Mercedes-Benz Smart CAR Recall R/2000/056: Engine Drive-train Control Unit Effectiveness, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 18 May 1999
- Launched
- 602
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2000/056
- DVSA reference
Mercedes-Benz recalled Smart CAR vehicles built between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 1999. Current parameters of engine drive-train control unit may not effectively control wheel slip under hard acceleration in adverse conditions. The dealer will reprogramme engine drive-train control unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Current parameters of engine drive-train control unit may not effectively control wheel slip under hard acceleration in adverse conditions.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: ENGINE DRIVE-TRAIN CONTROL UNIT EFFECTIVENESS Defect: Current parameters of engine drive-train control unit may not effectively control wheel slip under hard acceleration in adverse conditions. Remedy: Reprogramme engine drive-train control unit.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: engine drive-train control unit effectiveness.
The Fix
The dealer will reprogramme engine drive-train control unit. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Smart CAR built between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 1999 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 602 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mercedes-Benz.
- Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2000/056. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart CARLoss of control | Urgent | R/2012/088 | |
| Smart CARRear side lights and number plate light may fail | Book soon | R/2003/046 | |
| G ClassWheel bolt variant | Book soon | R/2026/140 | |
| E ClassRouting of transmission wiring harness | Book soon | R/2025/534 | |
| V ClassFastening of steering wheel height adjustment | Urgent | R/2024/475 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/1997/025 on 22 Apr 1997, for possible loss of brake fluid. The one launched after it was R/2000/147 on 1 Mar 2000, for heater booster concern. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall and all recalls launched in 1999.
Source: DVSA recall R/2000/056, launched 18 May 1999. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.