SUZUKI Motor Corp has notified Japan’s transport ministry that it will recall about 2.02 million vehicles of 29 models following revelations of wrongdoing in vehicle inspections at factories.

This marked a record number of cars for a single recall notification, according to the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

The vehicles to be recalled were manufactured between May 6, 2015, and February 1 this year, and have not undergone their first automobile inspection. The action covers such models as Wagon R, Alto and Jimny, as well as 12 models that Suzuki supplies to three automakers, including Nissan Motor Co’s Moco, Mazda Motor Corp’s Carol and Mitsubishi Motors Corp’s Minicab.

Owners concerned can bring their cars to a “designated car maintenance shop” that conducts regular car inspections to get a safety confirmation test. However, due to the huge number of vehicles involved, an “authorised shop” without qualified automobile inspectors will also be able to do the safety test. Cars inspected there must undergo another inspection later at a designated shop, but the owners can at least confirm their car’s safety to relieve immediate anxiety.

Ministry raids Suzuki

The transport ministry on Friday conducted an on-site inspection at the automaker’s headquarters in Hamamatsu under the Road Transport Vehicle Law.

A dozen officials entered the building at about 9:30am to interview its leadership, including president Toshihiro Suzuki, to investigate the true nature of its fraudulent activities and measures to prevent a recurrence. The company’s factories have been under inspection since Tuesday.

In its investigation report released April 12, Suzuki revealed that vehicles that should not have been cleared passed brake and other tests, and vehicle inspections were conducted by workers who were not certified as inspectors.

Suzuki released a comment on Friday apologising for causing trouble and concern.

Transport minister Keiichi Ishii said on Friday at a press conference after a Cabinet meeting: “We will deal with the matter strictly if particular measures are needed based on results from on-site inspections.” THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN (JAPAN)/ANN