http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1097898_2014-2015-smart-fortwo-coupe-convertible-and-electric-recalled-to-replace-poorly-built-bolts 2014-2015 Smart Fortwo Coupe, Convertible, And Electric Recalled To Replace Poorly Built Bolts By Richard Read Apr 21, 2015
[image http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/2015-smart-fortwo-electric-drive_100499340_m.jpg 2015 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive ] Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling 2014 and 2015 models of the Smart fortwo microcar. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, those vehicles might've been built with poorly made bolts, which could cause serious problems for owners. The bolts were made by Fontana Luigi S.p.A in Italy and were used to attach the fortwo's steering gear. NHTSA says that the bolts don't meet "endurance requirements", leaving them open to fractures and worse: "Should a vehicle have been manufactured containing the affected bolts, these bolts might break during the lifetime of the vehicle if exposed to high loads in combination with vibrations. Should one of the two bolts on the cross member break, vehicle handling would be impacted, increasing the risk of an accident." Which is probably putting it mildly. NHTSA says that drivers of cars with this problem may hear unusual noises while the vehicle is in motion. They may also notice that the steering wheel sits at a tilted position, and the ESP warning light may come on. The recall affects the following models: ... 2014 Smart fortwo coupe electric 2014 Smart fortwo convertible electric Compared to many recalls that we see, this one affects a fairly small number of vehicles -- just 5,058 cars registered in the U.S. Whether that's because of limited production dates or Smart's notoriously low American sales stats is unknown. (Remember when Oprah tried to give away the fortwo? That was fun.) Mercedes-Benz USA hasn't yet told NHTSA when it plans to mail recall notices to consumers. When it does, however, owners will be able to take their vehicles to a dealership, where the steering gear mounting bolts will be replaced. If you own one of the affected vehicles and have questions, you're encouraged to contact Smart customer service at 800-762-7887, or call NHTSA at 888-327-4236 and ask about safety campaign #15V192000 [© thecarconnection.com] For EVLN posts use: http://evdl.org/evln/ http://www.nextgreencar.com/news/7062/evs-could-help-reduce-driving-stress/ EVs help reduce driving stress http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/environment/2015/04/24/rolec-and-charge-your-car-launch-home-and-public-charging-package Rolec & 'Charge Your Car' launch home & public charging package http://www.ngtnews.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.10673#.VTonxfBVbMo shorehotel.com using L3 EVSE w/ Energy Storage> 50% less demand cost$ http://www.ladowntownnews.com/news/earth-day-brookfield-s-eco-friendly-approach-at-its-downtown/article_ff32c048-e783-11e4-a6df-33d736025be0.html Dual CT4000 L2 EVSE @brookfieldofficeproperties.com 7 Towers LA, CA + EVLN: My intrigued inner skinflint spent a week driving a Leaf EV {brucedp.150m.com} -- View this message in context: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/EVLN-2014-2015-Smart-Fortwo-EV-Recall-Replaces-Bad-Bolts-tp4675215.html Sent from the Electric Vehicle Discussion List mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org For EV drag racing discussion, please use NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
