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My Car failed the California Smog Test — Now What Do I Do?

  • Car Whisperer

If your car failed to pass the California Smog Check, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of drivers find themselves in the same situation — standing at the test center wondering what to do next. The good news is, you have options. Whether you plan to repair, sell, or retire the car, understanding how the California Smog Check Program works can help you make the right decision.

Help my car failed the smog test.

Why Cars Fail the Smog Test

The smog test measures your vehicle’s exhaust emissions to make sure it meets California’s strict air quality standards. A car can fail for several reasons, including: If your car fails, the technician will issue a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) listing the exact reasons it didn’t pass. Don’t ignore this — it’s your guide to understanding what went wrong.

What to Do if Your Car Fails the Smog Test

1. Review the Results and Diagnose the Problem

The first step after a failed smog test is to carefully review your inspection report. If the report lists “OBD2 readiness not complete,” it means the onboard computer isn’t ready for testing — often after a battery disconnected or a recent repair. You may need to drive the car a few days before retesting.

If your car failed for excessive emissions or a check engine light, it’s time to visit a licensed smog repair shop or a STAR-certified test-and-repair center. These facilities specialize in diagnosing emissions issues and can provide repair estimates.

2. Decide Whether to Repair or Sell the Vehicle

Sometimes repairs are straightforward and affordable — like replacing an oxygen sensor or gas cap. Other times, especially with older or high-mileage vehicles, the needed repairs can cost more than the car is worth.

Before spending hundreds or thousands of dollars, compare the repair estimate to your car’s current market value. You can use tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to see what your car is worth in good condition.

If repairs don’t make financial sense, it might be time to consider selling your car as-is or retiring it through a state-approved program.

3. Explore Financial Assistance or Vehicle Retirement Programs

California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) offers the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) for vehicle owners who fail smog checks. You may qualify for up to $1,200 in repair cost assistance (depending on your income and eligibility).

If the car isn’t worth fixing, you may be eligible for the Vehicle Retirement Program, which pays qualifying owners to retire or scrap their vehicles. These programs help reduce emissions while giving car owners a cost-effective solution.

Visit www.bar.ca.gov for details and application forms.

4. Consider Selling Your Car “As-Is”

If your car won’t pass smog and you want to avoid repairs, you can still sell it without a smog certificate — but only in certain cases.
  • In addition to these limitations, you must disclose to the buyer that the car failed the smog test.
  • As a result, registration cannot be completed until the vehicle passes smog; therefore, the buyer must either repair the vehicle or negotiate with the seller to address the issue before proceeding.
  • To illustrate, some local buyers, such as Los Angeles Cash for Cars, purchase running vehicles that fail smog tests. They manage all paperwork and pay cash the same day—no testing, no waiting, and no DMV hassle.
Given these options, this method is the fastest and simplest way to dispose of a car that is too costly to repair.

5. Don’t Ignore It

Failing a smog test in California isn’t the end of the road. It’s a signal that something in your car’s emissions system needs attention. If repairs are affordable, fixing the issue will improve performance and fuel efficiency. But if your car is older, high-mileage, or too costly to repair. Selling it “as is” to a licensed local car buyer may be the smarter move.

Final Thoughts

Failing a smog test in California doesn’t have to be stressful — it simply means your car’s emissions system may need attention. If repairs are manageable, fixing the problem can boost performance and fuel efficiency. However, if your car is older, has high mileage, or needs expensive repairs, selling it “as is” to a licensed car buyer could be the practical solution.

If repairs are too costly or impractical, Los Angeles Cash for Cars can help. We buy running and driving vehicles—even those that won’t pass smog. We provide a fair cash offer, handle all the paperwork, and make selling fast and worry-free.

To get started, call or text (310) 893-0162 today for a quote and get paid cash for your car—even if it failed the smog test.

Picture of Andrew Marks

Andrew Marks

Has been buying, selling, reconditioning and restoring cars since 2008. He is the owner of Los Angeles Cash for Cars, a trusted car buyer serving the greater Los Angeles area. With years of hands-on experience in used cars, classic car restoration, and automotive valuation, he’s passionate about educating the public on how to sell a car for cash or buy a reliable used vehicle with confidence.