Mercedes-Benz Smart CAR Recall R/2003/046: Rear Side Lights And Number Plate Light May Fail, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 7 Apr 2003
- Launched
- 165
- vehicles in the UK
- S002
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled Smart CAR vehicles. A combination switch may fail. The dealer will replace the combination switch. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
A combination switch may fail. If this occurs the rear side lights and number plate lights will fail to function. (Brake lights and indicators will operate as normal).
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: REAR SIDE LIGHTS AND NUMBER PLATE LIGHT MAY FAIL Defect: A combination switch may fail. If this occurs the rear side lights and number plate lights will fail to function. (Brake lights and indicators will operate as normal). Remedy: Recall vehicles and replace the combination switch.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: rear side lights and number plate light may fail.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the combination switch.
Are You Affected?
Smart CAR may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 165 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 campaign code S002 or the DVSA reference R/2003/046. 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 CAREngine drive-train control unit effectiveness | Book soon | R/2000/056 | |
| EQE 350 4MATICCoding headlamp control unit | Book soon | R/2024/016 | |
| EQCOn affected vehicles the adjustment of the headlamps might not meet specifications and blinding of oncoming traffic may not be ruled out | Book soon | R/2023/300 | |
| EQCThe electrical plug connection of the headlights might not be watertight | Book soon | R/2022/135 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2002/114 on 6 Jan 2003, for brake pedal stop fractures. The one launched after it was R/2003/080 on 19 Jun 2003, for possible movement of brake pads within caliper. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall and all recalls launched in 2003.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/046, launched 7 April 2003. 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.