2008 smart Fortwo power train problems
31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2008 smart Fortwo — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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, (407) 680-0784) to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The…”
filed Dec 31, 2019
“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.”
filed Feb 1, 2019
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% |
| 2009 Fortwo | 27 | 27% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 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.