Mercedes-Benz Smart Fortwo Recall R/2015/153: Directional Control May Be Affected, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 28 Aug 2015
- Launched
- 4
- vehicles in the UK
- SRS1504
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled Smart Fortwo vehicles built between 1 April 2014 and 30 November 2014. The welding of the bracket for the torsion bar linkage at the shock absorber may not be to specification. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the front shock absorbers. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The welding of the bracket for the torsion bar linkage at the shock absorber may not be to specification. It is therefore possible with extremely high loads for the weld seams of the bracket to tear. In this condition the driving characteristics of the vehicle will be adversely affected and the tyres could be compromised at large steering angles giving an increased risk of collision.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: DIRECTIONAL CONTROL MAY BE AFFECTED Defect: The welding of the bracket for the torsion bar linkage at the shock absorber may not be to specification. It is therefore possible with extremely high loads for the weld seams of the bracket to tear. In this condition the driving characteristics of the vehicle will be adversely affected and the tyres could be compromised at large steering angles giving an increased risk of collision. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front shock absorbers.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: directional control may be affected.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the front shock absorbers.
Are You Affected?
Smart Fortwo built between 1 April 2014 and 30 November 2014 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 4 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 SRS1504 or the DVSA reference R/2015/153. 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 FortwoThe bonding of the windshield might not meet specifications | Low | R/2021/265 | |
| 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 FortwoMaintenance flap may detach from vehicle | Low | R/2016/092 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2015/170 on 25 Aug 2015, for automatic gear selection may not perform as expected. The one launched after it was R/2015/171 on 28 Aug 2015, for fire may occur. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2015 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2015/153, launched 28 August 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.