What's the latest on the tranny / shifter linkage problem? (Mid-March 08)

[Steven79]

Hi Everyone!

I am very curious to know what is the latest information regarding the Transmission or shifter linkage problems.

I read about keys being stuck or the driver unable to shift the car into park etc..

My question is:

1. Was this problem only isolated to the first batch of Smarts delivered to the US? Or are Smarts still being shipped to the USA with this problem?

2. Has the factory acknowledged this problem and corrected it on the assembly line before delivery?

3. OR are the cars still shipped now with the Linkage problem and being repaired as they fail and come in for warranty repairs?



If anything, this will be the issue that causes me to cancel my order and wait for an '09 model. Im sooooo close to delivery (april), but i want to know if the problems have been corrected on the assembly line? or being fixed at the dealership.

I would HATE it if my new smart had to be ripped apart by dealership techs even before it was delivered to fix a problem.

-Steven

[Old smart]

Without acknowledging that there was a problem and that an actual "recall" notice was initiated (#001), he said that "the unpleasantness" has been addressed at the production facility. Should not be a problem with cars coming off the line now. French QC could be!

[Steven79]

Originally Posted by Old smart

"the unpleasantness" has been addressed at the production facility. Should not be a problem with cars coming off the line now.

Well I certainly hope my #1128 which I assume has been already built (I already received a VIN #) will fall under that category.

[Old smart]

If not, it should be rectified at the Dundalk (Baltimore) VPC before being sent to the dealer. At any rate, at this point it will be fixed before you take delivery. The big surprise is over.

[kwagar]

I recieved my car very early-took delivery Feb 1 prior to these problems being reported here. Upon the posts I contacted my dealer to see if I should bring mine in to be checked. I was told mine was not on the list of those with a potential p[roblem based on Vin# and build date.

My impression was they were able to trace the problem to a specific production run and were able to correct the problem at the plant.

I have had no problems to this point.

I can't verify this info directly except for what my dealer told me but if there are indications of a more extensive problem I haven't heard them.

[Steven79]

Originally Posted by kwagar

I recieved my car very early-took delivery Feb 1 prior to these problems being reported here. Upon the posts I contacted my dealer to see if I should bring mine in to be checked. I was told mine was not on the list of those with a potential p[roblem based on Vin# and build date.

My impression was they were able to trace the problem to a specific production run and were able to correct the problem at the plant.

I have had no problems to this point.

I can't verify this info directly except for what my dealer told me but if there are indications of a more extensive problem I haven't heard them.

hmmmmm, that is VERY good news indeed! What was your build date?

[kwagar]

Build date was 11/07
Vin # WMEEJ31X28K084954

[deaconpark]

Originally Posted by kwagar

Build date was 11/07
Vin # WMEEJ31X28K084954

OK well I checked mine and the build date was 12/07. I have just over 2200 miles now and I am starting to have problems shifting into park. Going to the dealer on Tuesday. Do I mention the #001 "not recall" problem? Or should I even need to mention that? Thanks Russ

[Steven79]

uh oh.. keep us updated.

why is Smart still having issues with the shifter this late in the game?

[randyzimmer]

I finally looked under the car and there are actuators on the transmission with sliding adjusters.
I'm taking a wild guess that these are the culprit.