Two problems related to power train have been reported for the 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabrio. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Could not shift into reverse. This problem has gotten worst. The failure to shift into reverse happens almost daily. The Smart dealer stated I need a new clutch. This start at about 20,000 miles. All other manual and automatic shifting is normal. Several times I have had to push the car backwards to get out of a parking space. My wife refuses to drive this car because it is unsafe and can not be trusted (I have had to get help getting out of a parallel parking space). The car now has 55,000 miles and shifts fine except when I want to go into reverse (it still has the original clutch).
Noticed transmission shifter button hard to push in a couple of times. Went to post office and was stranded there as I was unable to get the car out of park. This car has less than 9,000 miles on it.