My friend took their Malibu in to get the emissions test and it ended up failing. After taking it to a trusted personal mechanic and also an emissions specialist mechanic they couldn't figure out what the problem was. It's suggested that it might be the catalytic converter but after looking into some forums it appears this is a problem with this model and an expensive catalytic converter replacement might not even be enough to make the car pass emissions.
The emissions department is unwilling to give any kind of extension on this. What can my friend do in this situation?