2013 Cadillac XTS

Smart offering free upgrade to fix balky ForTwo transmissions

 
2 1,180 views May 21, 2009

About 24,000 cars are affected by the problem

About 24,000 cars are affected by the problem

Enlarge Photo
Questions about safety, affordability, ultimate value and even performance are all well-worn topics for fans of the Daimler-built Smart ForTwo minicar, but to date mechanical problems haven't been a hot topic - aside from balky transmissions. Now Daimler has decided to fix the problem by offering a free upgrade to the 24,622 2008-model vehicles affected.

The fix applies to U.S.-market cars sold last year. The problem was a hesitancy going into gear, rough shifts and even slipping between gears, according to reports from users. The company is acknowledging the problem, and stepping up to fix it free fo charge - as they should.

"We will upgrade your transmission software to the new 2009 operating mode which provides improved shifting dynamics as well as instant changing between automatic and paddle shifting just by touching the up or down shift paddles," says one owner's notice letter, according to USA Today.

A simple software update will fix the automatic's issues, and it only takes about 90 minutes from start to finish.

Getting these issues out of the way will be a key element to the success of even more expensive versions like the ForTwo EV displayed at this year's Detroit Auto Show. The huge potential for efficiency and consequent low emissions won't be enough to overcome a car that offers a poor driving experience for many picky American drivers.



Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (2)

  1. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 5/22/2009 3:01pm PDT

    Can they next fix the awful suspension and the fact that it runs on premium
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. By  Borretsch Öl Posted: 1/10/2010 10:01pm PST

    Yes the SMART car really should have six forward gears if they are going to try to make do with a single dry clutch system.That way the steps between gears are smaller, and hence can be quicker.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.