Bad Welds Send 2.1K Subarus to Junkyard

Bad welds in 2,100 new Legacy sedans and Outback SUVs have led Subaru to decide to scrap the vehicles rather than try to repair them. Most of the defective models haven't been delivered yet, but at least 20 US purchasers will have the option of having Suburu replace their new vehicle or buy it back, per NBC. The automaker said that a supplier didn't clean part of its machinery properly, which reduced the effectiveness of a welder used to join sheet metal components in cowls. Over time, the welds on the cowl, which separates the engine from the passenger compartment, could fail. That could lead to an accident, the Japanese automaker said, and make injuries to occupants more likely.

A body shop employee spotted the weld problem on June 6, per the International Business Times. Subaru then launched an internal investigation. The 1,965 Outback and 142 Legacy models affected were made between May 31 and June 6. The Legacy starts at about $22,000, and the Outback at about $26,000, per NBC. With options, both models can cost nearly $40,000. Anyone who has bought an Outback or Legacy recently can check with Subaru customer service at 844-373-6614 to see whether their vehicle is affected. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93, per Consumer Reports. (More Subaru stories.)