Vehicles Affected: Approximately 5,100 Smart ForTwo microcars
The Problem: The lock nut that secures the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever may loosen over time, resulting in increased parking brake lever travel before the parking brake engages. This could cause the holding force to decrease to a point where the vehicle is no longer safely secured in all parking situations, allowing the vehicle to unexpectedly move when parked on a slope and increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the parking brake cable lock nut for free.
Former Assistant Managing Editor-News Matt Schmitz is a veteran Chicago journalist indulging his curiosity for all things auto while helping to inform car shoppers.