50,000 miles“Car doesn't shift from park to reverse or it goes into neutral this is a safety issue .im not the only person with this issue and apparently Smart knows of this problem.this problem is putting people into neutral when they start and leaving you in the road..they need to be held responsible and knowingly putting people at risk. I was sitting in a parking lot when I couldn't shift into reverse . I've read and heard from others Smart is saying a software error”
NHTSA complaint #11310011, filed 2020-02, 29,600 miles“I also have the problem with the transmission. The transmission will not go into reverse or drive after engine starts. It happens about 2 to 3 times a year. It can happen after an overnight stop or just a few minutes. It always works after a few minutes however, a couple of times the non engaging transmission allowed the car to roll into a vulnerable position in the street. I felt lucky there was no traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10860443, filed 2016-04, 28,000 miles“On five occasions, suddenly and without warning, my Smart car shifted in to neutral by itself while driving on the highway. While the shifter was in drive, the indicator below the speedometer was blank, and the car would not move. This problem always seems to occur after driving at higher speeds. I took the car into the dealership and they claimed to have repaired the problem with a computer reprogram. After the repair the car had the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11073368, filed 2018-02, 98,000 miles“When car is stationary and I start it and put it into reverse the car would not move. The gear indicator instead of showing r shows blank. I have to turn off engine and try again. I succeed in about 3 tries. There are times that when I shift into reverse the gear indicator displays n . This episode happens about two times a week. My observation is that it does not depend on the time of day - whether morning, afternoon, or evening; or, cold or hot day. It seems to occur at random.”
NHTSA complaint #10914472, filed 2016-10, 63,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single 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…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 Smart Fortwo
19 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Smart Fortwo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology