Common Reasons Cars Fail Their Warrant of Fitness in New Zealand

Cars in New Zealand can fail their Warrant of Fitness (WOF) for several common reasons related to safety and roadworthiness. Worn or faulty brakes, damaged tyres with low tread depth, and broken lights or indicators are frequent issues. Suspension problems, excessive exhaust emissions, and steering faults can also lead to failure. In some cases, visible rust, unsecured body panels, or windscreen damage affects compliance. Regular servicing and early inspections help identify these problems before a WOF test. Addressing minor faults in advance can save time, reduce repair costs, and improve the chances of passing the WOF inspection smoothly.