Subaru made the unusual decision to replace than repair its defective 2019 Ascent SUVs. The defective vehicles- which comprise less than one percent of the Ascent models manufactured by the automaker – may be missing spot welds on the mechanism that holds the second-row door hinges. The problem resulted from faulty software programming according to the car manufacturer.
After recalling 293 of its Ascent vehicles, Subaru opted to fully replace the cars due to the severity of the defect. The manufacturer cautioned that cars produced without spot welds around the B-pillar present a serious safety risk. The B-pillar is vital in providing support to the midsection of the car. The integrity of the car would be greatly compromised if the B-pillar was defective, leading to a significant risk of injury. Only nine cars that contain this defect have been sold since August. The remainder of the vehicles are in dealer lots or shipping containers.
The defect was detected during Subaru’s inspection of one its new Ascent cars in July. All affected vehicles were manufactured between July 13 and July 21, 2018 according to the NHTSA. Dealers were instructed to discontinue selling vehicles that were determined to be defective. The NHTSA has not identified reports of injuries and collision related to this defect. Consumers should also remember that not all Subaru Ascents manufactured during those dates are lacking the key welds. Drivers cannot determine whether their cars are affected upon visual inspection. Owners must ask dealers to check the VIN to determine if their cars are affected.
Replacing a vehicle when a defective part is recalled is not common in the auto industry although it has happened in the past. In February, 2017, Jaguar offered replacements after recalling nine Jaguar XFs for a possible cracked sill panel that may lead to fuel seeping out. Volkswagen also made replacement an option in 2018 when a number of models were recalled due to the presence of alterations that failed to conform to regulations.
If you or a member of your family suffered injury or death as a result of negligence or a defective automobile, contact the attorneys Alexander Law Group, LLP. Our exceptional personal injury lawyers will answer your questions and get you the maximum compensation that is possible. Call 888.777.1776 or contact us online.
