The Japanese auto industry is shaken by a new scandal after Toyota, Mazda, and Yamaha have been discovered to have faked their safety data. Deliveries of six models, including three manufactured by Toyota, have been halted. This is the second safety-related scandal affecting Toyota after revelations in December 2023 that its vehicles have not been properly tested for collision safety.
Last December, the automotive world was shaken by the news that Toyota’s subsidiary Daihatsu had faked collision tests for many of its vehicles, some of them sold with a Toyota, Mazda, or Subaru badge. Nearly every model in the Daihatsu lineup was affected, with irregularities dating as far back as 1989. Specifically, the airbags installed in test vehicles differed from those sold to the public. Toyota thought it dodged the bullet then, but it has now found itself in an even deeper scandal.
As the investigation into the safety irregularities widened, it appeared that the entire Japanese automotive industry had faked its safety data. In a shocking move, four Japanese automakers and one motorcycle manufacturer have admitted to faking safety tests. Toyota, Mazda, and Yamaha have suspended shipments of a total of six models. Honda and Suzuki are also affected, although no model shipment has been paused.
In a statement, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, called the irregularities “actions that undermine users’ trust and shake the foundation of the [Japanese] automotive certification system.” The ministry announced on-site inspections at the affected companies, starting with Toyota on Tuesday. The ministry revealed that Toyota, Mazda, and Yamaha confirmed cheating had taken place in the production of vehicles that are still being made. This is why it ordered these companies to suspend shipments of specific models.