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posted by mrpg on Sunday September 23 2018, @01:29PM   Printer-friendly
from the ??? dept.

Coding Error Sends 2019 Subaru Ascents to the Car Crusher:

Usually, news of an automotive-related software issue involves an error like last week's GM recall of 1 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.

According to Subaru's recall notice [PDF] filed with the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the welding robots at the Subaru Indiana Automotive plant in Lafayette, Ind., were improperly coded, which meant the robots omitted the spot welds required on the Ascents' B-pillar. Consumer Reports states that the B-pillar holds the second-row door hinges. As a result, the strength of the affected Ascents' bodies may be reduced, increasing the possibility of passenger injuries in a crash.

Subaru indicated in the recall that "there is no physical remedy available; therefore, any vehicles found with missing welds will be destroyed." Luckily, only nine Ascents had been sold, and those customers are going to receive new vehicles. The rest were on dealer lots or in transit.


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  • (Score: 2) by RS3 on Sunday September 23 2018, @09:24PM (4 children)

    by RS3 (6367) on Sunday September 23 2018, @09:24PM (#738955)

    OhMyGosh, there are 3 of us! I have too much to say about this, but I'll keep it brief. I see 100% usable stuff being thrown in the trash all the time. I think it should be a crime to put it in landfills. Pass it down to less fortunate people. Near me is a new organization with a small warehouse and they're doing this. Not just Goodwill or Salvation Army or whathaveyou, more of a donation center.

    My thought about these cars: give them to automotive tech. schools for the poor / unemployed. Teach them to disassemble the cars, weld where the welds are missing, paint, reassemble, and drive a nice new car.

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  • (Score: 3, Interesting) by EETech1 on Monday September 24 2018, @07:25AM (2 children)

    by EETech1 (957) on Monday September 24 2018, @07:25AM (#739091)

    We had a brand new Cadillac in our Auto shop in highschool.
    It had all the VIN tags replaced with something that said it was a donation, and not to be registered.
    We got it because the steel used in the frame was not correct.

    We just took the majority of the body off the car, and made it into a classroom learning tool for all those early 90s electronic systems.

    There was also an old Impala that had the same fate.

    Both donations from GM that provided hundreds of kids something to wench on in school.

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday September 24 2018, @01:25PM (1 child)

      by Anonymous Coward on Monday September 24 2018, @01:25PM (#739154)

      Auto shop was a great thing in my suburban high school (c.1970), but the last time I looked it was gone. Does your old high school still have their auto shop?

      • (Score: 2) by EETech1 on Tuesday September 25 2018, @01:49AM

        by EETech1 (957) on Tuesday September 25 2018, @01:49AM (#739486)

        I just looked out of curiosity, and yes, there is still:
        Power mechanics (lawn mower type) 1 semester
        Automotive maintenance (1 semester)
        Automotive mechanics 1 (full year)
        Automotive mechanics 2 (full year)
        Automotive technician 1 (full year at tech school)

        They also have many more engineering / tech classes than when I was there.
        (They got their first CNC Mill in 92 when I graduated)

  • (Score: 2) by Reziac on Monday September 24 2018, @05:51PM

    by Reziac (2489) on Monday September 24 2018, @05:51PM (#739292) Homepage

    Four :)

    In fact, I'm typing to you on a PC built largely from used and salvaged parts.

    --
    And there is no Alkibiades to come back and save us from ourselves.