The Smart MCC went on sale across Europe in 1999 and in June of 2002 Daimler Chrysler's subsidiary smart Gmbh, recalled 500 of its now very popular MCC Smart's to fix a potential steering glitch.

It was discovered that a small weld on the drive shaft of the car may be prone to breaking, which could cause drivers to lose control of their Smart. There were no accidents reported.

Reports estimated some 3,900 newly (2002) produced cars may have had the problem, although only 500 were delivered to customers. All 500 cars were purchased in Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Now Smart is recalling a handful of its USA Smart Fortwo's as a result of a defect.

Defective paint is the problem and in itself sounds harmless enough. However, the possible consequences could be loss of the windshield or roof while driving the car.

Smart USA Centers have begun contacting owners of the affected vehicles this month. Source [www.smartcarofamerica.com]

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. Source [www.usnews.com]

Here’s an interesting recall: Smart USA is recalling some of its 2008 Smart ForTwo cars that have problematic paint. Testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found a batch of defective paint was used on 43 Smart ForTwos. The defective paint could lead to “de-laminating” around the car’s windshield and roof.

What this means is that the windshield or roof could come off of the car’s body. And lead to a crash, of course.

To find out if they’re affected by the recall, Smart ForTwo owners should call Smart USA at 248-648-2451. Smart dealers will repaint the affected areas. Until then, wear a helmet and goggles! Source [www.motherproof.com]