My iMac displays apple and progress bar then shuts off

The progress bar usually indicates it is attempting a Safe Boot, which does clear some Caches. It doesn't erase the memory.

First, try resetting NVRAM: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379

Can you boot into Recovery? If so, try to repair the disk in Disk Utility.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4718

Unless you can tell me where you are seeing that, I can't really help.

Sounds like you tried to Repair the Disk in Recovery. Is that what you did?

Hi!

I'm having the same issue.

I reseted the NVRAM and nothing happened. I'm able to use recovey mode and tried to repair the disk (without luck). Disk utiliy says that I should back up and format the disk, but it also is saying that S.M.A.R.T is failing and I'm not sure if formatting the disk will solve anything (the disk is a month old by the way). I don't know what else can I do.

Generally, SMART status only lies when it says verified.

Some drives are just bad from the get-go. Contact the manufacturer or the people who installed it. Most have a warranty of at least three years.