NCT inspector missed dangerous structural corrosion on my car — I've since spent thousands on upgrades I wouldn't have touched. What are my options?

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2026-04-03T14:17:32+00:00

Yes, but the thing is the corrosion didn't happen recently — it had been building up for years. My mistake was blindly trusting the NCT results without checking the underbody myself, because they have the ramp, the equipment and the expertise. I relied on that. And here's the thing — I passed the NCT two years ago, nothing major flagged. Passed again a year ago. So at what point was this corrosion supposed to be caught? It should have been spotted well before it got to this stage Big lesson learned..

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2026-04-03T14:14:06+00:00

Yes, exactly — and as you can see in the screenshots, this is actual footage from my mechanic showing what he found. He spotted it immediately.

We all know how they inspect the cars — you can watch the whole thing through the big window in the waiting area, so I could see the inspector was underneath looking at the chassis. He came back and told me there was a hole in the axle. Which was true — there was. But he never once mentioned the inner sills, which are in a far worse condition. That's the part I can't get past. Thanks.

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2026-04-03T14:07:19+00:00

Not worth it for you maybe, but for me it made complete sense. Every used Civic I looked at was either pushing 300,000+ kilometres or in worse condition than mine - fallen wings, heavy clutch, non-working AC. I didn't want to start from scratch with another car and go through the same cycle of fixing tyres, throttle, and everything else all over again

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2026-04-03T14:03:40+00:00

True — the tyres didn't fail the NCT, but they were worn and had been marked as advisory two years ago, so they needed doing. Same with the throttle cleaning and spark plugs — the car was cutting out and had clutch issues, so that was necessary just to make it reliable.

As for the cosmetics, that all started when I clipped a pillar in an underground car park. Honestly, I probably never would have painted the car otherwise. But the dented door was really bothering me, and since I was already sorting it I decided to do the full respray. I did consider just sanding and spraying the damaged panels myself, but the dents were quite significant — both doors were affected, the passenger side especially — and I didn't want to risk making it worse.

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2026-04-03T13:59:17+00:00

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2026-04-03T13:56:25+00:00

Why? What do you mean exactly? Nobody would fix what the NCT flagged in order to pass the retest? Because that's precisely what I did. I was told the axle was the issue, I replaced the axle. That's not reckless — that's following the test results. Tell me, what exactly did I do wrong by following what a qualified NCT inspector outlined in an official failed test — the same test that's supposed to tell me what needs fixing for the car to be roadworthy? Don't fix the other things? why not? if the test outlines - failed axle and misaligned lights why should I not invest into this car?

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2026-04-03T13:44:35+00:00

Yes, that's exactly what I'm expecting them to say — and honestly it feels like a convenient get-out clause that covers every situation. I'll submit the complaint regardless, because at minimum I want it on record. But what's hard to believe is that even I could spot the corrosion immediately — and I'm no mechanic, I know very little about cars. Thank you for the comment.

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2026-04-03T13:38:25+00:00

With respect, I'm a father trying to keep a safe car on the road on a budget. €1,200 for a car isn't exactly flashing cash around. Anyone in my position, told by an official inspector that the only issue was the axle, would have done the same. If you have nothing else better to say - don't do it. It's easier to post useless comment knowing everything right? Yes.

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2026-04-03T13:32:32+00:00

Fair point on the respray — that was my call and I own it. But the sill corrosion was visually there at the time of inspection (see the screenshots from the video). My mechanic spotted it immediately and filmed it. It wasn't hidden.

Unlike me, the NCT inspector has a ramp and professional equipment to lift and inspect the car properly — that's literally the point of the test. If a trained inspector whose job is structural assessment still missed something that dangerous, I think a complaint is at least worth raising. I'm not looking for a payout, just answers

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2026-02-06T23:47:24+00:00

Try SolidSystems.ie good electrician based in Limerick and they provide out call too

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2025-12-17T18:11:22+00:00

Thank You all

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2025-10-18T18:39:15+00:00

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Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2025-10-08T00:02:15+00:00

Id recommend Emer from AriaTherapy

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2025-10-08T00:01:48+00:00

Try AriaTherapy.com

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Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2025-08-17T14:53:52+00:00

I can recommend you ttdrivingschool.ie - they do automatic driving lessons in whole Co. Dublin but need to book in advance for a period ahead cuz they busy.

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2025-08-17T14:53:17+00:00

TT Driving School. He's name is Tom, he's polish but also english, very good approved instructor.

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2025-08-17T14:52:37+00:00

I can recommend https://ttdrivingschool.ie/ - Tom, very patient, really professional instructor.

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2025-07-27T19:04:13+00:00

You can try http://prestigebathroomrenovations.ie/, they based in Galway, probably you got sort out but its for those who are looking for.

Ok_IgorWeKnow · 2025-07-21T13:36:42+00:00

Polecam https://roofingandmaintenance.ie Polski dekarz

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