MVPI Fahas Fail Items Explained Common Reasons You Fail and Fast Fixes That Pass
Failing Fahas is annoying, but it is usually fixable without drama once you understand what the fail items actually mean. Your MVPI report is basically a checklist of safety and emissions points. If one or more items do not meet the standard, you fail until those items are fixed and rechecked.
This guide breaks down the most common Fahas fail items in Saudi Arabia, what they mean in real life, and the fixes that typically get you through the retest with less wasted time.
How the Fahas fail report works
Fahas is the Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection run through MVPI stations. The inspector checks a mix of safety items and emissions, then the result is recorded digitally and tied to your vehicle record.
Your report usually lists fail items by system. Some are simple, like a burned bulb. Others are broader, like brake imbalance or emissions outside limits. The important thing is that the report points you to what must be corrected before you can pass.
Re inspection rules in plain English
MVPI allows you to re inspect your vehicle twice within 14 working days. During the re inspection, only the failed items are checked unless new defects are detected. Re inspection fees apply. If you miss the 14 working day window, you pay full fees and your vehicle is inspected in full again.
Fahas fail items explained, with meanings and fixes
Identity and data mismatches
What it means
The system cannot match your vehicle details properly. This can be a chassis number mismatch, plate data mismatch, or wrong vehicle info attached to the inspection.
Common causes
Typos in vehicle data, mismatched chassis number, or outdated records.
Fixes that typically pass
Check your Istimara details against the chassis number on the car. If the issue is on the inspection report data, MVPI says you should go to MVPI customer service to correct the data and select Absher.
If you want a quick KSA checklist for documents and renewal basics, you can also use our practical guides on KSA Buddy
Lights and electrical
What it means
Something in the external lighting or signaling system is not working correctly.
Common causes
Burned bulbs, mismatched headlight aim, cracked lenses, non working indicators, brake lights out, reverse light out, plate light out, weak battery causing intermittent electrical issues.
Fixes that typically pass
- Replace any dead bulbs with the correct type.
- Clean or replace cloudy headlight covers if light output is weak.
- Adjust headlight aim if the report mentions alignment.
- Check fuses and sockets if bulbs keep failing.
- If indicators flash too fast, check for a bulb out or incorrect bulb type.
Brakes and braking balance
What it means
Braking performance is below standard, or there is an imbalance between left and right sides. This is a common fail because the machine can detect uneven braking that you may not notice.
Common causes
Worn pads, warped discs, leaking brake fluid, air in the brake lines, sticky calipers, uneven pad wear, bad brake hoses.
Fixes that typically pass
- Replace pads and discs if worn or uneven.
- Flush old brake fluid and bleed the system if pedal feel is soft.
- Check for leaks around calipers and brake lines.
- If the fail is balance, a stuck caliper or uneven pad wear is often the root problem.
Steering and alignment issues
What it means
Steering components have play, or alignment related readings are out of spec.
Common causes
Worn tie rods, worn ball joints, damaged control arm bushings, loose steering rack components, bad wheel bearings.
Fixes that typically pass
- Inspect and replace worn joints or bushings.
- Do a proper alignment after replacing suspension or steering parts.
- If the steering feels loose, do not ignore it. This is a safety item and tends to fail again if only partly addressed.
Tires and suspension
What it means
Tires do not meet safety condition, or suspension components show wear or instability.
Common causes
Tread too low, sidewall cracks, mismatched tire sizes on the same axle, bulges, damaged rims, worn shocks, broken springs.
Fixes that typically pass
- Replace tires that are worn, cracked, or bulging.
- Match tire sizes and load ratings on the same axle.
- Fix bent rims if they cause vibration or air loss.
- Replace leaking shocks or obviously worn suspension parts.
Windshield, mirrors, wipers, and horn
What it means
Visibility or basic safety equipment is not acceptable.
Common causes
Cracked windshield in driver line of sight, missing or loose mirrors, worn wiper blades, washer not spraying, horn not working.
Fixes that typically pass
- Replace wiper blades and top up washer fluid.
- Fix washer pump or nozzles if no spray.
- Replace mirror glass or tighten mirror mounts.
- Repair the horn circuit or replace the horn if it is dead.
- For windshield damage, many drivers choose repair or replacement depending on crack size and location.
Leaks, underbody, and general mechanical condition
What it means
There is a fluid leak or underbody defect that fails safety or environmental checks.
Common causes
Oil leaks, coolant leaks, power steering leaks, transmission fluid leaks, torn CV boots, loose underbody parts.
Fixes that typically pass
- Find the leak source and fix the seal, hose, or gasket.
- Clean the underside after repair so the inspector can see it is resolved.
- Fix torn CV boots early. They can lead to joint damage and repeat failure.
Exhaust and noise related failures
What it means
Exhaust system is leaking, damaged, or modified in a way that does not meet standards.
Common causes
Exhaust leaks, missing or damaged muffler, broken hangers, visible holes, poorly done modifications.
Fixes that typically pass
- Repair leaks and replace damaged sections.
- Secure hangers and brackets.
- If the issue is a modification, returning to a proper, sealed setup usually avoids repeat fails.
Emissions test failures
What it means
The car is producing exhaust pollutants above the allowed limits during the test.
Common causes you can actually fix
Common emissions testing focuses on pollutants like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, and failures often come from incomplete combustion or an engine running too rich.
Fixes that typically pass
- Do a full service tune up if it is overdue spark plugs, air filter, and resolving misfires.
- Fix vacuum leaks and sensor issues that cause a rich mixture.
- Check the oxygen sensor and catalytic converter condition if the problem persists.
- Drive the car properly before inspection. A short trip right before the test can help the engine and catalyst reach operating temperature, which can improve emissions results.
Body condition and safety related items
What it means
Something about the exterior condition creates a safety risk or does not meet inspection expectations.
Common causes
Loose bumpers, sharp edges from damage, missing parts, improperly secured panels.
Fixes that typically pass
- Secure loose panels and bumpers.
- Replace missing clips and fasteners.
- Fix sharp edges that could be dangerous.
Pre check checklist to avoid repeat fails
- Test every light yourself low beam, high beam, brake, indicators, reverse, plate lights.
- Check tire condition visible cracks, bulges, and matching sizes on each axle.
- Make sure wipers and washer spray work.
- Listen for obvious exhaust leaks.
- Scan for dashboard warning lights and address them before inspection.
- Look under the car for wet spots that suggest leaks.
- Confirm your Istimara details match the vehicle, especially chassis number.
What to do if you think the report is wrong
Start with the easy stuff: recheck the item yourself or at a workshop, because many fails are straightforward.
If the issue is a data fault in the inspection record, MVPI advises going to MVPI to correct the data at customer service and selecting Absher.
Quick wrap up
Treat the Fahas report like a to do list. Fix the specific fail items properly, do a quick pre check, then return for the re inspection within the allowed window so you do not end up paying full fees again.
For booking steps, station info, and the official re inspection policy, the best single reference is MVPI’s FAQ page
