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Smart recalls ForTwo for bad paint, which could lead to loss of windshield or roof
Click above for high-res gallery of the smart fortwo
Of all the possible reasons that a vehicle could be recalled, a poor paint job doesn't at first seem all that newsworthy. After all, cars could theoretically be recalled for exploding gas tanks, runaway engines or any number of horror-inducing problems. Bad paint? No harm, no foul -- just take it back and have it repainted properly. Unless, of course, that paint problem could lead to the loss of your windshield or roof while driving. This is exactly the worry that the NHTSA has with 43 smart ForTwo's, all sold in 2008. It seems that some adhesive was laid over the problematic paint, and if the paint lets go... so does the glue. While it's never happened to us personally, we tend to agree with the NHTSA's assessment that the sudden loss of either the glass in front of you or the ceiling protecting your dome could potentially lead to a crash. Anybody who's concerned can contact their dealer, assuming that they haven't already been notified of the problem.Gallery: smart fortwo
[Source: Next Autos]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
rypt 2:26PM (8/23/2008)
The amazing Mercedez build quality there
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azzo45 4:40PM (8/23/2008)
Wow... all the suckers paying MB style money (MORE) for a car that does NOT have supperior build quality or fuel mileage.
Also looks like a "smart" golf cart but a "dumb" car choise (IMO). I'll take the cheaper,but more traditional, high mileage Civic, or Toyota Yaris if I want to save gas money.
Flashpoint 11:20PM (8/23/2008)
I saw one of these on the road here in NYC the other day.
all I can say is, I CAN'T BELIEVE THE STATE ALLOWS THESE TO BE ON OUR ROADS.
#1 Imagine my S550 hitting a Smart at 30 mph. Would you like to be inside it?
#2 These things are GOLF CARTS. they shouldn't be on roads unless your in tightly dense populations where the speed limits are low or the roads are open.
Ken Stamper 12:00AM (8/24/2008)
Flashpoint- The Smart passed US crash tests, the toughest in the world, with flying colors. Period. If you don't want to drive one or be in one, fine. But other people do. That is their choice. Best get used to it, because there are going to be more and more microcars in the future.
Kumar 8:57AM (8/24/2008)
Did anyone actually read whole linked article, including you Jeremy?
It says 43 cars affected, not 43% or 4300.
From the original article there are more sensible quotes like:
'handful of 2008 ForTwos' and 'The recall only affects 43 units'.
While I'm not a ForTwo fan, either go with the intent of the story (interesting construction methods), or try to make a joke about that being half of the units sold or something. Outside of that, it's just an excuse to see what the trolls have to say. ;)
Randy 2:29PM (8/23/2008)
That's ForTwo Bad. Stumbling out of the gate like that! DOH - Hopefully they fix it and nobody gets hurt.
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azzo45 4:44PM (8/23/2008)
Stumbling out of the gate??? The smart is not a brand new design... this model has been being made for years.
This problem should be behind them. IMO, it speaks to MB trying to save $$$ in the production process & using a new supplier to reach these cost savings.
Conor 4:56PM (8/23/2008)
Randy, the US ForTwo was new for this year. It's something like Gen 2.5 and changed a lot from 2.
And how is the roof not part of the "Safety Egg" Frame?
JD 7:13PM (8/23/2008)
I think he meant stumbling out of the gates in a brand new market.
It's all the worse when you have a tried and tested design, launch it in a new place, and then it's screwed up.
Randy 4:21AM (8/24/2008)
oops.. I didn't know this was an v2/3 vehicle. With this new info I must say that it's a compltely stupid mistake to be making. How on earth can someone F up a paint job. High School kids can do one for God's sake. Hell, ANYONE can do one with a 10 min crash course on taping, spraying and pressure.
done venting :) Thanks for the enlightenment folks! :)
Benfolio 3:00PM (8/23/2008)
Adhesive on TOP of bad paint?
That's not very.... smart.
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JD 7:14PM (8/23/2008)
http://www.instantrimshot.com/
Yar 3:15PM (8/23/2008)
Thats a lot of parts to fall off of a tiny car.
"She's breaking up captain!"
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Johari 3:22PM (8/23/2008)
Wait... So they're saying that the roof is glued on?
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Torrent 6:58PM (8/23/2008)
Yep. That's how Mercedes builds 'em. With adhesive.
Mercedes. The Golden Standard. LMAO. As if....
Scott Eaton 2:07PM (8/24/2008)
My Lotus is glued together, too.
That One Person 4:53PM (8/24/2008)
Aston Martin uses adhesives on some parts of their cars. Or at least they used to (last time I heard anything mentioned about adhesives was a couple years ago).
It certain parts of the car, adhesives can be just as strong as welding, bolting, riveting, etc. And I am sure it saves weight.
Toy Yoda 4:36AM (8/25/2008)
Aston Martin's glued together the V8 Vantage. It's a relatively new technique to cut down on weight. On the brigher note, that means you can fix your car with Elmer's glue. :)
AKK 3:26PM (8/23/2008)
It's not exactly confidence inspiring when your car is held together by the "paint"?
I'd feel really safe driving in that now. "Don't worry, when the 5000 pound SUV hits us, the paint will hold us together."
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why not the LS2LS7? 3:36PM (8/23/2008)
BMW MINIs recalled because paint problems could cause fire or explosion.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1523086.stm
On the whole, I think I'd rather have the roof fall off than blow the whole thing up.