What to do with a car that won’t pass inspection

Nothing kills the vibe like taking your car in for an inspection, only to have it fail. Maybe it’s an emissions issue, a safety concern, or a major mechanical meltdown—whatever the reason, now you’re left wondering what to do if my car won’t pass inspection. Do you pour money into repairs? Try to sell a car that failed inspection? Roll it into a lake and start fresh? (Just kidding—don’t do that.)

If your car didn’t pass inspection, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways to move forward, and some of them might even put cash in your pocket.

Figure out why your car flunked

Not all inspection failures are created equal. Some are minor, some are expensive, and some are downright dealbreakers. The most common reasons cars fail inspection fall into three categories.

Emissions failures happen when your car produces too many pollutants. If your check engine light is on, blame things like a faulty catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, or exhaust system. According to the DC DMV, issues with onboard diagnostic systems are a leading cause of emissions test failures.

Safety failures are more about keeping you, and everyone else on the road, alive. Bad brakes, bald tires, busted headlights, or a cracked windshield can all lead to a rejection.

Structural or major mechanical failures are the heavy hitters—things like a rusted-out frame, a failing transmission, or airbags that don’t work. These usually mean big trouble and an even bigger repair bill.

Once you know what went wrong, you can decide what to do next.

Decide if repairs are worth it

If your car failed because of something small, like a burnt-out bulb or wiper blades that have seen better days, fixing the problem and retesting might be the easiest move.

But if the repair bill makes your wallet break out in a cold sweat, it might not be worth it. According to Industry Today, issues like check engine lights, dirty oil, and broken lights are among the most frequent reasons for inspection failures. Some of these are quick fixes—but larger repairs like transmission problems or frame damage can cost more than the car is worth. If that’s the case, it may be time to explore other options.

Sell a car that failed inspection

If repairs are a no-go, you can still sell a car that failed inspection—you just have to be upfront about the inspection failure.

Selling privately is an option, and some buyers, like mechanics or DIY enthusiasts, might be willing to take it on at a discount. But finding the right buyer can take time, and let’s be real—most people aren’t lining up for a car that flunked its test.

Selling to a dealership? Possible, but tricky. Most dealerships won’t take a car that won’t pass inspection unless they plan to wholesale it. That means you’re likely looking at a lowball offer, if they make one at all.

Donate or scrap the car

If your car is at the end of the road, you might consider donating it to charity. Some organizations accept non-running cars and use the parts or scrap value to fund their programs.

Scrapping is another option. Junkyards will pay for the metal and any reusable parts, making them a solid choice if you're looking for a quick way to offload your car. Prices vary based on demand for materials, but if you're looking for a fast, competitive offer without the guesswork, selling to Peddle is a hassle-free alternative.

Can I sell a car that won’t pass inspection?

Absolutely. A failed inspection doesn’t mean your car is worthless. Can I sell a car that won’t pass inspection? Yes—especially with Peddle.

We buy cars in any condition, no repairs or haggling needed. Just enter your car’s details, get an instant cash offer, and schedule a free pickup—we’ll even handle the towing.

The best part? You get paid fast. No stress, no fuss—just cash in your pocket. Get your offer today!