Three of the world’s biggest carmakers, Toyota, Honda and Nissan, have been forced to recall 3 million vehicles, due to problems with an airbag system.

The three Japanese manufacturers use Takata to supply their airbags. There is reportedly a problem with the passenger-side airbag inflator.

A spokesman for Takata claimed the figure of 3 million was too high, pointing out that many of the cars affected would no longer be on the road. The faulty airbag system was produced between 2000 and 2002, with cars aged about 10 years being affected. Takata say around 2 million vehicles could require a recall.

Build quality and reliability have been central to the rise of carmakers such as Toyota – which is still seen as a very reliable brand. But the pressure to keep costs down has meant that multiple companies use the same parts – in this case Tanaka airbag systems are used by Toyota, Honda and Nissan. While it does reduce costs, it can also mean that when a part is found to be faulty, it can affect huge numbers of cars, across numerous brands.

Like motorists who seek to cut outgoings by buying the cheapest petrol, the lowest cost insurance and the most affordable annual breakdown cover, carmakers are compelled to find their own ways to reduce costs.

With a number of high profile recalls for Japanese car firms in recent years, this latest problem will not be welcome.

There have so far been 5 reported faults with the airbag, but no injuries or deaths as a result.