Recall 15V192 affects 5,058 2014-2015 Smart Fortwo vehicles for faulty steering gear mounting bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Smart dealer.
Smart is recalling 5,058 2014-2015 Fortwo Coupe and Fortwo Convertible vehicles under recall 15V192 because steering gear mounting bolts can break while the vehicle is being driven. Broken mounting bolts can affect handling and increase crash risk, and Smart dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering gear on affected 2014-2015 Smart Fortwo Coupe, Fortwo Convertible, Fortwo Coupe Electric, and Fortwo Convertible Electr vehicles is the assembly that turns steering wheel movement into movement at the front wheels. It is mounted to the vehicle with steering gear bolts, which have to stay tight and intact while the car is moving.
On these Smart vehicles, the steering gear mounting bolts came from a supplier production batch that was outside specification. A bolt from that batch can break during driving. If that happens, the steering gear is no longer secured as designed, and the driver gets less predictable steering feedback.
Drivers can notice noises while driving, a steering wheel that sits tilted from its normal position, or the ESP warning lamp turning on. Those are warning signs that the steering gear mounting is no longer behaving normally.
Who's affected?
Covers coupe, convertible, and electric Fortwo variants across the 2014 and 2015 model years, all tied to the steering system.
| 2015 Smart Fortwo Coupe | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Smart Fortwo Convertible | steering system |
| 2014 Smart Fortwo Coupe Electric | steering system |
| 2014 Smart Fortwo Coupe | steering system |
| 2014 Smart Fortwo Convertible | steering system |
| 2014 Smart Fortwo Convertible Electr | steering system |
| Units affected | 5,058 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the steering gear mounting bolts break, handling can change and crash risk increases. New noises while driving, a tilted steering wheel, or an ESP warning lamp are warning signs to treat as a reason to call the dealer promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Smart dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Smart Fortwo Coupe, Fortwo Convertible, Fortwo Coupe Electric, or Fortwo Convertible Electr is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Smart dealer to schedule the free steering gear mounting bolt replacement that fixes bolts that can break and affect handling.
- Bring the recall notice if Smart mailed one, and reference recall number 15V192 when you call.
- Call Smart customer service at 1-800-762-7887 with questions about the steering-bolt recall.
- Avoid unnecessary trips until the bolts are replaced, and stop driving if steering or handling feels abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Smart technician replaces the steering gear mounting bolts covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free. Repairs already paid out of pocket are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all involved vehicles remain covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork for this steering gear bolt issue.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 31, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 2, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| May 8, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V192?
Recall 15V192 covers 5,058 2014-2015 Smart Fortwo vehicles with steering gear mounting bolts that can break during operation. If the bolts break, vehicle handling can change and crash risk increases. Smart dealers replace the steering gear mounting bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Smart Fortwo Coupe, Fortwo Convertible, Fortwo Coupe Electric, or Fortwo Convertible Electr is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V192. If it is, contact a franchised Smart dealer to schedule replacement of the steering gear mounting bolts. Reference recall number 15V192 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Smart's remedy says dealers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Smart dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V192?
The safety risk is reduced vehicle handling control if the steering gear mounting bolts break. That condition increases crash risk. Until your VIN is checked and the repair is complete, pay attention to steering feel and contact a Smart dealer if anything feels loose or abnormal.
What if I bought my Smart Fortwo used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Fortwo is included, then call a franchised Smart dealer with recall number 15V192 to schedule the steering-bolt repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V192000 |
|---|---|
| Smart customer service | 1-800-762-7887 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V192 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V192000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →