2016 Smart ForTwo ED

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is recalling 2016 Smart ForTwo vehicles. When the parking brake lever is pulled back, the cable may eventually lose its holding force. If this loosening occurs, the brake will not operate as intended, leaving cars that are parked on slopes at risk of an accident. This issue is occurring because of a lock nut that may loosen over time.
• Another issue that caused the 2016 Smart recall is the headlight adjustment cap, which may be improperly sealed on some vehicles. If the cap was not properly sealed, the headlight may be able to adjust horizontally past the optimal specifications. When the headlight is improperly adjusted, the lights can blind oncoming traffic or cause visibility issues for the driver. In both cases, the chance of an accident greatly increases. The car does not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) because it fails in the "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment” category.

Recall Subject: Parking brake cable may come loose
Recall Date: July 16, 2017
NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V448000
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: Parking Brake

Recall Subject: Headlight adjustment cap missing
Recall Date: March 16, 2017
NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V179000
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: Exterior Lighting

Mercedes-Benz is taking action by notifying consumers about the issues with their vehicles and replacing the defective parts free of charge. The replacement lock nuts that affect the parking brake were available beginning September 2017. The official recall of the headlight adjustment caps began September 8, 2017. Dealers will properly seal the caps to prevent any adjustment free of charge.

If you have not received notification from Smart or have other questions about the recall, their customer service number is 1-877-496-3691. Alternatively, consumers can contact Mercedes-Benz by calling 1-800-367-6372. You can follow both recalls by keeping track of information posted on the NHTSA website or calling the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Contact a Lemon Law Attorney

If your vehicle is on the Smart recall list, you need to take action. An experienced attorney at Stern Law, PLLC may be able to help you recover the compensation you are owed if your vehicle was defective. Vehicle manufacturers have a responsibility to their customers to create safe and well-designed automobiles. When they fail in their obligation to the public and allow unsafe products onto the market, consumers should hold them accountable for their negligence. Contact us today online or by phone for a no-cost consultation.