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Failed Smog Check in Carlsbad, CA
Failed a smog check in Carlsbad? Keep your vehicle inspection report, get the emissions work done at a licensed station you choose, then retest. If the paid inspection that failed was here, our $30 smog retest applies within 30 calendar days. We're at 2509 Palomar Airport Rd, Suite 115, open seven days.
Think of the report as a to-do list rather than a dead end.
- 4.9★ · 538 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #311178
- Walk-ins welcome
- Open seven days
What you'll have after a failed test
- A vehicle inspection report. It shows the results, whether the vehicle passed or failed, and any open safety recalls. Keep it; the station doing the work will want it.
- Your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you. Keep these with the report. The notice tells you whether the retest must be at a STAR station.
What to do next
Read the report with us
Before you leave, we walk through which part of the inspection didn't pass, in plain English.
Choose a station for the emissions work
Any licensed station that does emissions work can handle it. BAR's Auto Shop Locator lists licensed stations that do emissions work, so you can pick one you trust.
Give the car time
If the work involved disconnecting the battery or clearing codes, drive normally for a week or two so the readiness monitors can reset.
Come back for the retest
The $30 smog retest is $21.75, plus the $8.25 state certificate if the car passes, within 30 calendar days of the failed inspection here.
Things that commonly cause a fail
- A lit check engine light. With the check engine light on, a vehicle will not pass. Take care of the light first.
- Unfinished readiness monitors after a battery change or cleared codes.
- An emissions-related fault that the report points to.
Before paying for big emissions work, read your owner's manual. Some emissions fixes may be covered by your manufacturer's warranty.
Makes we inspect
Our bay sees every make. Ford, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Mazda turn up most often in our job photos, and the full brand list is on our vehicles we smog check page.
Drivers on Google
5 out of 5 stars
“Very helpful, much needed when I needed a smog. Good prices and very friendly. Would recommend”
5 out of 5 stars
“Easy and fast smog check! … coupons available online. Definitely recommend and will be back for my next smog check!”
Frequently asked questions
My car failed. Where does the emissions work happen?
At a licensed station of your choice. BAR's Auto Shop Locator lists licensed stations that do emissions work, so you can pick one you trust.
What does the retest cost?
If the car failed its paid inspection here: $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate if it passes ($30 total), within 30 calendar days. A second fail on that retest is $21.75. See the smog retest page for full terms.
Does the report mention recalls?
Yes. The vehicle inspection report lists any open safety recalls.
Can you tell me if my car will pass before the test?
No station can. It depends on the vehicle on the day. A lit check engine light means a fail, so deal with that first.
Do I need to come back to a STAR station for the retest?
Only if your DMV renewal notice requires one. We are STAR certified.
Hours and location
Carlsbad STAR Smog Check
2509 Palomar Airport Rd, Suite 115, Carlsbad, CA 92011
(760) 814-2021
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4 PM |
Holiday hours: see our Google Business Profile. Wi-Fi in the waiting room. Hablamos español. Cash, major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted.
After a fail, drivers return to us from Vista, Encinitas, Aviara and Rancho Carrillo.
Retest with us
When the work is done, bring the car and the report back to Suite 115.
2509 Palomar Airport Rd, Suite 115, Carlsbad, CA 92011 · BAR license #311178 · (760) 814-2021