2009 smart Fortwo: stuck in gear or won't shift

7 of the 100 complaints about the 2009 smart Fortwo describe stuck in gear or won't shift.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 7%
typical mileage: 29,600
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 2 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Stuck in gear or won't shift by model year

2013
2
2012
1
2009
7
2008
14

What owners say

Filed Feb 19, 2020 · Transmission · 29,600 miles · PA

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

Filed Mar 11, 2018 · Body, Engine · 50,000 miles · TN

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

Filed Feb 27, 2018 · TN

Failure to reverse transmission software car is in park will not go into gear

Filed Sep 14, 2017 · Transmission · 23,000 miles · FL

First start of the day it will not shift into r or d. It will show p and n when you shift but it will not go into gear for reverse or drive. You have to restart the car several times to get it to shift. Just spoke with smart car on the phone and they deny knowing anything about it. However searching the web you will see its very common. Its a factory defect that smart car is denying.

Filed May 20, 2016 · Transmission · 47,000 miles · MA

Vehicle doesn't always shift into reverse from park.sometimes will not go into drive from park many people with same problem online. Please please help us get the manufacturer the fix this. This is not normal wear and tear.

Filed Apr 19, 2016 · Transmission · 28,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Apr 14, 2015 · Fuel system, Tires · 15,000 miles · OH

Where do I begin? After about a year of owning my smart car, I was driving on the highway doing about 70 MPH when suddenly I feel my car pull to the right and start shaking. I pull safely to the shoulder to find the valve stem for my tire had detached and my tire was now flat. Not having a spare, I had to call a tow truck. The same issue happened to the remaining 3 tires in the following months to a year. While driving the valve stem would detach and all air depleting from the tires. I called the smart dealer to be told this was impossible because the valve stems were bolted to the rim, well clearly not since it had happened to every tire.I have had multiple cylinder misfires with this car. I have had to replace the fuel pump. I have had to replace the alkaloid timing sensor. I have had to replace the blower motor for my heat and A/C. My headlights go out every other month. Car has stopped because a wire came loose in the battery. When I turn right or go on an onramp, I hear this awful clunking sound as if something is hitting a tin. When I go over bumps my car makes a squeaking sound. When going from park into reverse...car will not go into gear. My car will read p and n. I have to turn my car off/on multiple times as well as mess with my shifter for about 5 minutes before I can go anywhere. The cherry on top happened today on my way home to akron from columbus. As I am driving on the highway with a semi truck behind me my car started losing speed, even when pushing the gas. I almost was struck by the semi due to the sudden decrease of speed but thankfully was able to pull off the highway. Once stopped, all lights came on and car shut off. Put my car in park to try to start my car again, nothing. My engine will rev but the engine will not turn over. Will find out what that is tomorrow hopefully. Car was brand new when purchased and bought the car 5yrs and 1 month ago.