Coding Error Sends 2019 Subaru Ascents to the Car Crusher

Mis-programmed robots produced SUVs without spot welds—a mistake that could lead to injuries in a crash

Usually, news of an automotive-related software issue involves an error like last week’s GM recall of one million SUVs and pickups because of a steering defect in their electric power steering module. GM stated that the defect can cause a momentary loss of power steering followed by its sudden return, which can lead to an accident, and already has in about 30 known cases. GM says a software update to the module available from its dealers will fix the problem.

But a software remedy can’t solve Subaru’s issue with 293 of its 2019 Ascent SUVs. All 293 of the SUVs that were built in July will be scrapped because they are missing critical spot welds.