nhtsa.gov/complaints/10491689

1 excerpts.

NHTSA Owner Complaint ODI 10491689

nhtsa.gov/complaints/10491689 · p. 1 · Applies to: 451

Manufacturer: SMART USA DISTRIBUTOR LLC Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES Date filed: 01/07/2013 | Date of incident: 12/24/2012 Vehicles affected: - MY

Owner narrative: TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SMART FORTWO COUPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY WINDS, THE HOOD FLEW BACK AND STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD, OBSCURING THE CONTACT'S VISION OF THE ROADWAY. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HOOD, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS NO LATCH TO SECURE THE HOOD BACK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. UPDATED 03/01/13LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE LATCHES COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN DAMAGED BY SOMEONE OPENING THE HOOD IMPROPERLY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LATCH PART WAS A POP ON ASSEMBLY THAT APPARENTLY COULD NOT WITHSTAND THE WIND ON THAT PARTICULAR DAY. UPDATED 03/07/13