Mercedes-Benz Smart Forfour Recall R/2015/086: Steering Efficiency May Be Reduced, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 9 Jun 2015
- Launched
- 1,276
- vehicles in the UK
- SRS1500
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled Smart Forfour vehicles built between 1 January 2014 and 31 August 2014. The steering rack retaining bolts may not have been made to the correct specification. The dealer will replace rack steering retaining bolts. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The steering rack retaining bolts may not have been made to the correct specification. Under heavy loads and vibration the bolt(s) may break. This can adversely affect the steering though the driver may notice changes in steering characteristics in the first instance.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: STEERING EFFICIENCY MAY BE REDUCED Defect: On certain vehicles the steering rack retaining bolts may not have been made to the correct specification. Under heavy loads and vibration the bolt(s) may break. This can adversely affect the steering though the driver may notice changes in steering characteristics in the first instance Remedy: Replace rack steering retaining bolts
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: steering efficiency may be reduced.
The Fix
The dealer will replace rack steering retaining bolts.
Are You Affected?
Smart Forfour built between 1 January 2014 and 31 August 2014 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 1,276 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 SRS1500 or the DVSA reference R/2015/086. 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 Forfour, Smart FortwoSteering knuckle incorrectly manufactured | Urgent | R/2017/252 | |
| Smart Forfour, Smart FortwoHandbrake may not hold | Urgent | R/2017/245 | |
| Smart Forfour, Smart FortwoVehicle may roll away | Low | R/2016/198 | |
| Smart ForfourRear seat lock springs may not be correctly located | Book soon | R/2005/165 | |
| C Class, EQE, GLCBolting of steering coupling | Urgent | R/2025/333 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2015/081 on 19 May 2015, for engine may stall. The one launched after it was R/2015/121 on 7 Jul 2015, for side restraint system may not function as intended. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2015 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2015/086, launched 9 June 2015. 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.