Smart Cars Recalled For Life Threatening Paint Defects!

David Fermani · 08-27-08, 04:56

Smart is recalling a small number of its popular Fortwo min icars due to a potentially dangerous defect. The problem sounds innocuous: bad paint. The potential consequences sound catastrophic: loss of the roof or windshield while driving.

According to a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "a single batch of paint sent to the company in April 2008, did not meet specification." Surprisingly, the bad paint creates a very dangerous condition. The notice explains that the paint could degrade "in the area of the body where the windshield and roof have been affixed with adhesive, which could affect the adhesion of those components to the vehicle body. This could cause a crash if the roof or windshield separated from the vehicle while in motion."

Smart dealers should begin contacting owners of the affected vehicles this month. Dealers will repaint the affected areas free of charge. Fortwo owners can also contact Smart directly at (248) 648-2451.

shine · 08-27-08, 07:10

Hmm, at first I thought Smart might be holding dealers accountable for installing swirl marks without customer's knowledge. That seems recall worthy to me.

velobard · 09-02-08, 10:02

I always knew paint defects could be stressful, but something like this could make your car come unglued!

bigfoot · 09-02-08, 10:11

I would use some Gorilla Glue

JuneBug · 09-10-08, 04:35

Shoulda used Testors glue, none of my model cars ever came unglued!

EisenHulk · 09-10-08, 09:09

I'd love to try to fit in one....For the record, I'm 6'1" 270lbs. Hahaha.

I bet I could detail one in seven minutes. Hahaha.

gravedigaditch · 09-10-08, 09:16

If some faulty paint could wreck a smart car - Makes me wonder how safe these things really are if they get into a real accident.

JasonC8301 · 09-12-08, 03:07

I second that. I would place my bet on the absent minded soccer mom driving the 4 ton Chevy Suburban walking away while the Smart Fortwo car driver uhm not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gravedigaditch

If some faulty paint could wreck a smart car - Makes me wonder how safe these things really are if they get into a real accident.