US automotive component maker Joyson Safety Systems (JSS) reportedly is investigating inaccuracies in the reporting of belt webbing test data at a Japanese factory acquired from bankrupt airbag maker Takata over two years ago.
Industry observers are speculating the latest revelation could lead to another huge global recall, of millions of vehicles, similar to still ongoing campaigns to replace, or scrap vehicles with, potentially lethal Takata airbag inflators.
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"JSS is currently reviewing available and relevant data over a 20 year period on a test by test and product by product basis," the Michigan-based company's global communications director Bryan Johnson told Reuters in a statement.
The news agency said the inaccuracies were found in reporting from the factory in Hikone, Japan, which JSS bought from bankrupt Takata in April 2018.
JSS said the inaccuracies arose before its acquisition of the plant.
Reuters, citing a report in the Nikkei business daily, said the Japanese transport ministry had asked JSS' unit in the country to submit an investigation report and has also told automakers to prepare for recalls of the seat belts in question.
A transport ministry official told Reuters the ministry was still investigating how many cars were affected by the issue and whether any such vehicles were exported from Japan.
JSS Japan is the top seat belt maker in the country with a market share of about 40%, as well as just under 30% globally, according to Nikkei.
