New Report Finds 50,000 Forsyth and Cherokee County Vehicles Fail Emissions Tests Every Year

An estimated 50,000 vehicles registered in Forsyth and Cherokee County fail their Georgia emissions test every year, according to a research report released by Freehome Service Center, an ASE-certified NAPA Auto Care Center on Cumming Highway.

The report, titled The Forsyth and Cherokee County Vehicle Emissions Report, draws on Georgia Clean Air Force data, Georgia Department of Revenue registration figures, and EPA OBD program statistics to explain why local vehicles fail and what those failures can cost drivers.

Of the approximately 425,000 eligible gasoline-powered cars and light trucks registered across the two counties, 10% to 15% are estimated to fail their first emissions test attempt in a typical year. The report estimates that this creates a repair market exceeding $27 million across Forsyth and Cherokee County.

The report identifies EVAP system failures as the most common emissions fault-code category, accounting for 24.3% of all OBD failure codes nationally and an estimated 12,900 local vehicles annually. Freehome Service Center notes that damaged EVAP hoses can require physical inspection to diagnose correctly.

The report also highlights the difference between a steady and flashing check engine light. A flashing warning can indicate active misfire conditions that may damage a catalytic converter. The report cites catalytic converter replacement at approximately $1,800 at Freehome Service Center, compared with typical tune-up pricing of $200 to $400.