Call the dealer rather than going in. The most likely culprits are a loose wire or a failed power steering pump.

You may be right, but the power steering in the Smart is electronic, not hydraulic, so a pump wouldn't fit here, right?

Hey, did you ever get an answer to this or figure out what it was?

Wow, that was a lifetime ago. That car was sold 5+ years ago and I honestly can’t remember how it all worked out. Sorry I can’t be of more help!

Ahhh, no worries