Recall 17V447 covers 110 2017 Smart Fortwo and Fortwo Cabriolet vehicles for a left-front steering-knuckle defect. Repair is free at franchised Smart dealers.
Smart is recalling 110 2017 Fortwo and Fortwo Cabriolet vehicles because casting imperfections can make the left front axle steering knuckle fail. That failure can affect vehicle control and increase crash risk, and Smart dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The left front axle steering knuckle on the 2017 Smart Fortwo and Fortwo Cabriolet is a metal steering part at the left front wheel. It connects the wheel hub, suspension, and steering linkage so the front wheel turns with the steering wheel and stays aligned as the vehicle moves.
The defect starts with the casting process, which is how molten metal is formed into the knuckle shape. A supplier process deviation left casting imperfections in a production batch. Those imperfections mean the knuckle does not meet the intended manufacturing specification. Under normal steering and road loads, the weakened knuckle can fail instead of holding the left front wheel in its proper position.
There is no warning sign before failure. The defect is inside the casting, so an owner should not rely on noise, vibration, or steering feel to identify an affected Smart vehicle.
Who's affected?
Includes both Fortwo and Fortwo Cabriolet variants with the same steering system.
| 2017 Smart Fortwo | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet | steering system |
| Units affected | 110 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2017 Smart Fortwo or Fortwo Cabriolet does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Failure of the left front axle steering knuckle can affect vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer inspection soon and use caution until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Smart dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Smart Fortwo or Fortwo Cabriolet is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Smart dealer to schedule the free left front axle steering knuckle inspection and replacement if the part came from the affected batch.
- Bring the recall notice if Smart mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V447 when you call.
- Limit driving until the steering knuckle has been inspected and repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Smart technician inspects the left front axle steering knuckle and replaces it if it came from the affected batch. That work is available now, and parts and labor are free under recall 17V447. The inspection matters because the steering knuckle is part of the front axle assembly, so the dealer needs to confirm whether the installed casting is one of the affected parts.
Timeline
| July 14, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 22, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 22, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 13, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 13, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V447?
Recall 17V447 covers 110 2017 Smart Fortwo and Fortwo Cabriolet vehicles with possible casting imperfections in the left front axle steering knuckle. If that knuckle fails, vehicle control is affected and crash risk increases. Smart dealers inspect the knuckle and replace affected parts for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Smart Fortwo or Fortwo Cabriolet is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Smart is included in recall 17V447. If it is, contact a franchised Smart dealer to schedule the steering-knuckle inspection. Reference recall number 17V447 when you call. The dealer replaces any affected left front axle steering knuckle for free.
Is the Smart Fortwo recall repair free?
Yes. Smart's recall remedy covers the dealer inspection and replacement of any left front axle steering knuckle from the affected batch at no charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V447?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control if the left front axle steering knuckle fails. The recall filing ties that failure to an increased crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then have a franchised Smart dealer inspect the steering knuckle and complete the free repair if your vehicle has an affected part.
What if I bought my Smart Fortwo used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2017 Smart Fortwo or Fortwo Cabriolet is included, then call a franchised Smart dealer with recall number 17V447 to schedule the inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V447000 |
|---|---|
| Smart customer service | 1-877-496-3691 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V447 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V447000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →