One problem related to transmission not engage has been reported for the 2008 Smart Fortwo. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Smart Fortwo based on all problems reported for the 2008 Fortwo.
Attempting to leaving store parking lot, entered car, started engine, moved gear shift to "r" but transmission does not engage and the "r" does not appear in dashboard display. Try moving shifter to "d" but still no transmission engagement or dash display. . Shift back to "p" that now displays on dash. Try "r" again, nothing. After several attempts to engage transmission fail, turn engine off, and restart. Now it seems to be working correctly. This type of occurrence has happened many, many times over the last year. Can't identify what might be causing this issue, I. E. Cold engine, hot engine, rain, hot summer day, cold winter, it happens under any unexpected situation.