Abstract: The influence of weld profile and notch effect on fatigue strength of welded joint can be evaluated by notch stress method. To predict the fatigue life of welded vehicle longitudinal beam, a three-point bending fatigue test was simulated by finite element analysis and submodel technology was adopted to analyze the mesh sensitivity and to predict the fatigue life of the I-shape beam with notched welding. The results indicate that the fatigue zone distribution and fatigue life of welded joint can be invesigated effectively by notch stress method.