According to the automaker, these modifications were not made to improve results but to also make them worse.
Subaru and Ohno & Tsunematsu (Japan law firm) launched an internal investigation in December 2013 to see if fuel mileage readings for new cars had been altered. This was necessary because employees at Subaru stated that they had falsified fuel consumption data for 903 cars produced at the Gunma Manufacturing Division’s Main Plant, Yajima Plant.
The investigation covers December 2012 to November 2017. Data prior to November 2012 were not found, and could not be verified. Employees stated that there is a high possibility that such manipulation of fuel economy or emissions data began around 2002, but this cannot be confirmed at the moment.
Subaru explains the reasons for changing fuel consumption data. It explains that “inspectors participating in sampling fuel economy and emissions were instructed” by their seniors that if results did not conform to internal quality control standards, measurement values should be changed to meet these standards. According to such instructions the inspectors modified measurement values.
Subaru asserts that some results were altered or worsened even though they met internal quality control standards.
Subaru regrets the error in reporting that 903 cars were affected. Subaru promises to take preventive measures to stop the problem from recurring and that its management and employees will collaborate to “restore lost faith and ensure that such circumstances don’t recur.”