Popular Reasons Cars Fail a WOF in 2026

A Warrant of Fitness (WOF) is a basic safety check that every vehicle on New Zealand roads must pass. But every year thousands of cars fail their inspection for issues that could have been easily avoided.

In 2026, workshops across New Zealand are seeing some very common patterns when it comes to WOF failures. The good news? Most of them are quick and affordable fixes if you catch them early.

Here are the most common reasons vehicles fail their WOF in New Zealand in 2026.

Tyres remain one of the top reasons for WOF failures in New Zealand.

For a vehicle to pass its WOF, tyres must have at least 1.5mm tread depth across the main tread pattern and be free from major damage.

Common tyre-related WOF failures include:

• Tyres worn below the legal limit
  
• Uneven tyre wear
  
• Cuts, cracks, or exposed cords
  
• Incorrect tyre sizes fitted

Low tread means reduced grip, especially in wet conditions...something you definitely don’t want on New Zealand roads

Your braking system is one of the most important safety components in your vehicle, so it’s no surprise that brake issues are a frequent WOF fail.

Common brake-related failures include:

• Worn brake pads
  
• Warped brake discs
  
• Brake imbalance
• Brake fluid leaks

If you hear squeaking, grinding, or feel vibration when braking, it’s a good idea to have it checked before your WOF inspection.

You’d be surprised how many cars fail a WOF because of simple lighting issues.

The WOF inspection checks:

• Headlights
  
• Brake lights
  
• Indicators
• Reverse lights
  
• Number plate lights

Even one blown bulb can cause a fail

Worn suspension components are becoming more common in older vehicles across New Zealand.

During a WOF inspection, technicians check for:

• Worn shock absorbers
  
• Damaged suspension bushes
  
• Loose steering components
  
• Excessive play in the steering system

If your car feels bouncy, unstable, or pulls to one side, your suspension could need attention.

A cracked or chipped windscreen can easily result in a WOF failure—especially if it obstructs the driver’s view.

Inspectors will look for:

• Large cracks in the driver’s line of sight
  
• Multiple chips or spreading cracks
  
• Loose or damaged glass

Small chips can often be repaired quickly if caught early.

It sounds simple, but worn wiper blades fail WOF inspections all the time.

If your wipers leave streaks, skip across the glass, or struggle to clear rain properly, they may need replacing.

Given New Zealand’s unpredictable weather, good visibility is essential for safe driving.

Rust is a growing issue for vehicles exposed to coastal air and moisture. Severe corrosion can affect the structural integrity of the vehicle, which is a serious WOF concern.

Inspectors will check areas like:

• Chassis rails
  
• Suspension mounting points
  
• Floor panels
  
• Seatbelt anchor points

If rust compromises safety, the vehicle will fail.

Seatbelts must be fully functional and undamaged to pass a WOF.

Common failures include:

• Frayed seatbelt webbing
  
• Seatbelts that do not retract properly
  
• Damaged or faulty buckles

These might seem minor, but they’re critical safety features.