Thousands of Smart #1 EVs may very well be recalled attributable to a fault whereby the rear passenger’s seatbelt could unbuckle throughout a high-speed manoeuvre.

Discovered by Finnish automotive journal Tekniikan Maailma (TM), the fault happens when three passengers are seated within the rear of the automotive. When a high-speed evasion motion is made, the central passenger’s belt lock pushes down on a aspect passenger’s lock, unlocking it.

This fault occurred throughout a number of high-speed swerve exams on a #1. The subsequent day, it was repeated with one other #1 at a unique location, and the issue occured once more. All vehicles have been travelling at round 45mph.

TM has labelled the problem as a “dangerous design flaw”, warning: ”Until the fault is mounted, it isn’t secure to hold three passengers within the again seat of the Smart.”

TM added that the #1’s again seat with the present belt association “is not suitable for three passengers” and questioned how Smart had not found the fault itself.

One clarification was the usage of crash take a look at dummies, moderately than people in a real-life state of affairs.

The subject, as illustrated by Tekniikan Maailma

Smart has confirmed to TM that it is investigating the problem.

Smart informed TM: “We take this matter with our principal very significantly. Our principal has already began his personal investigations, and we’ll inform you about them and the measures as quickly as doable.”

In an announcement equipped to Autocar, Smart mentioned: “Smart is aware of the questions raised by Tekniikan Maailma during their testing, and is treating them with the utmost urgency. Ensuring the safety of our customers and all road users is our number one priority, with our models having been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating, passing some of the world’s most demanding safety tests in the process. Our internal R&D experts are now conducting a comprehensive investigation of the matter.”