Yamaha is being investigated in Japan for improper vehicle testing

Fake reports of sound pressure level tests for YZF-R1, YZF-R3 and TMAX have already come to light.

On June 5, 2024, Yamaha became the second major Japanese vehicle manufacturer to undergo an on-site inspection by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism after testing irregularities were found in some of its vehicles.

The first such on-site inspection began at Toyota headquarters. Further similar inspections are planned for Mazda, Honda and Suzuki in the coming weeks.

What is it about? All five companies had submitted false performance data, which the Department of Transportation later discovered during a more detailed investigation. Initial reports indicate that the nature of the false performance data varies and is not consistent across the companies investigated so far.

In the case of Yamaha, the falsified data, which those responsible have already acknowledged and apologized for, concern noise level tests carried out on at least three motorcycle models. Among the known motorcycles where falsified data was submitted in their name are the YZF-R1, the YZF-R3 and the TMAX scooter.

Yamaha has already stopped production of the TMAX and the R3 and is also stopping production of the R1 as part of this investigation. In total, the company has reportedly produced around 7,500 units of the three affected models. The Japan News.

A similar on-site investigation into falsified data began at Toyota headquarters on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. If this sounds familiar, it should. In 2023, Toyota-owned Daihatsu was embroiled in a safety testing scandal that, among other things, triggered stricter scrutiny of performance data submitted by all Japanese automobile and motorcycle manufacturers.

So far, the Ministry of Transport has ordered Toyota, Mazda and Yamaha to stop their deliveries. It is still unclear what kind of irregularities were found in the tests at Honda and Suzuki. In the case of Honda, it is also not yet clear whether the irregularities in the tests affect cars, motorcycles or both.

In Toyota’s case, some of the falsified test data related to safety tests. Yamaha has so far stressed that these are not safety tests.

However, Japan’s Transport Ministry has announced that it will independently test all affected vehicles to ensure that they meet both current safety and environmental standards and will make the test results available to the public.

Since this is a developing story with a lot of moving parts, we’ll be sure to keep you updated as new details become available.

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