RECALLS — MAKE · MODEL · YEAR
2016 Smart Fortwo recalls
4 safety recall campaigns have been filed for the 2016 Smart Fortwo with Transport Canada and the U.S. NHTSA. Here is what both agencies say.
- Canadian recalls
- 03
- U.S. recalls
- 01
- Total campaigns
- 04
Transport Canada recalls
03- Powertrain#2017394
6 units affected
On certain vehicles equipped with a double clutch transmission, the actuation lock inside the gearshift lever module may not function as designed. As a result, the gearshift lever might be able to be moved from "PARK" without the application of the brake pedal and the ignition being in the "ON" position. If the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement could occur if the unlock button is depressed and the transmission is shifted out of "PARK", which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update the software of the transmission control unit.
- Brakes#2017353
308 units affected
On certain vehicles, the lock nut that secures the bowden cable to the parking brake lever might loosen over time, which may result in increased parking brake lever travel. Should the parking brake lever travel increase, the parking brake could have less holding force than intended, which could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the lock nut.
- Lights And Instruments#2017143
5 units affected
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. Vehicles may have been assembled with headlamps that allow for horizontal adjustment, which is contrary to the requirements of the standard. This could reduce vehicle visibility, or could adversely affect the vision of oncoming drivers during low light and night time conditions, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install sealing caps on the headlamps to seal the adjustment screws.
Canadian data updated August 24, 2026
U.S. NHTSA recalls
01- PARKING BRAKE#17V448000
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.
Risk: 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.
Does this recall apply to my vehicle?
Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.
What to do
Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer in both countries. To confirm a recall applies to your specific vehicle, or to book the work, contact your manufacturer or dealer with your full VIN, or use the official channel:
- NHTSA recall lookup (search by VIN) — U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Defects and recalls database — Transport Canada
Check a 2016 Smart Fortwo VIN
A VIN decode confirms your vehicle's exact model year, trim and assembly plant, then runs this same recall check against it.