Decoding Smog Check Failures: What the January 2025 Report Reveals for Joe’s Drive Thru Smog Check Customers
Understanding Joe's Drive Thru Smog Check Test Failures: Insights from January 2025
At Joe’s Drive Thru Smog Check Star Station, we’re committed to helping you keep your vehicle compliant with California’s emissions standards. Whether it’s your first time getting a smog check or you’re a seasoned driver, understanding why vehicles fail their initial smog tests can save you time, money, and frustration. The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) recently released its Smog Check Executive Summary Report for January 2025 ( https://www.bar.ca.gov/smog-check-executive-summary-report/2025-01#Initial-Test-Failures ), and we’re diving into the data on initial test failures to give you the inside scoop.
What the Data Says About Initial Test Failures
The January 2025 report highlights failure rates for vehicles undergoing smog checks using two primary systems: the BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (for 1999 and older vehicles) and the On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (OIS, for 2000 and newer vehicles). Here’s what we found:
BAR-97 Tests (Older Vehicles): Older model years tend to struggle more with tailpipe emissions. The report shows that vehicles from the 1990s and earlier often fail due to worn-out components like catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, or exhaust systems that no longer meet California’s strict standards. The older the vehicle, the higher the likelihood of an initial failure—something we see regularly here at Joe’s.
OIS Tests (Newer Vehicles): For vehicles from 2000 to 2019, the failure rates vary by model year. The report includes a chart showing that older OIS-tested vehicles (closer to 2000) fail more often than newer ones (closer to 2019). Common culprits? Faulty onboard diagnostic systems, check engine lights triggered by minor issues, or emissions-related software problems.
While the exact numbers shift month to month, one trend is clear: age and maintenance play a huge role in whether your vehicle passes or fails its initial smog test.
Year | Overall Fail Rate | OBD Fail Rate | OBD Readiness Fail Rate | Visual Fail Rate | Smoke/Liquid Leak Fail Rate |
2000 | 18% | 15% | 12% | 4% | 1% |
2004 | 16% | 14% | 10% | 3% | 1% |
2008 | 14% | 12% | 4% | 2% | 0.5% |
2012 | 12% | 10% | 5% | 1% | 0.5% |
2016 | 10% | 8% | 5% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
2020 | 8% | 6% | 6% | 0.2% | 0.2% |
2024 | 6% | 4% | 6% | 0% | 0% |
Why Vehicles Fail—and What You Can Do About It
Based on our experience at Joe’s Smog Check and the insights from the BAR report, here are some of the top reasons vehicles don’t pass their initial test:
Check Engine Light On: For newer vehicles using the OIS, a lit check engine light known as the malfunction indicator light is usually a failure. Even if it’s something small like a loose gas cap, the system flags it. Before heading to us, double-check your gas cap and consider a quick diagnostic scan at an auto shop. Perform drive cycle (https://www.joessmogcheck.com/post/not-ready-smog-check-failures) prior to your smog inspection.
Worn-Out Emissions Components: Catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and EGR valves wear out over time, especially in older vehicles tested with BAR-97. If your car’s pushing 20+ years, it might be time for a tune-up or replacement parts.
Software Issues: Since 2021, modified software not approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) guarantees a failure. If you’ve tweaked your vehicle’s performance, make sure it’s reverted to factory settings before your test. Perform drive cycle prior to your smog inspection.
Poor Maintenance: Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, or low fluid levels can throw off your emissions readings. Regular upkeep can make all the difference.
Model Year Range | Test Type | Estimated Failure Rate | Common Issues |
1990-1999 | BAR-97 | 25% | Worn catalytic converters, oxygen sensors |
2000-2009 | OIS | 12% | Check engine light, diagnostic issues |
2010-2019 | OIS | 6% | Minor software problems, maintenance issues |
How Joe’s Drive Thru Smog Check Star Station Can Help
Failed your initial smog test? Don’t sweat it—Joe’s Drive Thru Smog Check Star Station is here to get you back on track. Here’s where Joe’s Drive Thru Smog Check Star Station stands out. We get it—failing a smog check stinks, and the last thing you need is to pay for a test that doesn’t get you anywhere. That’s why we’ve got our “Pass or Don’t Pay®” policy. If your vehicle doesn’t pass its smog check, you don’t owe us a dime. It’s that simple. We’re here to take the stress out of the process and give you peace of mind.
How to Boost Your Odds of Passing
Want to avoid a fail and cruise through your smog check? Here are some pro tips from the team at Joe’s:
Check That Light: If your check engine light’s on, get it looked at before you visit us. Even minor fixes like tightening the gas cap can make a difference.
Perform drive cycle prior to your smog inspection.
Maintain Your Ride: Regular oil changes, fresh air filters, and new spark plugs keep your emissions in check.
Undo Mods: If you’ve tweaked your car’s software, switch it back to factory settings to stay CARB-compliant.
Plus, if you’re worried about costs, check out California’s Consumer Assistance Program (https://www.bar.ca.gov/cap). Income-eligible drivers can get help with emissions-related repairs also stated in the VIR report.
Tips to Avoid a Failure Next Time
Want to ace your smog check on the first try? Here’s what we recommend:
Keep up with routine maintenance—oil changes, air filter swaps, and spark plug checks go a long way.
Address that check engine light ASAP. Ignoring it won’t make it go away!
Joe's Smog Check's Role and "No Pass, No Pay®" Policy
Joe's Smog Check is positioned to help customers navigate these challenges, especially given the high failure rates for initial tests. The "No Pass, No Pay®" policy is a key feature, ensuring that customers only pay for the smog check if their vehicle passes. This policy reduces financial stress, particularly for those worried about failing due to age or maintenance issues. For example, if an older vehicle fails due to a worn catalytic converter, the customer doesn't pay for the test, allowing them to address the issue without immediate additional cost.
Final Thoughts
The January 2025 Smog Check Executive Summary Report confirms what we’ve seen at Joe’s Smog Check: failing an initial test often comes down to age, upkeep, or small oversights. But with a little preparation and the right support, passing your smog check doesn’t have to be a headache.
Ready to schedule your smog check?
Swing by Joe’s Drive Thru Smog Check Star Station 10909 Burbank Blvd North Hollywood, Ca 91601 JoesSmogCheck.com or give us a call 8187600703
We’re here to keep your wheels rolling—and California’s air clean!
Joe’s Drive Thru Smog Check Star Station
10909 Burbank Blvd
North Hollywood, Ca 91601