What Fails a Vehicle Safety Inspection? Must-Know Tips Inside

What fails a vehicle safety inspection? Learn the most common reasons and how to pass with confidence.

What Fails a Vehicle Safety Inspection? 🚨 Don’t Let These Mistakes Cost You!

Ever left the inspection center thinking, “How did my car fail that?” 😬
You’re not alone.

Vehicle safety inspections catch things we often overlook. What seems minor—like a dim bulb or squeaky brake—can cause a big failure. If you’re preparing for an inspection, this guide will save you headaches (and money).

So, what fails a vehicle safety inspection?
Let’s break it down in simple terms: safety is the star. If anything on your vehicle could put you, your passengers, or others at risk, it’s a problem.

Here’s exactly what you need to check (and fix) to pass with flying colors 🚦

🚘 Brakes in Bad Shape

Your brakes are non-negotiable. They must stop the car quickly and evenly.

Failing signs include:

• Grinding noises 🛑
• Vibrations when stopping
• Brake pedal feels soft or spongy
• Visible wear on pads or rotors

Quick Fix: Have your mechanic inspect and replace worn pads or rotors. Leaking brake fluid? That’s an instant fail.

💡 Broken or Dim Lights

Lights are a safety essential. If any required light is missing, cracked, dim, or out, you’re likely to fail.

Here’s what they check:

• Headlights (high and low beam)
• Turn signals
• Brake lights
• Reverse lights
• License plate lights
• Hazard flashers

💡Pro Tip: Test all lights before the inspection using your car’s reflection in a window or ask a friend.

📊 Common Lighting Failures

Light Type	Reason for Failure	Quick Solution
Headlights	Burnt-out or dim	Replace bulbs, check fuse
Brake lights	One side not working	Check wiring or sockets
Turn signals	Blinking too fast/slow	Faulty flasher relay or bulb
Reverse lights	Not activating	Transmission switch issue

🪫 Battery and Electrical Issues

An inspection checks for reliable starting and safe wiring. Corroded battery terminals or exposed wires? 🚫 Not good.

Watch for these red flags:

• Slow engine crank
• Dashboard flickering
• Exposed or melted wires
• Unsecured battery

Keep those terminals clean and tight. A loose battery = safety hazard.

🔍 Worn Tires and Poor Tread

Tires are very important in an inspection.

They check:

• Tread depth (at least 2/32″ in most states)
• Tire pressure
• Visible damage (bulges, dry rot)
• Uneven wear (could signal alignment or suspension issues)

🔧 Don’t forget the spare tire! If it’s required and unusable, that’s a fail too.

🛞 Tire Wear Trouble Signs

Problem	What It Means	Risk Factor
Inner/outer wear	Misalignment	Poor steering
Center wear	Over-inflation	Blowout risk
Cupping or scalloping	Worn shocks/suspension	Bumpy ride

🪟 Windshield & Wipers Woes

A cracked windshield or faulty wipers = no visibility, which equals no pass.

They’ll inspect for:

• Cracks larger than a dollar bill
• Chips in the driver’s line of sight
• Wipers that don’t clear rain effectively
• Low or no washer fluid

🧽 A $5 bottle of washer fluid could save your whole test.

🔊 Faulty Horn Function

No one thinks about the horn—until the inspector presses it. If it doesn’t work, you fail.

Check:

• If it sounds off or weak
• If the horn button sticks
• Electrical connections

It’s a simple fix but easy to forget.

🌫️ Exhaust and Emissions Issues

This is one of the top reasons vehicles fail.

Your exhaust system must be:

• Free of leaks
• Securely mounted
• Emissions within legal limits

If your check engine light is on 🔧, they’ll likely plug in an OBD scanner. Any emissions code = instant fail.

📋 Typical Emission-Related Problems

Issue	Common Cause	Fix
Check engine light	Faulty sensor or leak	Diagnostic scan
Loud exhaust noise	Hole or crack in pipe	Welding or replace
Smell of fuel	Leak in fuel system	Replace parts, seal

🚪 Doors, Latches & Locks

Yes, they check these too! Your doors should open and latch properly from inside and out.

Other checks:

• Power locks work (if equipped)
• Tailgate opens (trucks/SUVs)
• Hood and trunk release work

Anything that compromises emergency exit is a red flag.

🔧 Suspension and Steering Issues

If your car shakes, wobbles, or pulls to one side, you could fail the test.

• Loose ball joints
• Worn tie rods
• Leaking shocks or struts

You might hear clunks or feel sways while driving. The inspector will bounce-test your car to check if it’s stable.

🔥 Dashboard Warning Lights

Some warning lights are okay. Others? Immediate fail.

Fail lights include:

• Check engine light
• ABS (anti-lock brake system)
• Airbag light
• TPMS (in some states)

💬 If it’s on, fix it before you go in. Resetting without repairing might get flagged by their system.

🚨 Airbags and Safety Restraints

Missing or non-functional airbags = automatic fail.

Inspectors check:

• Airbag light isn’t on
• Seat belts latch properly
• No frayed belts
• Belts retract fully

🔐 A missing headrest may also get you dinged.

🌡️ Leaks and Fluids

They’ll peek under the car to spot:

• Oil leaks
• Transmission fluid
• Coolant
• Power steering
• Brake fluid

Any fresh wetness? 🚫 They’ll assume an active leak.

Fixing these early prevents bigger (and costlier) problems later.

📦 Missing or Damaged Components

Even if your car runs fine, it might fail if something’s missing or visibly damaged.

This includes:

• Side mirrors
• Bumpers
• Fenders
• License plate mounts
• Exhaust heat shields

🔍 Inspect your exterior and undercarriage before the test.

🧰 How to Prep Before the Inspection

Here’s your go-to checklist:

1. Walk around your vehicle—lights, tires, mirrors.
2. Top off fluids—washer, brake, oil, coolant.
3. Scan your dash—any warning lights?
4. Listen while driving—noises = red flags.
5. Test everything—horn, wipers, locks, brakes.

🛠️ Spending 30 minutes on prep could save you days of retesting stress.

✅ Final Thoughts: What Fails a Vehicle Safety Inspection?

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being safety. Your car must be roadworthy, visible, and responsive. If it’s not, it won’t pass.

Many fails can be stopped with regular checks and care.

So, when someone asks, “What fails a vehicle safety inspection?”
You can say, “Mostly things we ignore until it’s too late.” 😉

Take good care of your car, and it will take care of you. 🚗💨

FAQs

How do I know if my tires will pass inspection?
Look for tread depth of at least 2/32 inch. Check for bulges or exposed wires. Make sure wear is even.

Can a cracked windshield cause a failed inspection?
Yes, if it blocks your view or is over a dollar bill long.

Will a check engine light fail my inspection?
Absolutely. Any car with the check engine light on will fail.

Is a broken horn a reason to fail a car inspection?
Yes. If your horn doesn’t work or is too quiet, you won’t pass.

Can you pass inspection with a small oil leak?
Usually not. Even a small oil leak can fail your inspection.

References

https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-maintenance/
https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/vehicle-inspection-checklist/