Automaker smart, a division of Mercedes-Benz, has issued a recall affecting some 50,000 vehicles – 7,028 of them registered in Canada. The problem with an insulation mat in the engine compartment could pose a risk of fire.
The affected models are coupes and convertibles produced for the 2008 and 2009 model years. It has been determined that one of the insulating materials located above the rear-placed engine can deteriorate over time, with some of its pieces possibly dropping onto the engine or the exhaust system. With these components operating at high temperature, this could lead to a fire.
In the United States, the recall affects 42,781 units of the smart models.
In Europe, meanwhile, the use of a different type of catalytic converter means that the insulation mat does not reach as high a temperature, so models sold there are not included in the recall.
Mercedes-Benz explains in the recall that it will replace the insulation mat with a higher-quality component.
The CBC has reported that several Canadian owners saw their cars go up in flames in recent years; the cause of these fires is not known. The company has not announced anything regarding compensation to smart car owners affected by the problem.