Microstructural observations of extrusion welds in an A-pillar made of AA6082-T4 revealed that the observed extrusion weld is a composite of a seam weld (longitudinal weld) and a charge weld (transverse weld). To determine the mechanical properties of this weld region, tensile specimens were prepared with the weld located at 0degrees, 45degrees, and 90degrees to the tensile axis. For comparison purposes, specimens from no-weld regions were also prepared in the same orientations and tested. The specimens with 45degrees-weld exhibited the lowest tensile strength, followed by the specimens with 90degrees-weld, no-weld and 0degrees-weld specimens. Comparison of failure strains and fracture modes revealed that weld regions are less ductile than the no-weld regions. Microscopic observations of fractured surfaces and further analysis revealed that Mg2Si precipitates that align along the charge weld cause premature failure at these locations. (C) 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.