Abstract A numerical analysis on the distribution of stresses in weld-bonded joints is carried out using a three-dimensional elastoplastic finite-element method. A comparison is made of the stresses distribution in weld-bonded joints, spot-welded joints and adhesive-bonded joints. The results show that the stresses in the lap zone of weld-bonded joints are distributed uniformly, no high-stress zone being found in weld-bonded joints. The stress concentration in spot-welded joints is thus avoided by the use of adhesive. The stresses of weld-bonded joints in the lap zones, with the exception of the spot-weld zones, have almost the same characteristics as those of adhesive-bonded joints. The strengths of these joints predicted from the results of the stress analysis are coincident with existing experimental results.