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2024

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Best Auto Repair Shops in San Diego, CA

Our Recommended Top 19

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored San Diego Auto Repair Shops on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

284Reviewed

178Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

San Diego, CA

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
3.6 (59)

Why choose this provider?

Car Genius is staffed by RepairPal auto repair experts who provide mechanical advice and education on vehicle repairs and maintenance. Our Geniuses can help with investigating issues that your car may be facing; car repair best practices; specific car repair and maintenance costs; what that noise, dashboard light, symptom might be; what to ask and expect at the shop; the best repair facility for your specific needs; deciphering that repair estimate; and follow-up on any post-repair questions or lingering issue. RepairPal brings trust and transparency to auto repair by helping millions of customers feel confident that they're getting a fair price. The RepairPal Certified Network consists of 3,000+ trusted shops and dealers nationwide that have undergone our rigorous certification process which guarantee the facilities are expertly staffed, trained in the latest technologies, use high- quality tools and parts, and warranty their work for at least a year or 12,000 miles.

  • brake repair

San Diego, CA

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Auto Repair Shop in San Diego? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

San Diego, CA 92120

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (294)

Why choose this provider?

John’s Automotive Care is a full service automotive repair, truck repair, and vehicle maintenance company for residents in the San Diego, CA metro area for over a decade. This locally owned and operated family business aims to deliver quality service on all major and minor repairs on foreign and domestic cars and trucks. Services include vehicle preventative maintenance, auto repairs, tire sales and services, and more. Former clients speak highly of their customer service, large selection of tires, and knowledgeable staff.

9726 Aero Drive, Ste A., San Diego, CA 92123
WebsiteLicense: 291064

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (129)
Google
4.3 (91)

Why choose this provider?

Brake Stop & Auto Repair is a NAPA-certified company that caters to drivers in San Diego. Its technicians perform drivetrain and electrical system diagnostics to locate various automobile issues, including black or gray smoke, engine management faults, misfiring, rough running, and lack of power. They also offer ECU and dyno tuning, check battery replacement, fuel filter and oil change, and brake and pipework inspection services. The company holds the ASE certification and handles different cars from Kia, Ford, and Honda.

  • Toyota Service Center
  • Hyundai Service Center

6690 Miramar Road Suite B, San Diego, CA 92121
WebsiteLicense: 290029

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (114)
Yelp
4.0 (80)
Facebook
4.4 (15)

Why choose this provider?

Kwon's Auto is a family-owned auto repair business that offers vehicle repair, maintenance, and collision and body damage fixing in San Diego. It handles engine diagnosis, brake repair and replacement, electrical troubleshooting, and oil and filter changes. The crew conducts smog checks for both diesel and hybrid cars and helps clients deal with smog check renewals, change of ownership, and out-of-state and military base registrations. Founder Chung Kwon started the business in 1988. It is now run by his wife and eldest daughter.

  • AAA Certified
  • ASE Certified

2828 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
WebsiteLicense: 291762

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.7 (694)
Google
4.8 (190)
Facebook
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Advantec Auto Repair caters to clients in the San Diego metro and the surrounding communities. Its team of ASE-certified mechanics repairs vehicles and handles issues related to brakes, clutches, engines, heaters, suspensions, and transmissions. It also assists those who are experiencing whirring sounds or foul odor coming out of vents when the AC is on. Its solutions include complete diagnostics assessment and parts removal and replacement. Advantec Auto Repair has over 25 years of experience in the industry.

  • AAA Certified
  • ASE Certified

2950 Kurtz St. Ste F, San Diego, CA 92110
WebsiteLicense: 278330

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (308)
Yelp
3.5 (198)
Facebook
4.4 (22)

Why choose this provider?

Speedy Auto Repair & Smog is a local full-service facility serving San Diego since 1995. Its team of factory-trained and ASE-certified master technicians handles general maintenance tasks that include tune-up and filter replacement. Additionally, the team conducts diagnostics and safety inspections, replaces alternators, and repairs transmission systems, engines, and air conditioners. The facility is a family-owned and family-operated business and is a STAR Test & Repair Station. It provides custom programs for USD employees and students and service members.

  • ASE Certified

4630 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
WebsiteLicense: 93298

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (346)
Yelp
4.7 (229)
Facebook
5.0 (32)

Why choose this provider?

Robert's Auto Service caters to drivers seeking maintenance solutions in San Diego and nearby locations. It provides a wide selection of repair services for vehicles of various makes and models from brands, such as Volvo, Ford, and Toyota. The company fixes broken or faulty suspensions and steering, shocks, brakes, and fuel injectors. It also addresses belt, evaporator, and compressor issues. In addition, its technicians perform wheel alignment and transmission repair. Robert's Auto Service holds the ASE certification.

  • ASE Certified

7985 Raytheon Rd, San Diego, CA 92111
WebsiteLicense: 293974

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (155)
Yelp
5.0 (68)

Why choose this provider?

Sheens Auto Care serves clients in San Diego and the surrounding neighborhoods. It provides auto repair services, including engine repair, replacement, and performance check; belt replacement; cooling system repair; and radiator repair and replacement. It also offers auto electrical system diagnostics and repairs; heating and air conditioning systems; brakes, shocks and struts; and chassis and suspensions. The shop utilizes genuine and OEM parts. It works on vehicles from various manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Honda, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.

  • State Inspection

7696 Vickers St, San Diego, CA 92111
WebsiteLicense: 244436

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (157)
Google
4.8 (141)

Why choose this provider?

Ray Frey Auto Center is a family-owned and family-operated business that has been providing auto repair services in San Diego and the surrounding areas since 2006. Its team of ASE-certified technicians addresses issues on brakes, engines, cooling systems, ignition systems, and radiators. They also offer maintenance services like oil changes, tune-ups, filter replacements, check engine light diagnostics, and trip inspections. Some of the vehicle brands they service are Ford, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Subaru, and Jeep.

  • ASE Certified
  • Honda Service Center
  • Audi Service Center

4518 Morrell St, San Diego, CA 92109
WebsiteLicense: 283262

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (155)
Google
4.8 (72)

Why choose this provider?

M&C Auto Repair serves car owners in San Diego and the surrounding areas. Its repair and maintenance services include timing belt replacement, and oil and filter changes. The shop has been serving the metro for more than 20 years. Its mechanics perform repairs with detailed attention and strive to complete services on the same day. They work on domestic and foreign vehicles, including Acura, Honda, and 4-cylinder cars. M&C Auto Repair is dedicated to honest service, providing repair costs upfront.

  • State Inspection
  • Smog Inspection

7639 Carroll Rd Ste A, San Diego, CA 92121
WebsiteLicense: 296485

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (82)
Yelp
4.5 (63)
Facebook
4.8 (20)

Why choose this provider?

MOTEC Auto Care provides a wide range of repair and maintenance solutions to clients in San Diego. Its services include tune-ups, oil changes, overhauls, car inspections, wheel alignment, and tire installation. It provides repairs for brakes, air conditioning systems, radiators, steering, and suspensions. The shop specializes in commercial fleet services and repairs for transmission and engines. MOTEC Auto Care is recognized as a Female Friendly Auto Repair Shop. It also holds the title as an ASE Certified Blue Seal Shop.

  • ASE Certified

1125 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110
WebsiteLicense: 288057

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.8 (194)
Google
4.8 (131)
Facebook
5.0 (15)

Why choose this provider?

Morena Automotive is a family-run business that helps clients in and around San Diego take care of their vehicles. Its ASE-certified mechanics work on fleets of both domestic and international vehicles, repairing any component wear or damage. They fix damaged tires, malfunctioning motors, blown brakes, and flat or imbalanced tires. The staff also performs a variety of jobs, including changing batteries and filters, during preventative maintenance service. Morena Automotive has been serving the community for more than four decades.

  • ASE Certified

3095 54th St, San Diego, CA 92105
WebsiteLicense: 283771

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (109)
Yelp
4.5 (54)

Why choose this provider?

Nu's Auto Repair & Body has been inspecting, repairing, and maintaining vehicles for customers located in San Diego since 1987. Its mechanics address technical problems for both domestic and foreign-made automotive models, including Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, using commercial-grade tools and comprehensive repair procedures. They cover various components, ranging from clutches and automatic brakes to wheels and suspensions, along with vehicle frames and bodies. They also reconstruct engines and transmission systems and carry out factory-approved maintenance procedures like fuel injections and oil changes.

2820 Midway Drive, San Diego, CA 92110
WebsiteLicense: 198527

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (139)
Google
4.3 (86)

Why choose this provider?

Hi Auto Repair serves car owners in and around San Diego. It repairs, replaces, and maintains an extensive selection of vehicle components, such as air conditioners, engines, alternators, electrical systems, radiators, and batteries. It also performs oil changes, smog checks, and wheel alignment to improve the safety of its clients' vehicles. The company has been maintaining foreign and domestic cars for over 37 years and was named the "Best Cheap Mechanic" in 2001 by San Diego Reader, an alternative press newspaper.

  • State Inspection
  • Smog Inspection

4194 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104
WebsiteLicense: 284797

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.7 (228)
Google
4.8 (203)

Why choose this provider?

North Park Auto Repair is a locally owned and operated business in San Diego. Since 1996, it has been performing thorough car inspections and providing accurate diagnoses to owners. Its repair mechanics handle problems impacting brakes, engines, batteries, radiators, and ACs. The company's lead technician, Jason Vou, received ASE certifications in automotive electrical systems and engine performance. He is also a certified Smog Check Inspector. Additionally, North Park Auto Repair makes special arrangements to accommodate a client's busy schedule.

  • ASE Certified
  • Smog Inspection

3441 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
WebsiteLicense: 286763

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Smitty’s Service is a family-operated auto repair shop that has been serving clients in and around San Diego for over 75 years. Its team of ASE-certified technicians utilizes the latest automotive technology to cover automotive diagnostics, technology, repair, and full-service maintenance. Aiming to serve clients with quality work, Smitty's Service conducts digital inspections that include pictures and a prioritized list of maintenance recommendations. Its mechanics offer both pick-up and drop-off auto repair services, as well as shuttle services.

  • ASE Certified

7904 Engineer Road, San Diego, CA 92111
WebsiteLicense: 209080

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (331)
Google
5.0 (85)

Why choose this provider?

Wolf’s Foreign Car Service is a family-owned and family-operated business catering to vehicle owners in the San Diego area. Its ASE-certified technicians make fuel and exhaust system repairs. They also address fluid leaks and resolve issues concerning brakes and transmissions. The company, which accommodates after-hours vehicle drop-offs, also provides other services such as computer diagnostic testing, preventative maintenance, and engine cooling system flush. It has repaired more than 178,000 vehicles since it started operating in 1967.

  • ASE Certified

5165 Cass Street, San Diego, CA 92109
WebsiteLicense: 269244

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (178)
Yelp
4.4 (177)
Facebook
3.5 (21)

Why choose this provider?

Cass Street Automotive serves clients throughout San Diego. It provides a wide range of auto services, including oil changes, tune-ups, filter replacements, and safety and emission inspections. It also repairs brakes, chassis and suspensions, and shocks and struts. Its team performs maintenance inspections and repairs and replaces engines, radiators, and heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems. It works on both domestic and imported vehicles. The company has performed repairs and maintenance work for cars from manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Jaguar, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz.

  • Smog Inspection
  • State Inspection

Compare our Top Auto Repair Shops

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Car Genius
San Diego, CAFree Consultation
John’s Automotive Care
San Diego, CA 92120
Brake Stop & Auto Repair
9726 Aero Drive, Ste A., San Diego, CA 92123
Kwon’s Auto
6690 Miramar Road Suite B, San Diego, CA 92121
Advantec Auto Repair
2828 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Speedy Auto Repair & Smog
2950 Kurtz St. Ste F, San Diego, CA 92110
Robert's Auto Service
4630 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Sheens Auto Care
7985 Raytheon Rd, San Diego, CA 92111
Ray Frey Auto Center
7696 Vickers St, San Diego, CA 92111
M&C Auto Repair
4518 Morrell St, San Diego, CA 92109
MOTEC Auto Care
7639 Carroll Rd Ste A, San Diego, CA 92121
Morena Automotive
1125 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110
Nu's Auto Repair & Body
3095 54th St, San Diego, CA 92105
Hi Auto Repair
2820 Midway Drive, San Diego, CA 92110
North Park Auto Repair
4194 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104
Smitty’s Service
3441 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
Wolf’s Foreign Car Service
7904 Engineer Road, San Diego, CA 92111
Cass Street Automotive
5165 Cass Street, San Diego, CA 92109

FAQs

  • Introduction

    Automobiles have increasingly become a necessary convenience. They can also be extremely frustrating when not operating properly. Knowing the basics of car maintenance can help you make informed decisions as you move forward.

    One key point to understand is the difference between auto body and auto repair shops. Auto body shops focus only on the body, or the nonmoving parts of the vehicle. Auto body technicians repair dents in doors and fenders and replace broken windshields.

    Auto repair shops handle the components that contribute to powering the vehicle or making it stop. Auto mechanics maintain and repair components, such as electrical wiring, engines, transmissions, and brakes.
  • What maintenance does a car need annually?

    Some routine maintenance, such as an oil change, is recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, and other services, such as belts, hoses, and fuel filters, should be addressed quarterly. Annual upkeep includes brake and suspension checks. Specific maintenance depends on the miles driven and the vehicle's age. Consult the car's service manual for more detailed guidelines.

  • What does it mean when your car says maintenance is required?

    The vehicle's maintenance required light comes on at specific mileage intervals. If the car's been driven more than 4,500 miles, it might illuminate to remind you that an oil change is necessary to maintain optimal performance. The maintenance required alert differs from the check engine light, which appears for specific operating issues that need to be addressed.

  • How much should I budget for car maintenance?

    While AAA recommends setting aside $1,200 a year ($50 a month to cover auto maintenance and another $50 for repairs), much depends on the make and condition of the specific vehicle. A basic oil change and filter is approximately $50. However, the same service for a Mercedes-Benz costs as much as $200, according to The Detroit Bureau.

    Keeping up with routine maintenance will help prevent some major repairs, but components such as timing belts and brakes ultimately need to be replaced, putting a $400 to $900 dent in your wallet.
  • What kind of maintenance do electric cars need?

    Monthly maintenance should comprise checking the tire pressure and windshield wiper fluid. At 7,500 miles, the battery, power inverter, cabin heater, and charger modules' coolant levels need to be checked. A visual inspection of the vehicle's other moving parts, such as the power steering and suspension, should also be included.

  • Can you negotiate car repairs at a dealership?

    Dealerships use a sales or service writer management team to estimate parts and labor repair costs. Their mechanics focus on repairing the vehicle. While it's possible to negotiate a more palatable rate with dealerships, their preset pricing systems are more structured than independent shops. It pays to be prepared with cost comparisons.

  • Is car repair insurance worth the cost?

    Car repair insurance typically covers the repair of mechanical breakdowns, such as air conditioning, electrical and fuel systems, engines, and transmissions. The caveat is that a standard car repair insurance policy only covers a vehicle up to 72,000 miles, according to Forbes. Few vehicles experience major mechanical problems under 100,000 miles, and if they do, they're usually covered under warranty.