Several Japanese automakers, including Toyota and Suzuki, have come under fire for allegedly failing to conduct proper safety testing before certifying some vehicle models.
Similar cases were also found at Honda, Mazda and Yamaha, Japan’s Transport Ministry said on Monday.
Sales of three models produced in Japan will be temporarily stopped, Toyota announced on Monday.
Toyota admitted that it had improperly obtained certification for seven car models. “We have been mass producing and selling cars without following the proper certification process,” Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda told a news conference.
Three of the seven models – the Corolla Fielder, the Corolla Axio and the Yaris Cross – are still in production, while the remaining models – Crown, Isis, Sienta and RX – are no longer produced, according to the company.
Depending on the model, this involves insufficient data in pedestrian and occupant protection tests, as well as errors in crash tests and other test methods.
“After extensive internal verifications of the affected vehicles, including those no longer in production, we can confirm that there are no performance issues in violation of regulations. Therefore, there is no need to stop using the affected vehicles,” Toyota said. in a statement.
The case is a new blow for Toyota after a series of quality scandals.
In January, Toyota stopped deliveries of some diesel models due to irregularities in engine performance tests.
Previously, Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu had suspended deliveries of all vehicle models due to safety concerns.
As a result, Japan’s Ministry of Transport had ordered car manufacturers and suppliers to investigate whether the certifications had been properly obtained.
