Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. could be slapped with a ¥32.1 million fine for ignoring a business improvement order from Japan's transport ministry that demanded the company to stop allowing uncertified inspectors to carry out final vehicle checks, the Nikkei Asian Review reported March 26.

Nissan reportedly continued to allow uncertified junior inspectors to conduct final vehicle checks in a Tochigi Prefecture factory for about three weeks, even after it received a directive from Japan's transport ministry to stop the checks in September 2017.

The Nikkei said that under Japanese law, Nissan could be fined up to ¥300,000, or $2,860, per affected car. The ministry has urged the Yokohama District Court to impose sanctions on the Tokyo-based car manufacturer.

Additionally, Transport Minister Keiichi Ishii reportedly told Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa that the company would be "under (government) surveillance for some time."

As of March 26, US$1 was equivalent to 104.95 Japanese yen.