Smart Fortwo transmission malfunction with intermittent shifting issues and engagement problems on Smart Fortwo

Submitted by mike700 · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Smart Fortwo owners report experiencing transmission malfunctions, including issues such as slipping or jerking, hard shifting, and overheating. These problems can lead to significant concerns, such as the transmission not engaging properly or producing unusual noises. Additionally, some drivers have encountered warning messages indicating a "Transmission Malfunction visit workshop" and have reported gear shifting problems, including skipped gears and activation of limp mode while driving. Others have noticed the sudden appearance of the "3 bars of death" warning without any accompanying noise from the transmission or actuator, suggesting a serious issue. To address these concerns, some owners have found that performing a transmission relearning process may help diagnose the problems, while others have discovered that the issue might stem from the clutch rather than the transmission itself. It is recommended for affected owners to consult a qualified mechanic or Smart car specialist for accurate diagnosis and solutions.

21 people reported this problem
8 comments
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Smart Fortwo vehicles with this problem

Average mileage: 55,500 miles
(5,000 - 117,000)

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