Honda discovers inappropriate noise and engine output tests in type approval applications for 22 previously sold automobile models

On January 26, 2024, we received an order from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to investigate “the actual situation regarding the existence of fraudulent practices in type approval applications,” and conducted an internal investigation. As a result, we confirmed that there had been inappropriate cases regarding certification testing at the time of type approval applications for four-wheeled vehicles (22 models) that we had previously sold, and reported this to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on May 31, 2024.

Honda has announced that it has engaged in fraudulent testing of vehicles it previously sold to meet national safety standards. Specifically, it has altered test methods and falsified results for noise and engine output tests.

However, as a result of internal verification, we have concluded that there are no problems with the safety of these vehicles, so there is no need for people currently driving these vehicles to worry. Honda takes this issue seriously and will strengthen its inspection system and ensure strict compliance with laws and regulations across the company to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Improper noise testing cases

Case

The following two incidents occurred during noise testing conducted between February 2009 and October 2017.

– The test vehicle weight was set beyond the legally stipulated range

(insufficient test conditions).

– The test report stated a weight within the specified range that was different from the weight of the vehicle actually tested (false statement).

Background/reason

If the vehicle weight changes after the test due to design changes, etc., there is a possibility that retesting will be necessary. However, by conducting tests under conditions that are stricter than those required by law, the noise performance can be guaranteed, and it was thought that this would avoid increasing the man-hours required for retesting.

Improper testing of motor vehicle output (gasoline engine), maximum output and rated output of electric motors

Case

The following incident occurred during the on-board motor output test, electric motor maximum output test, and rated output test conducted between May 2013 and June 2015.

・The output and torque values ​​of the test results were altered and entered in the test report (false statements)

Background/reason

If the test results were to fall short of or exceed the specification values ​​of a model equipped with the same specifications of the prime mover or electric motor, additional analysis may be required. However, if the difference in the specification values ​​was slight, it was thought to be within the range of performance variation, and by rewriting the specification values ​​to those of a model that had already been certified, it was thought that additional analysis could be avoided and no additional work would be required.

Improper incidents in on-board engine output testing (gasoline engine)

Case

The following incident occurred during the engine on-board output test conducted between April 2013 and January 2015.

– Although regulations require that the test be conducted with the generator running, the test was conducted without it running, and the values ​​were calculated using correction values ​​obtained from another identical engine test, and these were deemed to be the same test results as when the generator was running (deficiency in test conditions).

Background/reason

The test manual did not specify that the test conditions were to measure with the generator running, and so it was assumed that the values ​​calculated using the correction values ​​were equivalent to the test results under the specified conditions, and that this would avoid increasing the amount of work required.

“We take this incident very seriously and will work across the company to prevent a recurrence from the perspective of strengthening compliance and governance. We will once again communicate our commitment to thorough compliance with laws and regulations within the company through a message from top management, and will work to foster a law-abiding mindset among all employees. We will also create and standardize appropriate business processes to prevent different interpretations and judgments from occurring depending on the individual, and will further strengthen our internal audit function,” the company said.

List of 22 target vehicles

Improper noise testing cases

Improper testing of motor vehicle output (gasoline engine), maximum output and rated output of electric motors

Improper incidents in on-board engine output testing (gasoline engine)

Honda’s recent fraud was a serious incident that has caused inconvenience to customers and other parties involved. Honda takes this issue seriously and has stated that it will implement thorough measures to ensure that such an incident never happens again.

Honda news release

https://global.honda/jp/news/2024/c240603.html