Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Smart fortwo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was entering an intersection and missed judged the traffic light and was a bit to far forward, so I tried to reverse but the car would not shift to reverse. I have had an actuator replaced but the problem still happens intermittently where it will not shift to reverse. I have logged into smart car forums online and it seems to be an ongoing problem with many smart cars. I have not had the manufacturer look at it yet. Many on the forum said in some cases it is a software issue. But it is dangerous.
Smart car had history of not going in reverse. "r" would not come up on screen, car would just roll forward, hitting vehicle(s) in front. Then for a couple of months, (2 years) car would go into neutral while driving, (even on highway) coast for a while, then shut down, and not restart. If you waited 10 minutes, it would usually restart. If tried sooner, it either would not restart, or only go into neutral. It would not shift into any other gear. The other day, after approaching hill, at red light, car went into neutral, then shut down, and brakes would not respond quick enough since car turned off, and hit two (2) pedestrians, crossing in intersection. Car would not restart, waited 1 1/2 hours, would restart at times, but stayed in neutral, (10/2013). …
The 2008 Smart car, has been consistently, shifting into neutral, while driving, usually, when entering, or exiting a highway, or at an intersection (speed changes). The car shifts into neutral, and then usually shuts down, causing the vehicle to be rear ended, from unsuspecting drivers behind this vehicle..the problem started when the car, would not shift into reverse, while parked..Smart offered a software fix, to address that issue. Had that done, then problem progressed, to shifting to neutral while driving, and stalling out...at times car, would restart, but it would not shift into gear, indicating only a flashing neutral position. …
The 2008 Smart car, has been consistently, shifting into neutral, while driving, usually, when entering, or exiting a highway, or at an intersection (speed changes). The car shifts into neutral, and then usually shuts down, causing the vehicle to be rear ended, from unsuspecting drivers behind this vehicle..the problem started when the car, would not shift into reverse, while parked..Smart offered a software fix, to address that issue. Had that done, then problem progressed, to shifting to neutral while driving, and stalling out...at times car, would restart, but it would not shift into gear, indicating only a flashing neutral position. …
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. Mb and smartusa have been no help at all in this matter
Know issue with transmission. Will not go into reverse half the time. Making it dangerous if needed quickly. Parallel parking on a busy street, the car would not go into reverse, holding up traffic for a very long time. Having to push it into the spot! Mercedes says it is a software problem. But that should be a recall because that is their problem. Many people have had the same issue. Driving down the highway at 70mph and the car instantly starts flashing neutral and beeping. Car slows and will not go into gear. We need this car to be recalled!
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Smart fortwo. After the vehicle was started and shifted into reverse, it failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to Mercedes-Benz of orlando (810 orlando ave, maitland, fl 32751, [phone]) to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure occurred at least four times previously. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
While driving car will drive fine..stop to parallel park or reverse...car will not go into reverse gear..or drive gear.... Shut car off to reset everything then car will not start up for awhile..... If at all taken to Smart center to no avil called Smart all they want to do is give me a $500 dollar discount on another Smart car... And no answer to the current problem im having with a current Smart car car only has 43,277 miles
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Smart fortwo. After starting the vehicle, the transmission shifter would not switch to the reverse position. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 45,000.
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. I have a problem maneuvering out of the way as the other driver was expecting me to be able. I had to turn the car off and restart it. The other driver that was heading my way had to slam the brakes and nearly hit us. I brought this problem up with Mercedes and Smart car. …
Transmission complaints in other fortwo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Smart fortwo?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Smart fortwo, 24% of the model year's 160 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Smart fortwo transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2008 Smart fortwo, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Smart fortwo transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.