Home / Services / Failed Smog?
Failed Smog Check in Escondido, CA
Failed a smog check in Escondido? Bring the vehicle inspection report to a licensed test-and-repair or repair-only station you choose for the emissions repair, then return to our East Valley Parkway STAR station for the $30 smog retest within 30 days. We're test-only; walk in Monday through Saturday, book online, or call (760) 690-2360.
- 4.9★ · 2,430 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #297258
- Walk-ins welcome
- Se habla español
Understanding your results
Your vehicle inspection report lays out the results and whether the car passed or failed. It also lists any open safety recalls on the vehicle, which is easy to miss. We'll explain each line before you leave the station.
Getting from a fail to a pass
Choose where to repair
Any licensed test-and-repair or repair-only station can take the job. BAR's Auto Shop Locator lists licensed stations.
Look into warranty coverage
Some emissions repairs may be covered by your manufacturer's warranty. Check your owner's manual.
Drive before you retest
A battery disconnect or cleared codes resets the readiness monitors; a week or two of normal driving lets them finish.
Bring it back
Within 30 days of the failed inspection here, the retest is $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate if it passes (see how the retest works).
When a STAR station is required
Some renewal notices direct the car to a STAR station, and vehicles identified as gross polluters must be certified at a STAR station or a state Referee. In those cases the retest has to be at a STAR station too. Ours is STAR certified, so you can come back to the same place.
Retest checklist
- The repaired car.
- The failed inspection report.
- Your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you.
Makes we test
Ford, Toyota, Audi, Lexus and every other make: see them all.
What drivers say
5 out of 5 stars
“I had a great experience getting my car smog tested here. The staff was friendly, professional, and efficient. … Highly recommend this place if you want fast, honest service …”
Frequently asked questions
My car failed. What now?
Have a licensed repair station of your choice fix what the report lists, then come back within 30 days for the $30 smog retest.
Does a check engine light mean a fail?
Yes. With the check engine light on, a vehicle will not pass.
Can you recommend a repair shop?
We don't recommend particular shops. Find a licensed repair station with BAR's Auto Shop Locator.
Will the report show recalls?
Yes. It lists any open safety recalls on the vehicle.
What does the retest cost?
$21.75, plus the $8.25 state certificate only if the car passes, so $30 in total. It covers one retest of the same car here within 30 calendar days of the paid, failed inspection.
Hours and location
| 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 | Closed |
Escondido STAR Smog Check
APEX Smog · 1602 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92027 · BAR license #297258 · (760) 690-2360
For retests, drivers return from Mission Park, Orange Glen, Valley Center and Rancho Bernardo.
Cash, all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted. Waiting room with Wi-Fi. English and Spanish (se habla español). Holiday hours follow our Google Business Profile.
Ready for the retest
Questions about your results? Call us. Repair finished? Book a time.