The Takata falsified safety test scandal isn't over yet

Embattled Japanese auto parts maker Takata's issues over falsification of test data aren't over yet. Apart from the airbag issue resulting in millions of vehicles being recalled worldwide, the company has been found for falsifying test data for its seatbelts. Joyson Safety Systems (JSS) revealed that Takata also falsified data in its seatbelt plants, including the one in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines.

JSS, the company that took over Takata's operations following its bankruptcy in 2018, said that it has found 1,000 cases of data falsification in seatbelt tests at two of the former Takata plants. Hisayoshi Iwamitsu, president of JSS Japan said that the test results, which looked at the quality of the belt webbing, were altered to meet both legal and client standards.

The investigation, which began back in October 2020, suspected that data on webbing used for seatbelts and child safety seats were doctored at plants in Hikone, Japan, and the Philippines. The results have already been submitted to Japan's transport ministry as well. Interestingly, the falsified data on seatbelt webbing has been ongoing for over two decades, until January 2020.

There is a bit of good news, though. Unlike the falsified airbag documents, a re-examination of the webbing showed no safety issues. Furthermore, the 12 automakers that the company is supplying have decided not to implement inspection measures. With that, Takata won't be issuing a recall for seatbelts.

To prevent more instances of falsified data in the future, JSS introduced a new electronic system last March to prevent data from being altered. The company is also working on expanding human resources for quality management.

Hopefully, this will be the last time we hear of data falsification from Takata. While the seatbelts may be safe, the airbags weren't, and the recall still goes on to this day.

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