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Smart Fortwo Coupe Recall 17V179: Headlights Can Be Knocked Out of Aim, Risking Glare

NHTSA campaign 17V179, reported March 16, 2017, 2,213 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

The horizontal adjustment mechanism on the headlights of these vehicles may not have been properly sealed to prevent later adjustment. As a result, a headlight can be moved sideways outside its designed setting, which does not meet federal headlight requirements.

If a headlight is aimed incorrectly, you may have reduced visibility of the road ahead, and oncoming drivers may be blinded by the glare. Both increase the risk of a crash.

Mercedes-Benz USA will notify owners, and authorized dealers will install the correct sealing caps to keep the headlights from being adjusted horizontally. The repair is free of charge. You can contact Mercedes-Benz USA customer service at 1-800-367-6372, and you should check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 17V179Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Smart Fortwo vehicles. The horizontal headlight adjustment mechanism on these vehicles may not have been properly sealed off to prevent future adjustment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
If the headlight can be adjusted horizontally, the headlight may be adjusted outside of the designed specifications, reducing the driver's visibility and potentially blinding oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct sealing caps to prevent the headlights from being adjusted horizontally, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Smart Fortwo Coupe2016