smart Fortwo recalls

10 official safety recalls for the smart Fortwo from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Wheel bolts may loosen and detach

    Reported May 18, 2026Model years 2022–2025EU Safety Gate SR/01579/26

    Wheel bolts were not tightened to the specified torque and the bolts and wheel assembly could detach while driving, increasing accident risk. The recall asks end users to return the product.

    Official EU Safety Gate text
    Component
    Injuries
    Defect
    The wheel bolts were not tightened in accordance with the torque specifications. The bolts and the wheel assembly could detach while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of accidents. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
    Remedy
    Recall of the product from end users
    Notes
    Notified by Germany

  2. High-voltage battery weld may detach

    Reported February 24, 2020Model years 2019NHTSA campaign 20V1070001 vehicle affected

    A welded joint in the high-voltage battery conductors may detach, causing sudden battery failure or an electrical arc inside the cells. The vehicle may stall, increasing crash risk, and the arc may cause a fire. A dealer will replace the battery free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
    Defect
    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling one 2019 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive vehicle. A welded joint within the high-voltage battery main cell conductors may detach and interrupt electrical contact, resulting in sudden battery failure. The detached weld may also cause an electrical arc which can ignite inside the battery cells.
    Consequence
    If the high-voltage battery fails, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical arc inside the battery increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy
    MBUSA will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace the high-voltage battery, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030009.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  3. Engine insulation mat may contact hot exhaust

    Reported April 27, 2018Model years 2008–2009NHTSA campaign 18V27300042,781 vehicles affected

    The rear engine-compartment insulation mat may deform, deteriorate, or loosen and contact hot exhaust components, increasing fire risk. Dealers will replace the mat with an improved one, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
    Defect
    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2008-2009 smart fortwo cabrio and fortwo coupe vehicles. The rear insulation mat in the engine compartment may deform, deteriorate, and loosen over time, allowing the mat to contact hot exhaust system components.
    Consequence
    If the mat contacts hot exhaust system components, it can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy
    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear insulation mat with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began in July 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018060010.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  4. Handbrake adjustment knob may weaken

    Reported September 1, 2017Model years 2014–2015EU Safety Gate A12/1330/17

    The braking rope wrench adjustment knob may weaken, gradually increasing handbrake lever travel. The parking brake may then fail to apply enough force. The product is recalled from end users.

    Official EU Safety Gate text
    Component
    Injuries
    Defect
    null As a result of the weakening of the braking rope wrench adjustment knob, the hand brake lever travel could be prolonged gradually. Thus, the parking brake may not exert the necessary force in all situations.
    Remedy
    Recall of the product from end users
    Notes
    Notified by Romania

  5. Front steering knuckle may break

    Reported August 25, 2017EU Safety Gate A12/1405/17

    The left front steering knuckle may be too weak and could break, affecting vehicle control. The product is recalled from end users.

    Official EU Safety Gate text
    Component
    Injuries
    Defect
    null The strength of the left front steering knuckle may be insufficient. As a result, the steering knuckle could break, affecting the control of the vehicle.
    Remedy
    Recall of the product from end users
    Notes
    Notified by Germany

  6. Parking brake cable lock nut may loosen

    Reported July 16, 2017Model years 2016NHTSA campaign 17V4480005,061 vehicles affected

    The lock nut securing the parking brake cable may loosen, increasing lever travel and reducing the brake's holding force. The vehicle may move unexpectedly when parked on a slope, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the lock nut, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    PARKING BRAKE
    Defect
    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 smart fortwo vehicles. In these vehicles, the lock nut that secures the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever may loosen over time, resulting in increased parking brake lever travel before the parking brake engages.
    Consequence
    As the parking brake lever travel increases, the holding force may decrease to a point where the vehicle is no longer safely secured in all parking situations, allowing the vehicle to unexpectedly move when parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake cable lock nut, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  7. Front steering knuckle may fail

    Reported July 14, 2017Model years 2017NHTSA campaign 17V447000110 vehicles affected

    Casting imperfections may cause the left front axle steering knuckle to fail, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the knuckle and replace any from the affected batch, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING
    Defect
    Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 smart fortwo and smart fortwo Cabriolet vehicles. Casting imperfections may result in the failure of the left front axle steering knuckle.
    Consequence
    Failure of the left front axle steering knuckle could affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle steering knuckle, replacing any from the affected batch, free of charge. The recall October 13, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  8. Headlights may be adjusted horizontally

    Reported March 16, 2017Model years 2016NHTSA campaign 17V1790002,213 vehicles affected

    The horizontal headlight adjustment mechanism may not be sealed, allowing the lights to be adjusted outside specifications. This could reduce the driver's visibility or blind oncoming traffic, increasing crash risk. Dealers will install sealing caps free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
    Defect
    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Smart Fortwo vehicles. The horizontal headlight adjustment mechanism on these vehicles may not have been properly sealed off to prevent future adjustment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
    Consequence
    If the headlight can be adjusted horizontally, the headlight may be adjusted outside of the designed specifications, reducing the driver's visibility and potentially blinding oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct sealing caps to prevent the headlights from being adjusted horizontally, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  9. Steering gear mounting bolts may break

    Reported March 31, 2015Model years 2014–2015NHTSA campaign 15V1920005,058 vehicles affected

    Steering gear mounting bolts may break while driving, affecting vehicle handling and increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the bolts free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING
    Defect
    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Smart Fortwo Coupes and Convertibles, and 2014 Fortwo Coupe Electric and Fortwo Convertible Electric vehicles. The affected vehicles have steering gear mounting bolts which may break during vehicle operation.
    Consequence
    If the steering gear mounting bolts break, vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began on May 8, 2015. Owners may contact Smart customer service at 1-800-762-7887.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  10. Paint may peel near windshield and roof attachments

    Reported August 7, 2008Model years 2008NHTSA campaign 08V39000043 vehicles affected

    Paint on the body and frame may peel, affecting the adhesive attachment of the windshield or roof. Either could separate while driving and cause a crash. Dealers will repaint the affected areas to meet specifications.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
    Defect
    SMART USA IS RECALLING 43 MY 2008 FORTWO 451 VEHICLES. A SINGLE BATCH OF PAINT SENT TO THE COMPANY DID NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS. A RE-WORK WAS DONE IN THE PLANT USING DIFFERENT FORMULATIONS OF PAINTING MATERIALS. AFTER THE RE-WORK WAS COMPLETED, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE COMBINATION OF MATERIALS USED TO REPAINT THE FRAME AND CHASSIS COULD LEAD TO DE LAMINATION OF THE PAINT MATERIALS FROM THE BODY AND FRAME STRUCTURES.
    Consequence
    SUCH DE LAMINATING CAN TAKE PLACE IN THE AREA OF THE BODY WHERE THE WINDSHIELD AND ROOF HAVE BEEN AFFIXED WITH ADHESIVE, WHICH COULD AFFECT THE ADHESION OF THOSE COMPONENTS TO THE VEHICLE BODY, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEPARATION. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH IF THE ROOF OR WINDSHIELD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REPAINT THE AFFECTED AREAS TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SMART USA AT 1-248-648-2451.
    Notes
    SMART USA RECALL NO.0808-001.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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