Toyota Motor has temporarily suspended shipments of certain vehicles following allegations of tampering with safety test data, reports Reuters.
In applications from Toyota to certify certain vehicle models, the Japanese transport ministry found safety test data that conflicted with its standards. Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha Motor were also found to have inadequate applications for vehicle certification.
As a result, Toyota, alongside Mazda and Yamaha, have been ordered by the transport ministry to halt shipments of some of their vehicles, and will be conducting an on-site investigation at Toyota’s central Aichi prefecture headquarters.
According to Toyota, the problem lies with testing performed in 2014, 2015, and 2020, and affects three production models and discontinued versions of four popular models. One example of wrongdoing during these tests was measuring collision damage on only one side of a vehicle’s hood.
The events follow Japan’s transport ministry telling automakers to investigate certification applications this past January after safety test issues were found at Toyota's Daihatsu compact car unit.
Toyota has added that none of the issues with the safety tests have an effect on vehicle performance, and that owners of included vehicles may continue to drive their cars.
