Smart Fortwo steering recall affects more than 20 per cent of 2014 sales total

Affecting a total of 26 MR 451 Smart Fortwos – 24.0 per cent of the 108 sold in 2014 – the recall relates to the steering rack bolts in cars built between January and August 2014.

According to the official recall notice on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) product safety recalls website, incorrect bolts may have been used to secure steering racks to vehicles' cross members.

"If the incorrect bolts are used they may break," the notice says.

"This may result in reduced steering control, posing a potential accident hazard to the driver and other road users."

A spokesperson for Smart's Australian supplier, Mercedes-Benz Australia, told CarAdvice there have been no reported injuries related to the recall.

"This is a precautionary measure," Mercedes-Benz Australia public relations and product communications manager Jerry Stamoulis said.

Letters will be mailed out to owners of affected vehicles with vehicle inspections to follow.

Starting at $17,710, the second-generation three-door, three-cylinder Smart Fortwo will be the end of an era in Australia (once final stocks are sold), with its all-new third generation (developed alongside the Renault Twingo) not on the cards for local buyers.