I had recently replaced the battery on my older Toyota and had no idea it would reset the vehicle diagnostics and affect my smog check. Another business told me rather bluntly that I needed to complete a 50-mile "drive cycle" before the car could pass. With my DMV registration deadline approaching over a holiday weekend, I was overwhelmed and short on time. After a restless night, I called this smog and repair shop and explained my situation. From the very first conversation, Brian and Katrina treated me with patience, compassion, and professionalism. Even though they were clearly very busy for the holiday weekend, they made me feel heard, understood, and genuinely cared for. That kind of customer service is rare these days. When I arrived, they were ready for me right on time. The process was smooth, organized, and efficient. The shop may look busy to the average customer, but it's obvious they run things with experience and precision. My car was finished promptly, and the quality of service was excellent. An added bonus: the location is great if you need to wait nearby. I was able to relax outside in the sun near Sprouts while everything was handled. What stayed with me most was how human the experience felt. Brian and Katrina made me feel at home away from home during a very stressful situation. I'm deeply grateful for their expertise, kindness, and integrity, and I'll absolutely be adding them to my future rolodex for automotive services. Highly recommended. read more

BE CAREFUL! $620 for the LABOR to install one ignition coil and spark plugs... here's how it happened: My partner brought our BMW 328i in for a smog inspection and to clear a check engine light. The car had already been diagnosed with a failed ignition coil and spark plugs by a mechanic who was backed up 2 weeks. Despite that, we were told they'd need to run another diagnostic themselves... AWESOME When I heard that they needed to do another diagnosis, I was worried, but luckily I was able to speak with the shop and my girlfriend before any work was done which was a relief. I was told on the phone that the repair would be $500 (a tad high- and also the maximum my normal mechanic told me I should pay for these repairs ....but it's the Bay Area, what are you going to do). By the time I got home from work it was almost 9PM. We were in bed and assumed that the car was gonna be there overnight but the shop called at 840 to let us know that we needed to pick up the vehicle. When we got there, I was informed that the bill had climbed to nearly $800 after additional labor charges and inspection fee had been added on top which were not initially included (all of which happened conveniently after I got off the call and my girlfriend left the car to get worked on). That kind of increase should have been explained much more clearly upfront. But OK, I approved, she signed, it's a miscommunication. Except it wasn't the bill she signed was $800 for labor no parts mention , and when I got there they raise the rate in additional $32 from the sheet she signed. Looking at this final invoice now: they charged OVE $620 in labor to replace 1 ignition coil and 1 spark plug-- i'm no mechanic but after speaking with a few, i've been informed that that's actually a fair amount of time to spend..... once you take into consideration their 2 hour lunch break in the middle of the job. The parts were only $150, yet the labor charge was FOUR TIME that amount. Let that sink in. These guys are crooks and I hope the BBB audits their business to make sure that the number of mechanic hours line up to the number of hours of possible working hours (they won't). I have a strong feeling they are working on multiple cars at the same time and charging you for the pleasure. If you're considering this shop, immediately STOP, go elsewhere. If your hands are absolutely tied, I'd still try to go elsewhere but if you absolutely have to, I recommend asking for a detailed, itemized estimate before authorizing any repairs-- then sitting there and watching how long they actually work on your car. Also take that initial estimate and use it as toilet paper.... that's exactly what they'll do. We absolutely will never be returning. Times are tough in the economy and I really hate that I supported this business. I strongly suggest you don't read more

Auto Row Smog and Repair - 500$ quote on the phone. $730 printed estimate, $800 at pick up. Bad karma headed towards this shop if there's any justice - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Oakland, California

Fast, easy, efficient. I went here to get my smog done and I was out of there in about 30 minutes. No-frills - you get what you see. I appreciate the guys for helping me out. I'll see you guys when I know that another smog check. read more

I wouldn't recommend because the place is small and messy, and the wait time is long.

My 2016 Honda Civic OBD2 monitor was "not ready" for the required SMOG test. I tried executing the drive cycle several times but failed to remedy the situation. Perhaps it just needed one more try... or perhaps it needed a professional's magic touch. Auto Row Smog got it fixed in 30 minutes. Cost was $209. Glad it's fixed. Passed the SMOG test afterwards. read more

Previously I had brought my car here for smog checks and that was always fine. In October 2024, I brought in my car for an oil change, they told me I had an engine rattle which was a real problem with some part, and that they could fix it. I put down a $500 deposit and organized my ride to/from work. When I came at the end of the day to pick up my car, it wasn't ready. Ok. So one of the guys is fixing it up as I'm waiting there. Drive away, cool. The next day as I'm driving to work there is a HORRIBLE smell emanating from my engine. I'm freaked out and also now doubtful of this shop so I called a previous trusted mechanic and bring it in there. The other shop explains that the work was poorly done, spewing oil and fluids everywhere in the engine and that I should take it back and any shop that's reputable will fix their errors for free. This shop also tells me that in their opinion, the engine rattle isn't fixable, & it's actually means the car is done for. They say I need to look into buying a new car. So not only has Auto Row made a big mistake with the repair and little mistakes with organization/timeliness, they also have misdiagnosed an issue, encouraged me to pay them money toward a car that won't last. Reluctantly I bring my car back to them, as suggested by the other shop, so that Auto Row can fix the leak they caused. There's not really an apology so much as a guy who seems overworked being a bit defensive. They do agree to fix the leak for free so again I drop off my car and organize my rides to work. Finally when I come to pick up my car, they're not sure where it is. They tell me one location, I go to look for my car, it's not there. This happens a couple more times until after half an hour, they realize it's upstairs in the Sprouts parking lot. I hike up and drive away. Thankfully no horrible smell anymore but this whole saga still cost me $500 and a LOT of my time and energy. Save yourself the stress, and skip this spot. read more

Auto Row Smog and Repair - From the other shop, explaining to me the issue with the shoddy repair - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've been a customer of Auto Row Smog and Repair for last 7 or 8 years. Brian is great- competent, reliable and operates a professional shop. It's hard to find a reliable shop these days and this is definitely one! Give them a try you won't be sorry. read more

Auto Row Smog and Repair - My 1999 BMW M3 on smog rollers - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Oakland, California

Brian was outstanding! I have an older Fiat the only replace that meets CA standards would have cost me $5000. Brian taught me so much about how the emissions process works. We are still seeking a solution to a supply chain issue but I loved his advice. read more

Brian is the guy! This is the spot. In the not-even-15 minutes I was there, he: smogged my car, mentored a new employee, consoled another employee and managed three different projects at once. Great customer service with soul. I'll definitely be back, and recommend to others. read more

It was great. i called, they answered, brought the car in, they did it in an hour. Raven and brian were really nice and i'll def be going back! read more

I needed a (DMV acronym something something) smog check, and my usual shop couldn't do it. They sent me down the street to these guys. Charged me the same as my old shop (like $49 + cert fee) and got it done quickly. Easy peasy and a fairly comfy couch to wait on. Bonus: the guy ran out of the shop & stopped me from backing into a Camaro as I was trying to get into their driveway, having overshot it. (My spatial acuity suuuucks...) read more

Fast, friendly, no-frills, efficient service - exactly what I needed. It was my first time here, and I walked in without an appointment and was helped right away. My car didn't pass the smog test at first, and they explained that I needed a repair. I appreciated that they could take care of it the same day, had the part on-site, and charged a reasonable price. About 1.5 hours later, the repair was complete and my car passed. I'd definitely recommend this place and will return myself. Thanks guys! read more

I'm at Auto Row Smog (3060 Broadway) and repair for a smog check. I have come here over and over again. Always fast, clearly hard working, and unfailingly polite and pleasant. 5 stars. Highly recommend. read more

I've been going to (and sending others to) this shop for 3+ years. In addition to smog checks, this is an excellent auto repair business, consistently do quality work for a fair price and clear communication. So it's usually very busy. Brian and team stay friendly under all the pressure. Happy and grateful repeat customer. read more

Getting your car repaired at Auto Row Smog is like hanging out at Cheers (the tv show). You get to chat with Brian and he explains all the details about what's happening with your car. Why go anywhere else? read more

Drove my Chevy g-20 in for the old skool smog and never saw it again. https://www.chamberofcommerce.com/business-directory/california/oakland/auto-repair-shop/2000787261-auto-row-smog-repair I don't know what type of mental disorder, entitlement complex, or addiction Brian Amble, the owner of Auto Row Smog and Repair on 3060 Broadway in Oakland is suffering with, but I drove my vehicle in for smog and repair in FEB 2023 and have not seen my van since. STORYTIME: After hearing all the positive reviews. I took my 1980's Chevy G-20, packed to the gills for vanlife into his shop for a smog. I was told this shop was one of the only in the area equipped to smog older cars. Brian introduced himself as the owner, popped the trunk and said it may need a few new parts that could take some time to get but he could do the job. The way his eyes lit up when he saw its condition made me think he could. He explained that his family had a similar one as a kid and he reminisced about working on it. He said his brother had a shop in Redding he could take the van to and work on it slowly, because it would take a while to source parts. I agreed and left a $1000 deposit to get the work started. After weeks of putting me off, I began to get concerned, he stopped answering and returning the calls I left for him at the shop every few weeks. I couldn't believe/wasn't sure of what was happening. Eventually, I received a notice about overdue toll fees, parking tickets and fines unpaid for my van from all over the Bay area! For my van that was supposed to be taken to Redding to be worked on. I had to take off work and show up in person to the shop and wait for him after being confronted, Brian admitted he was loaning out my van life van to his mechanics and told me not to call the shop anymore but his personal cell phone and gave me a separate number. He cash-apped me fines and fees so I could pay them, but he never returned my van. I asked him where it was he said 'away'. I got a letter a week later saying my van was at an impound lot in Concord. The impound lot told me the car had been abandoned on the street. I had to take off to confront Brian AGAIN. He admitted to attempting to drive the van to Redding and it breaking down and him leaving it there. I called the police, they said it wasn't criminal, but civil theft because I handed him the keys. It was a failed business contract, not a crime. He bailed my van out after I got hysterical about it being scrapped or auctioned. I even went to the DMV to get the non-op moving permit for us to take to the auctioneer. He said he was redeeming the van, but when we arrive Brian got shifty, he lied and said he would get it out and when he got there he said he actually didn't have the money wtf?! Eventually he did bail it out and put it on his tow trailer, but wouldn't bring it to a location of my choosing and instead, drove it to his private recreational residence up in Dunsmuir. When I met him at the auction impound lot, I got to peek inside dear old Teddy, it was trashed, a lot of my valuable van life home items were missing. He promised to replace everything or its value soon. He reassured me this was just the first step towards making things right, later sending me a hostage photo of my van saying it was safe. He convinced me, in my desperation that it was a reasonable solution to store it there, and we'd think about the next steps later, except then he dropped away. I haven't heard anything of substance from him since. It's the craziest story I never wanted to tell but please be warned. Brian Amble of 3060 Broadway Auto Row Smog and repair stole my van. He agreed to repair it, took my money and instead he drove my van into the ground, left it abandoned on the street in Concord and got it impounded, then towed it away to a secret location and I haven't seen it since. He has demonstrated complete and utter disregard for my needs and rights as a human and mocked and ignored our social and business contract. I pay you for a service you do it and return the item. This all happened last year I have been so shocked and flabbergasted that this could happen, so revolted that someone, a supposed professional especially since he came so highly recommended, could treat me and my property this way consistently over time and be completely resolute and unremorseful or unrepentant about it. But here we are; this is my story. I have receipts, I've also placed my complaint with the Better Business Bureau as well and he refused to respond as well. Since my van and $1000 deposit hasn't been returned and Brian has made no effort to reach out after almost a year of my patience, after the previous months of claiming to be 'not making enough money' or 'not finding the right parts yet' or 'having issues with his kids mothers' or whatever excuse he strung me along with, its disrespectful and disgusting, how you have taken advantage of a single black mother trying to make memories with their child. read more

Auto Row Smog and Repair - This hostage photo is the last time I saw my van. - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Oakland, California

Will never use these guys again. They are completely disorganized and chaotic, you can see it when you step in the door. For the second time in two years, I dropped my car off in the morning and was told it would be done by the end of the day, but it wasn't and they never called to let me know it wouldn't be. When I called at 5:45 PM to see if it was ready, they told me it wasn't an asked if I could leave it overnight - I could not. when I asked what happened, he said something about front desk staff neglecting to do the paperwork correctly,... shame on me for giving them a second chance, it was the last. read more

I'm grateful for the level of expertise Brian and the staff provide here. I've been in a couple times in recent years and both times I felt I received excellent service. The most recent time I went somewhere else first and ended up not getting the help I needed and instead being confused by someone who was out of their scope and not familiar with my car as it's older and was low production. The prices here seem good, especially for the bay area. I highly recommend Auto Row Smog and Repair. They are thorough and fair. read more

Brian: friendly, knowledgeable, smart, efficient. Experienced (22 years). Honest, explains things, master juggler (figuratively speaking). Same day service (in my case), zero lead-time. Want more? read more

Brian is knowledgeable and efficient. My smog check was completed in about 15 minutes. His rate is also pretty affordable compared to other smog checks in Oakland. read more

After many bad things I had to update this review. First is that the vehicle with the airbag light problem they caused, and that after many visits never fixed, still has that same airbag light problem as it will not turn off. And no, the airbags never deployed. After many return visits they said they would be under "new ownership" so they could no longer look at it. But years later the original owner got the shop back from his nephew. Now I am suspicious of finding the "new ownership" to be the truth. I went back and found if he is not making a quick buck, he stops working on your truck. Sorry you had to come back out of retirement buddy. read more

My 2013 Honda Civic has sporadically been having trouble starting for months. One time it wouldn't start and I towed it to another shop. It started for them. That was annoying -- they couldn't recreate the problem and I had to keep driving it, sporadically getting stranded with a non-starting car. I've mentioned this problem to a handful of mechanics now (I wandered Broadway trying to find a shop with capacity for my car for about an hour) but Brian at Auto Row was the first one to diagnose the problem. And he did it without even having to see the car. The starter was giving out. The sporadic non-starting was a dead giveaway. That's how they go out. And this tends to happen around 100k miles, like my Civic has. You live and you learn. Brian gave me a fair estimate & explained it clearly. It took longer to do the work than he initially quoted but he still honored the estimate & got me the car back on the same day. A kind and honest dude. Ideal mechanic experience. Go here. read more

Brian and Auto Row Smog and Repair are the best. Fair, honest and go above and beyond. Could not recommend more highly. Stayed open late on Friday of Memorial Day weekend to smog my vintage car that had to be put on a dyno (which not all smog facilities are equipped to do). read more

Just a great place. This place is busy but worth every minute. He also mentioned some other things that would benefit my vehicle like cover all off road lights because you can get a ticket. Just ear hustling these conversations he keeps helping people pass smog the cheapest and best way possible. read more

My car failed the California Smog Test. After the failed test, I went to Auto Row Smog. They installed a new catalytic converter. After driving, for a few days to reset the sensors, today I took the car in for a re-test. It passed. Brian and his team were wonderful. They gave me a great price, great service and were super personable and easy to talk to. I recommend Auto Row Smog with enthusiasm. read more

timeline of 1998 toyota camry in regards to auto row smog and repair (star certified station) 12/11 diagnostic of car = $283.50 determined the computer was broken (faulty) - i was told that the amount of the diagnostic would be deducted from the repair. i was told that a new computer would be ordered and they would call me when it came in. 1/8/2025 i decided to call to follow up because i had not heard back and it was almost a month. brian had no recollection of me, my car, or the broken computer diagnostic. brian asked me to bring in my car so he could look at it to remember. i did so. he said that he would order the computer. i was asked to call back the following day to confirm. i called back and the part was not ordered. i was told by brian he would call me back. he did not call back that day 1/9 or 1/10 (friday) i called on monday 1/13 and asked if i could bring my car in to leave it all day so that it could be fixed on tuesday 1/14. i was told yes that would work. i brought it in on tuesday at the opening of the shop at 8 and spoke directly to brian. he confirmed he would order the part and fix it and the car would be ready to be picked up end of day at 6 pm. i came back at 6 pm and the car was still on the street not having moved. brian had left even though earlier said he would definitely be in the shop. i told the bearded gentleman that said he worked at the shop 15 years ago and had now returned for the day and had the whole shop to himself. i told him this was the 3rd time i was told the computer would be ordered and it was not. he said he was not even made aware of the car and stated two times that that was ridiculous and apologized. he asked me to call back at midday tomorrow to confirm that the computer was ordered. i called back on 1/15 and was told again that he (brian) would order the part and call me back in a couple of days with no explanation why he didn't order the computer and fix the car nor any apology. i have not been called back to this day. i took my car to have the computer replaced at young's auto and it was replaced on 1/28 the engine light came on which indicates that the original diagnostic that i was charged for was incorrect. a second computer was then tried soon after the first fail and the engine light came on right away. read more

So I went here since the reviews seemed really positive . Brought my car in for an oil change since my maintenance light was on, and mentioned that I would like my horn reconnected as well . I was given a quote of 103usd and when I came to pick the car up , they charged me 150usd . Apparently to reconnect my horn, which takes no materials and maybe 15 mins, that was 50 dollars . I mean... that's a lot and I wasn't aware that it would have cost that much. If I did, I would have figured out how to do it myself . So I'm actually pretty upset by this . Also , the maintenance light is still on. ‍ read more

They got my car a parking ticket and failed to resolve or notify me about it. I've been trying to resolve this for like two years. Not to mention they replaced my cat converter and my car pretty much stopped working within like 3 weeks with similar issues as before replacement. They claimed to have purchased it new from the dealership across the street and my request for receipt was not followed up. Skip this place and buy yourself an electric car so you don't have to deal with incompetent crooks like these ppl. read more

Do not go here for any kind of repair! A smog maybe because that shit is simple and easy, but anything else and I promise you you will be highly disappointed! I'm in the process of finding out if there is any legal action I can take to sue or get money back. There is a massive lack of communication, they got a ticket on the car because of where they parked it during the day, they clearly are busy taking on too many projects that they don't complete, etc etc im so pissed off I've had to remove myself from the situation so that I don't say or do anything I'll regret! read more

I've been bringing my 2007 Toyota Highlander to this shop for a while now, and every time, the service is nothing short of amazing. A few months ago, I took my car in for a potential transmission issue, and I was blown away by how thorough Brian and his team were. They ran every possible test, had multiple mechanics check it out, and made sure there was absolutely nothing wrong before getting back to me. Most shops, when they hear "transmission issue," see dollar signs, but not here. They charged me only for diagnostics and even did my oil change upon request. I truly felt like they had my best interests in mind, and that's rare to find. Most recently, I noticed a lot of water leaking from my car before a long-distance trip to Southern California, and once again, Brian came through. Despite being busy and close to closing, he took my car in on short notice. As always, he was extremely knowledgeable and transparent, walking me through both the best and worst-case scenarios. What really stood out to me was the level of dedication Brian showed. He stayed late on a Saturday evening to inspect my car and get me a quote--well ahead of the Monday timeline he originally gave me. When he called, he broke the unfortunate news that the issue was with the water pump and timing belt. Although the repair wasn't in my budget this time around, Brian went above and beyond by offering to have someone come in on a Sunday (when they're normally closed) to get the work done so I could make my trip. Brian even left the car on the lift for me to see everything firsthand, and he patiently explained the issues while allowing me to take pictures for future reference. His willingness to help, honesty, and transparency have truly made him the most trustworthy mechanic I've ever found in the Bay Area. Although I wasn't able to get my car fixed this time, I would 1000% recommend this shop to all my family and friends - and Brian specifically. It's rare to find a mechanic who genuinely cares about their customers, and I know for certain that anyone who comes here will get an honest diagnosis and be treated fairly. Thank you, Brian and team, for always going above and beyond!! read more

This business is a must-use for auto repairs. I had a vapor recovery issue that was quickly analyzed and repaired. Brian and his team are top notch! read more

Good value and took me as a walk in. $58 all in for the smog test, they take card and staff were very nice. They even took me when I showed up at like 530, even though they close at 6 read more

Went in for a STAR Smog test. Dropped in with no appointment. They got me in quickly without much hassle. Once the test started, it was only 15 min. Great value for the money. read more

I love this spot, I use them for everything, oil change, smog check, catalytic converter. Highly recommended!!

If you need a place that can execute a quick and painless smog check - this is the spot. I have been coming here for the last 3 checks without an appointment and never had an issue. I get in and less than 15 minutes later I am out. If I can nitpick on the place, I would say its a bit dusty in there. They should definitely clean the place up. Besides that, they will have my continued business going forward. read more

Friendly and fast. I came in for a smog test and was out in a jiffy. Reasonably priced, too

Honest business, not gonna rip you off, will tell you everything you need to know to pass smog

He did an amazing overview for a pre-purchase. Saved me loads of money. Brian, was awesome! I highly recommend him.

Went in for a smog check on a Friday afternoon - place was hopping, but Brian had me in and out in less than 30mins. He was super nice and helpful - took time to explain a potential issue known to affect Honda CRVs. Appreciate them! read more

This was probably the worst service I've received in my life . Don't want to go into detail because the owner is a nice dude , but it took us 4 months to fully understand that this shop simply could not help us with our vehicle. Will not go back again .. And I won't get my money back from smog check that was never finished read more