While driving on the highway (495 beltway near Washington, DC) during rush hour my dashboard light indicating a coolant problem came on. I managed to get over to the side of the road. All of the coolant had run out of my car and it was not drivable without risking damage. I did drive it with the temperature reading over 300 degrees until the gauge failed so that I could get it to the dealership. The manual stated that there was a risk of fire if you drive the car with the red indicator warning light on, but I had no choice to get my car away from heavy traffic and to the dealership. According to the dealer the car's radiator and condenser are damaged beyond repair and must be replaced. I did not drive over anything or feel anything collide with my car. I was simply driving when the warning signal sounded and the red indicator light came on. Now the dealership and the manufacturer say that there is no defect in the car that would cause this. I have found several other people who indicate having the same problem with this model of car. There is no protective plate under the radiator to prevent rocks or road debris from coming up as a projectile and damaging it. I have asked the manufacturer to fix the car and install some kind of protective plate, but they have refused. I do not feel safe driving a car that is at such risk for radiator damage during normal driving conditions.

- Sunderland, MD, USA