What action should a vehicle owner take upon receiving a failed inspection?

When a vehicle fails an inspection, the most appropriate and effective action for the owner is to identify the faults indicated by the inspection report, make necessary repairs, and subsequently request a re-inspection. This approach ensures compliance with state regulations and safety standards, as it addresses the specific issues that led to the failure in the first place.

By properly identifying and correcting the faults, the vehicle owner can re-establish the vehicle's roadworthiness and legality for operation on public roads. After completing the repairs, the re-inspection serves to confirm that all issues have been addressed satisfactorily, allowing the owner to get the vehicle back into compliance with state laws.

Driving a vehicle that has failed inspection is not advisable due to safety and legal implications. Ignoring the situation, selling the vehicle without rectifying issues, or only performing basic maintenance does not sufficiently address the problems, which can pose risks to the driver and others on the road. Therefore, the recommended course of action is to follow the steps provided in the correct answer to ensure a safe and compliant vehicle.