Dashboard Warning Lights That Can Make You Fail Inspection
If you show up for a safety or emissions test with certain dashboard warning lights on, there’s a good chance your car will fail inspection. Knowing which lights matter most can save you time, stress, and a re-test fee.
This guide walks through the dashboard warning lights that can make you fail inspection, what each one means, how serious it is, and what to do before your appointment. We’ll focus on common U.S. inspection standards and real-world shop practices.
Do Dashboard Warning Lights Automatically Mean Inspection Failure?
Not every lit symbol guarantees a fail, but some lights are almost always a problem. In general:
- Anything related to emissions (especially the check engine light) is likely to cause an emissions test failure.
- Red safety lights (brakes, airbags, steering, etc.) can cause a safety inspection failure.
- Minor maintenance or service reminders often do not cause failure, but they can confuse inspectors and should still be addressed.
Specific rules vary by state and testing program, so always check local requirements. However, the lights below are widely recognized as serious issues across the U.S.
The Most Common Warning Lights That Can Fail Inspection
1. Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
The check engine light is the most common reason a car fails an emissions test. This light indicates that the engine or emissions control system has stored a fault code.
On most vehicles, if the check engine light is on steady or flashing, the emissions system is considered not ready or malfunctioning, and the inspector will fail the vehicle.
Learn more about this crucial symbol in our detailed guide to the check engine light and what it means.
Why the Check Engine Light Matters for Inspection
- Modern inspection machines connect to the OBD-II port and look for stored trouble codes.
- If there are active trouble codes and the light is on, the vehicle often cannot pass emissions.
- Some states will also fail you if required readiness monitors have not completed, even if the light is off.
Common Causes
- Faulty oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor
- Loose or bad gas cap (very common)
- Catalytic converter efficiency problems
- Misfires, ignition coil issues, or bad spark plugs
- EVAP system leaks
If your check engine light is flashing, that’s even more serious. A flashing light usually points to a misfire that can damage the catalytic converter. For details, see our guide on a flashing check engine light and what to do.
What to Do Before Inspection
- Get the codes scanned. Many parts stores or repair shops can read OBD-II codes.
- Fix the underlying problem, not just clear the light. Clearing codes without repairs may cause monitors to show “not ready,” which can also fail your test.
- Drive the car normally for several days after repairs so readiness monitors can reset.
2. ABS Warning Light (Anti-Lock Brake System)
The ABS warning light indicates a fault in the anti-lock brake system. While your basic braking may still work, the safety system designed to prevent wheel lockup is disabled.
Because ABS is a critical safety feature on modern vehicles, many inspection programs treat a lit ABS light as a reason to fail a safety inspection.
For a deeper explanation of this symbol, see our dedicated article on the ABS warning light and common causes.
Common Causes
- Faulty wheel speed sensor or wiring
- Damaged tone ring or rusted reluctor wheel
- Low brake fluid (in some systems)
- Failed ABS control module or pump
What to Do Before Inspection
- Have a shop scan the ABS control module for codes.
- Repair or replace faulty sensors or components.
- Make sure the light turns off after starting and stays off while driving.
3. Brake Warning Light (Red)
The red brake warning light is a serious safety alert. It can indicate low brake fluid, a hydraulic leak, a stuck parking brake, or a problem with the master cylinder or brake circuits.
Driving with this light on can mean your car may not be able to stop properly. For that reason, a red brake light is almost always grounds for an immediate safety inspection failure.
For a full breakdown of this symbol and its causes, see our guide to the brake warning light and how to respond.
Common Causes
- Parking brake applied or not fully released
- Low brake fluid due to worn pads or a leak
- Faulty brake fluid level sensor
- Hydraulic system failure or pressure imbalance
What to Do Before Inspection
- Ensure the parking brake is fully released.
- If the light stays on, do not continue driving long distances. Have the brake system inspected immediately.
- Repair any leaks, replace worn pads/rotors, and bleed the system as needed.
4. Airbag / SRS Warning Light
The airbag light (often labeled SRS, for Supplemental Restraint System) means there’s a fault with the airbags or related safety components like seat belt pretensioners.
When this light is on, some or all airbags may not deploy in a crash. Because of that, a lit airbag light is a frequent reason for a safety inspection failure.
Learn more about what this symbol means in our article on the airbag warning light and SRS issues.
Common Causes
- Faulty seat belt buckle or tensioner
- Seat occupancy sensor issues
- Clock spring failure in the steering wheel
- Previous crash that deployed airbags and was not repaired correctly
What to Do Before Inspection
- Have an SRS-capable scan tool used to read the airbag module.
- Replace damaged components with correct, safety-approved parts.
- Never attempt airbag work without proper training; let a professional handle it.
5. ESP / ESC / Traction Control Warning Light
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or traction control lights typically look like a car with skid marks or say “ESP” or “ESC.” These systems help keep the vehicle stable in slippery or emergency maneuvers.
Some locations consider a lit stability control light a reason to fail a safety inspection, especially on newer vehicles where it’s standard equipment.
For symbol variations and details, see our overview of the ESP, ESC, and traction control warning light.
Common Causes
- Wheel speed sensor problems (often shared with ABS)
- Steering angle sensor not calibrated
- Yaw or lateral acceleration sensor issues
- Aftermarket modifications that confuse the system
What to Do Before Inspection
- Have a shop scan the stability control system for codes.
- Repair or recalibrate sensors as needed.
- Verify that the light goes out normally after startup.
6. TPMS Light (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
The TPMS light comes on when tire pressure is significantly low or when there is a fault in the tire pressure monitoring system.
Whether a TPMS light causes immediate inspection failure depends heavily on local rules. However, more and more areas treat TPMS as a required safety feature on newer vehicles, so it’s smart to address it before your appointment.
For specifics on this symbol, see our full guide to the TPMS warning light and common tire pressure issues.
Common Causes
- One or more tires significantly underinflated
- Failed or dead TPMS sensor batteries
- System not reset after tire rotation or replacement
What to Do Before Inspection
- Check and adjust tire pressures to the placard inside the driver’s door.
- If the light stays on, have sensors checked or replaced.
- Perform the TPMS reset procedure recommended by your owner’s manual.
7. Power Steering Warning Light
The power steering light can indicate a failure in hydraulic or electric power steering assistance. While you may still be able to steer, it can be much harder, especially at low speeds.
Because steering is a core safety function, some inspectors will fail a car if this light is on, especially if the steering feels heavy, jerky, or inconsistent.
For more detail, see our dedicated explanation of the power steering warning light and what it means.
Common Causes
- Low or leaking power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)
- Failed electric power steering motor or control module
- Steering angle sensor or communication faults
What to Do Before Inspection
- Address any fluid leaks and refill to the proper level if applicable.
- Have steering electronics scanned and repaired by a qualified shop.
- Ensure the steering feels normal and the light stays off while driving.
Other Warning Lights That Can Cause Problems
Some other dashboard lights may not automatically trigger a failure everywhere, but they can still raise red flags or be tied to issues that do.
Low Oil Pressure Light
The oil pressure warning light is usually red and looks like an oil can. It signals dangerously low oil pressure, which can destroy your engine within minutes.
Even if your area doesn’t specifically list this light as an automatic fail, most inspectors will not pass a vehicle with an active oil pressure warning because it indicates a serious mechanical risk.
For more, read our in-depth guide on the oil pressure warning light and engine protection.
Engine Temperature / Overheating Light
The engine temperature light is often red or blue; the red version indicates the engine is overheating. Driving an overheating car can cause severe damage like a blown head gasket.
An inspector noticing an overheating symbol or obvious coolant leaks is unlikely to pass the vehicle. Learn to recognize the signs in our article on the engine temperature warning light and overheating risks.
Battery / Charging System Light
The battery warning light usually means the alternator or charging system isn’t working properly. If the system isn’t charging, the car may stall and fail to restart.
While some places don’t list this as an automatic fail, a vehicle that can’t maintain proper voltage may not finish the test. It’s best to fix this before any inspection.
Which Lights Usually Do Not Cause Inspection Failure?
Some lights are more about maintenance than safety or emissions. These usually don’t cause immediate failure but are still worth addressing:
- Service or maintenance reminder lights (oil change due, service soon, etc.)
- Washer fluid low warnings (unless local rules say otherwise)
- Door, trunk, or hood open warnings (as long as everything latches properly during inspection)
Even if these don’t fail you directly, they can make it harder for the inspector to see if more serious lights are on. It’s smart to fix them in advance.
If you’re not sure what a particular symbol means, our complete library of common dashboard warning lights and their meanings can help you identify it.
How to Prepare Your Dashboard for Inspection
Use this basic checklist a week or two before your scheduled inspection:
- Turn the key to ON (or press Start without the brake). Watch the dash as all lights come on briefly, then go out.
- Start the engine. Confirm that no red safety lights (brakes, oil, battery, airbag) stay on.
- Look for the check engine light. Make sure it comes on with the key, then turns off once the engine is running.
- Check ABS, ESC, and TPMS indicators. They should go out after a few seconds or after driving a short distance.
- Address any active warnings. Don’t wait until the day before; some repairs require driving time to reset monitors.
If you’re new to warning symbols in general, start with our overview of dashboard warning lights and what the colors mean to get a feel for which alerts are most urgent.
Can You Just Clear the Lights Before Inspection?
Simply clearing codes or disconnecting the battery to turn off lights before inspection is rarely a good idea:
- The inspection computer can see that readiness monitors are incomplete, which often leads to failure or a “come back later.”
- The underlying problem is still there and will likely turn the light back on.
- In some areas, intentionally hiding faults can be treated as tampering with emissions or safety equipment.
The better approach is to have the car properly diagnosed and repaired, then drive it normally so the onboard systems can confirm everything is working correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a check engine light always make me fail inspection?
A lit check engine light will cause an emissions test failure in many U.S. programs because it means there are active trouble codes in the engine or emissions system. Some areas also check that certain OBD-II readiness monitors are complete, and a recent reset or code clear can fail you even if the light is off. The safest plan is to fix the cause of the light and drive normally for several days before testing.
Can a car pass inspection with the ABS light on?
In many states and safety programs, a lit ABS warning light is considered a safety defect and will cause an inspection failure, especially on vehicles originally equipped with ABS from the factory. Even where it’s not explicitly listed, inspectors can fail a car they believe has a critical safety system malfunction, so it’s best to repair ABS faults before your appointment.
Does the airbag light affect safety inspection results?
Yes. A lit airbag or SRS light usually means the airbag system may not deploy correctly in a crash. Because this is a core safety feature, many inspection stations treat an airbag light as an automatic or strong reason for failure. If yours is on, have the SRS system scanned and repaired by a qualified technician before going in for inspection.
Can low tire pressure or the TPMS light make me fail?
A TPMS light from low tire pressure doesn’t always guarantee failure, but it’s becoming more common for inspectors to treat it as a safety issue on newer vehicles. Extremely low pressure can affect braking and handling, and a TPMS fault can hide future pressure problems. Correct tire pressures and resolve any TPMS sensor faults to avoid potential issues during inspection.
Is a service or maintenance reminder light a reason to fail inspection?
Most service or maintenance reminder lights (such as oil change due or general “service soon” messages) do not by themselves cause inspection failure. However, they can signal that regular maintenance is overdue, which may contribute to other problems that could fail the test. Clearing these reminders only after the required service is completed is the best way to keep your car reliable and inspection-ready.