March 13, 2026 — Seattle Boeing is repairing 25 undelivered 737 MAX jets after discovering small scratches on wiring caused by a machining error, leading to a temporary pause in deliveries and minor delays for March and first-quarter 2026 handovers.
The wiring damage affects only production aircraft at Boeing’s facilities, including in Renton, Washington, and does not impact the safety or operations of in-service 737 MAX planes, according to company statements. Boeing notified customers and U.S. regulators, including the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the issue.
Cause and Scope of the Issue
The flaws consist of “small scratches due to a machining error” that occurred within Boeing, not at a supplier, sources told Reuters and Aviation Week. Up to 25 undelivered jets are involved, requiring rework expected to take several days per aircraft.
Katie Ringgold, Boeing’s 737 program vice president and general manager, stated:
We paused ticketing and deliveries as we work through this issue… There is going to be disruption [for] the next few days. It will take several days to resolve, not weeks.
Boeing confirmed production continues at a rate of 42 jets per month.
Delivery Impacts
Some March deliveries have been delayed, with only three 737 MAX handovers recorded so far this month after 43 in February, Boeing’s highest for that month since 2017. First-quarter totals may be affected, though potential spillover to April remains unclear. Boeing reaffirmed its full-year target of at least 500 jets despite the setback.
A Boeing spokesperson noted some March deliveries will be delayed, while the company declined further comment.
Regulatory and Market Response
The FAA stated earlier in the week it is “investigating and cannot comment on active investigations.” Boeing shares fluctuated, rising about 2% on Friday after an initial 3% drop earlier in the week.
Boeing CFO Jay Malave is scheduled to address the issue at the Bank of America Global Industrials Conference on March 17.
Aviation news outlets and social media accounts, including @AeronewsGlobal and Air Data News, amplified reports confirming the production-only impact and delivery pauses.
This incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of Boeing’s 737 MAX production quality, though the company maintains no adjustments to output goals.