Batch BeaconUK recalls and safety alerts

Vehicle recallDVSA

Smart #5 recalled over a brake defect

Brakes

It has come to our attention that your vehicle is part of a very small number of smart #5 vehicles of which under very specific circumstances the braking software may underperform and lead to unexpected skidding on specific surfaces in icy or wet weather conditions. Test results have shown that this scenario can occur on low friction surfaces (e.g. epoxy or tilted floors). The issue could not be reproduced on normal road surfaces. Should these specific circumstances occur it cannot be ruled out that the braking leads to skidding and loss of control of the vehicle.

Check your product

Only vehicles within the listed VIN ranges or build dates are covered. A franchised dealer can confirm from your VIN.

1 identifier listed for this notice.

  • #5

    Build datesThe build or first registration date is on the V5C.
    • 14/11/2025 – 29/05/2026
    Manufacturer referenceThe manufacturer’s own campaign number. Quote it to the dealer.
    • xxxx

What to do now

A brake defect affects some Smart #5.

  1. Enter your registration number on the GOV.UK recall checker, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.
  2. Book the recall work with a franchised dealer for the make. Recall repairs are carried out free of charge.
  3. Make sure the DVLA has your current address, as recall letters go to the registered keeper.

Why it matters. Brake defects are among the most serious vehicle faults because they affect the ability to stop.

Repairs and costs

Manufacturers contact registered keepers using DVLA records, but letters can go astray. You can book the free repair yourself once you know your vehicle is affected.

The DVSA monitors recalls and can be contacted if a manufacturer or dealer does not act.

From the official notice

Published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (R/2026/276). Quoted as issued.

Summary

It has come to our attention that your vehicle is part of a very small number of smart #5 vehicles of which under very specific circumstances the braking software may underperform and lead to unexpected skidding on specific surfaces in icy or wet weather conditions. Test results have shown that this scenario can occur on low friction surfaces (e.g. epoxy or tilted floors). The issue could not be reproduced on normal road surfaces. Should these specific circumstances occur it cannot be ruled out that the braking leads to skidding and loss of control of the vehicle.

Defect

It has come to our attention that your vehicle is part of a very small number of smart #5 vehicles of which under very specific circumstances the braking software may underperform and lead to unexpected skidding on specific surfaces in icy or wet weather conditions. Test results have shown that this scenario can occur on low friction surfaces (e.g. epoxy or tilted floors). The issue could not be reproduced on normal road surfaces. Should these specific circumstances occur it cannot be ruled out that the braking leads to skidding and loss of control of the vehicle.

Remedy

The corrective measure consisting of the release of a new braking software that will correct the deviated behaviour.

Models

#5

Open the DVSA notice

Questions

Why are Smart #5 being recalled?

A brake defect affects some Smart #5. Brake defects are among the most serious vehicle faults because they affect the ability to stop.

How do I know if my vehicle is affected?

Enter your registration number on the GOV.UK vehicle recall checker or ask a franchised dealer, who can check your VIN against the manufacturer’s campaign. The VIN ranges and build dates published by the DVSA are listed on this page.

What should I do now?

Enter your registration number on the GOV.UK recall checker, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN. Book the recall work with a franchised dealer for the make. Recall repairs are carried out free of charge.

Will the repair cost anything?

Manufacturers contact registered keepers using DVLA records, but letters can go astray. You can book the free repair yourself once you know your vehicle is affected. The DVSA monitors recalls and can be contacted if a manufacturer or dealer does not act.

Related notices