David Fermani
Forza Auto Salon
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.
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.
