Subaru has announced a recall that covers 293 of its new Ascent 3-row SUVs. The good news for owners of these SUVs is that of that number only nine of them made it into the hands of owners. The others were picked up in transit and on dealer lots.
The issue is that bad software for the welding robots let the Ascents slip out missing critical b-pillar spot welds that could reduce safety in an accident. Since these welds can’t simply be added in and the car returned to buyers, Subaru is replacing all nine of the rides for owners. It’s rare for recalls to result in new cars for owners, but for a company known for safety this is the thing to do.
Details of the Recall
Affected Ascent SUVs were built between July 13 and July 21. Not all Ascents built in that range are covered in the recall. Owners can check their VIN to see if it is covered via Subaru’s recall website. The recall is particularly significant because the b-pillar is a crucial structural component of the vehicle. It provides support to the roof and helps protect occupants in the event of a side-impact collision. Missing spot welds in this area could compromise the vehicle’s structural integrity and increase the risk of injury in an accident.
Subaru’s decision to replace the affected vehicles rather than attempting to repair them underscores the severity of the issue. Welding is a precise process, and ensuring the structural integrity of a vehicle after the fact can be challenging. By providing new vehicles, Subaru is taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety of its customers.
Subaru’s Commitment to Safety
Subaru has long been known for its commitment to safety, and this recall is a testament to that reputation. The company has a history of producing vehicles that perform well in crash tests and are equipped with advanced safety features. For example, many Subaru models come standard with the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking.
In addition to these advanced safety features, Subaru vehicles are also designed with a strong emphasis on crashworthiness. The Subaru Global Platform, which underpins many of the company’s models, is engineered to provide excellent protection in the event of a collision. This platform uses high-strength steel and other advanced materials to create a rigid structure that can absorb and dissipate crash energy effectively.
The recall of the Ascent SUVs highlights the importance of quality control in the manufacturing process. While modern vehicles are built using advanced technologies and automated processes, there is always the potential for issues to arise. In this case, a software problem with the welding robots led to a critical safety concern. Subaru’s swift response to the issue demonstrates the company’s dedication to addressing problems promptly and ensuring the safety of its customers.
Owners of the affected Ascent SUVs can take comfort in knowing that Subaru is taking the necessary steps to rectify the situation. By providing new vehicles, the company is going above and beyond to ensure that its customers are not left with potentially unsafe vehicles. This approach not only helps to maintain customer trust but also reinforces Subaru’s reputation as a manufacturer that prioritizes safety above all else.
The recall of the Subaru Ascent SUVs serves as a reminder of the importance of quality control and the potential impact of manufacturing issues on vehicle safety. Subaru’s proactive approach to addressing the problem and providing new vehicles to affected owners is commendable and reflects the company’s commitment to safety. Owners of the affected vehicles should check their VIN on Subaru’s recall website to determine if their vehicle is covered by the recall and take the necessary steps to ensure their safety.
via Consumer Reports
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