What to do if my vehicle does not pass the DEKRA inspection?
Failing the vehicle technical inspection at DEKRA can be frustrating, but it doesn't mean you have to perform the entire process from scratch. Depending on the type and quantity of defects detected, you will be able to perform a reinspection after correcting the faults.
In this guide, we explain what to do if your vehicle does not pass the inspection, how much time you have to return, and how to prepare to pass the next review.
Why can a vehicle be rejected?
During the technical inspection, DEKRA verifies that the vehicle complies with the safety and emission requirements established by the Road Safety Council (COSEVI).
Some of the most common reasons why a vehicle does not pass are:
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Brakes in poor condition.
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Lights that do not work correctly.
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Tires with excessive wear.
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Deteriorated suspension.
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Steering with play.
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Polluting emissions outside the permitted limit.
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Oil or other fluid leaks.
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Windshield with significant damage.
Observations can be classified as minor faults or serious faults, according to the Manual of Procedures for the Vehicle Technical Inspection.
What happens if I have a serious fault?
If your vehicle presents a single serious fault, you will generally be able to perform a reinspection, in which only the defect that caused the rejection will be verified.
The reinspection has a lower cost than a full inspection and you must request a new appointment.
What if I have several serious faults?
When the vehicle presents more than one serious fault, you must perform a full inspection, as DEKRA will once again check all elements of the vehicle and not just the previously detected faults.
How much time do I have to perform the reinspection?
If you only obtained one serious fault and qualify for a reinspection, you have up to one month from the date of the original inspection to present the vehicle again.
Do I need to make another appointment?
Yes.
The reinspection also requires a prior appointment. You can schedule it from the official DEKRA website or by calling the call center at 4000-1100.
How to increase the chances of passing the reinspection
Before returning to DEKRA, verify that the problem has been completely corrected.
It is recommended to check:
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Brakes.
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Lighting system.
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Suspension.
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Steering.
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Tires.
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Emissions.
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Windshield wipers.
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Mirrors.
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Seat belts.
If you are not sure what caused the rejection, request that a mechanic shop check the vehicle before returning for inspection.
On PuraCars you can find mechanic shops, automotive electricians, lube centers, tire centers, and suspension specialists in different areas of Costa Rica.
What documents should I bring?
To perform the inspection or reinspection, you must present a current and valid driver's license for the type of vehicle you are driving.
Tips to avoid a new rejection
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Check all lights before leaving.
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Check tire pressure and wear.
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Ensure there are no visible leaks.
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Verify that the windshield wipers work correctly.
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Listen for strange noises in the suspension or steering.
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Perform preventive maintenance before the appointment.
A simple mechanical check can save you time and money.
Conclusion
Failing the DEKRA inspection does not mean your vehicle cannot circulate again. The important thing is to identify the faults, correct them as soon as possible, and request the reinspection within the corresponding timeframe.
Preparing the vehicle in advance considerably increases the chances of passing the next review and avoids additional expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my vehicle does not pass the DEKRA inspection?
It depends on the type and number of defects detected. If there is only one major fault, you can usually perform a reinspection after repairing the issue.
How long do I have to perform the reinspection?
You have a maximum of one month from the original inspection when a reinspection is required for a single major fault.
Do I need to make a new appointment for the reinspection?
Yes. Reinspection requires a prior appointment that you can book from the official DEKRA website or by calling 4000-1100.
What is checked during the reinspection?
If a reinspection is required, only the specific major fault that caused the rejection will be verified.
What happens if my vehicle has multiple major faults?
In that case, you must undergo a complete inspection, where all vehicle components will be checked again.
