Recall 17V448 affects 5,061 2016 Smart Fortwo vehicles for a parking brake cable lock nut that loosens. Repair is free at any franchised Smart dealer.
Smart is recalling 5,061 2016 Fortwo vehicles because the lock nut securing the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever can loosen over time. As lever travel increases, parking brake holding force can drop, letting the vehicle move when parked on a slope; Smart dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The parking brake in the 2016 Smart Fortwo is the hand-operated brake that holds the vehicle still after you park. Pulling the lever tensions a cable, often called a Bowden cable, that applies the parking brake at the wheels. A lock nut at the lever end keeps that cable adjustment from moving each time the brake is set and released.
On affected Fortwo vehicles, adjustment during manufacturing compromised the nut's self-locking coating. That coating is supposed to help the nut stay fixed after the parking brake is adjusted. Repeated parking brake lever application and release can let the nut gradually loosen, so the lever has to move farther before the parking brake engages.
The warning sign is increased parking brake lever travel. If the lever pulls higher than usual before the parking brake starts to hold, that is the symptom Smart identified for this recall.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Smart Fortwo | Parking brake |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 5,061 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
Not every 2016 Smart Fortwo is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
As parking brake lever travel increases, the parking brake holds the vehicle with less force. On a slope, the vehicle can move after it is parked, increasing the risk of a crash. Treat longer lever travel as a warning sign and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Smart dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Smart Fortwo is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Smart dealer to schedule the free parking brake lock nut replacement that secures the cable at the lever.
- Bring the recall notice if Smart mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V448 when you call.
- Park on level ground until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Smart technician replaces the parking brake cable lock nut that secures the cable to the parking brake lever. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles were covered under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 16, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 15, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 20, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 20, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 20, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V448?
Recall 17V448 covers 5,061 2016 Smart Fortwo vehicles with a parking brake cable lock nut that can loosen over time. When that happens, the parking brake lever needs more travel before it engages, and Smart dealers will replace the lock nut for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Smart Fortwo is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V448. If it is, contact a franchised Smart dealer to schedule replacement of the parking brake cable lock nut. Reference recall number 17V448 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and Smart dealers will replace the parking brake cable lock nut free of charge. The recall repair covers parts and labor at a franchised dealer.
What is the safety risk for this Smart Fortwo recall?
The safety risk is unexpected vehicle movement after parking on a slope. If the lock nut loosens, the parking brake lever travel increases and holding force drops, so the vehicle is not safely secured in every parking situation. Smart's dealer repair fixes the lock nut for free.
When did Smart start this recall repair?
Smart began the recall repair on September 20, 2017. Owners can check their VIN, then contact a franchised Smart dealer to schedule the parking brake cable lock nut replacement and reference recall number 17V448 when calling.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V448000 |
|---|---|
| Smart customer service | 1-877-496-3691 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V448 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V448000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (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 May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →