Auto repair shop · San Diego, CA · reviewed since 2011
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%85+46.4Reliability 24%79+19.2Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%9+0.6Craft & service penalty95−0.5Experts Score= 80Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.80SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#92 of 148 auto repair shopsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 38%
4.8★★★★★467 Google reviews · 7 photos
92%five-star reviews
4.86★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
3.5%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Customers frequently praise Robert's Auto Service for honest assessments, clear communication, fair pricing, and prompt same-day repairs. Positive reviews highlight the staff's willingness to explain necessary maintenance without pressure, along with efficient scheduling and helpful pickup services. However, a pattern of severe criticism in low-star reviews alleges odometer tampering, unexpected price increases, and incomplete diagnostic work, suggesting significant concerns regarding transparency and vehicle safety despite the high overall rating.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 467 reviews (92% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 466 Google reviews (362 with written comments, 3 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 17, 2026.
Service: Auto Repair Shop serving San Diego, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other auto repair shops
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
Robert's Auto ServiceAuto Repair Shops median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Robert's Auto Service: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
85
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Robert's Auto Service: 79/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.B
79
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Robert's Auto Service: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
95
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Robert's Auto Service: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Robert's Auto Service: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Robert's Auto Service: 9/100 on this factor. Category median: 59.F
9
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
466 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars43092%
4 stars153%
3 stars82%
2 stars31%
1 star102%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 362 written reviews
97%praise
Praise73397%
Complaints193%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
96%fair
Great price831%
Reasonable1765%
Overpriced14%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude16822%
Quality & results12216%
Price & value11916%
Honesty & trust11415%
Speed & response10013%
Would recommend679%
Communication628%
What customers talk about
We read 362 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“and as always…James was so helpful, knowledgeable and wonderful to work with!”
“I started going to Robert’s Auto Service after a friend recommended them as an honest shop that does excellent work, and I’m so glad he did.”
“Worst car service ever , don’t be deceived by the reviews they called us to tell us what the price was for the service after take car apart the price…”
“They diagnosed the problem, fixed it quickly, and the cost was very reasonable.”
“over priced and under skilled.”
“I have been going to Roberts Auto for a few years, they are friendly, honest and fair pricing.”
“They know when all the recommended services are and promptly notify us when maintenance is needed.”
“I’m very happy I found Robert’s and absolutely recommend them.”
“If you have to use them, they get a 3 out of five stars.”
“They do what they say they’re going to do, communicate clearly, and make the whole experience easy.”
People customers mention
James27 reviews
Christian26 reviews
Roberts23 reviews
Keith9 reviews
Jeep7 reviews
Automotive4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Robert's Auto Service for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
ElyseLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a week ago★★★★★
Roberts Auto Service is the only place we will ever get our cars serviced! We have been saving hundreds of dollars by having my Lexus SUV serviced at Robert’s instead of the dealership! They know when all the recommended services are and promptly notify us when maintenance is needed. We just had another fabulous…
Great priceTransmissionGeneral repairs & maintenanceVehicle Inspection
John6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 weeks ago★★★★★
James at the front desk is extremely helpful...mechanics are well trained. Have. Been Working with Roberts for many years...and we have an antique Mazda that they have maintained for many years...Great service...honest assessments and good service all around.
Keith is an excellent owner and stands by the work of his…
Luba11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I started going to Robert’s Auto Service after a friend recommended them as an honest shop that does excellent work, and I’m so glad he did. I’ve been there several times for oil changes, and every experience has been great.
Last weekend, my car suddenly started making some very strange noises on the highway.…
KateLocal Guide · 24 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
I have been going to Roberts Auto for a few years, they are friendly, honest and fair pricing. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and trust worthy local mechanic.
Carol2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
I’ve been using Roberts Auto for over 30 years. They constantly deliver great service and reasonable prices. Honest and reliable
Debbie6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 4 months ago★★★★★
Excellent service! I really appreciate the ride to my home both ways. The driver was very friendly and polite!
Roberts Auto Service is the only place we will ever get our cars serviced! We have been saving hundreds of dollars by having my Lexus SUV serviced at Robert’s instead of the dealership! They know when all the recommended services are and promptly notify us when maintenance is needed. We just had another fabulous experience there….and as always…James was so helpful, knowledgeable and wonderful to work with! We receive FIVE STAR service from them every time and could not be happier!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Transmission, General repairs & maintenance, Vehicle Inspection
John Bryson Chane6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews John has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
James at the front desk is extremely helpful...mechanics are well trained. Have. Been Working with Roberts for many years...and we have an antique Mazda that they have maintained for many years...Great service...honest assessments and good service all around.
Keith is an excellent owner and stands by the work of his mechanics. I have never had an issue with auto care from Roberts and have always been impressed with their fairness and honesty in addressing issues related to the repair of our vehicle.
Positive: Quality, Professionalism
Services: Brakes, General repairs & maintenance, Oil change, Wheel alignment
Luba Speach11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Luba has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I started going to Robert’s Auto Service after a friend recommended them as an honest shop that does excellent work, and I’m so glad he did. I’ve been there several times for oil changes, and every experience has been great.
Last weekend, my car suddenly started making some very strange noises on the highway. Robert’s was immediately my first choice. They diagnosed the problem, fixed it quickly, and the cost was very reasonable.
Everyone there is professional, responsible, honest, and reliable. They do what they say they’re going to do, communicate clearly, and make the whole experience easy. They even provided a courtesy ride, which I really appreciated.
A trustworthy auto shop is one of those businesses that is good to know and helpful to have. I’m very happy I found Robert’s and absolutely recommend them.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenance, Vehicle Inspection, Oil change
Kate UrsinLocal Guide · 24 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kate has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have been going to Roberts Auto for a few years, they are friendly, honest and fair pricing. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and trust worthy local mechanic.
James ZLocal Guide · 67 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews James has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
While I never did business with Robert's, I bought a Miata with 112k miles that was serviced by them. All I can say is what a mess.
The CarFax shows possible mileage rollback on this vehicle because their techs added an extra 30k miles to the odometer at one of the visits. It jumped from 90k to 112k in 3 months, and then back down to 94k 3 months later when serviced elsewhere.
The PO also got a clutch replacement with them at 109k and since then it had 5th gear grind which is why I was able to buy the car for a cheap price. I drained the transmission fluid and found metal chunks all over the drain plug magnet from the synchro getting worn down. I filled it with the proper GL-4 lubricant and the grind got much better. I can now shift into 5th most of the time without grinding. They probably used GL-5 lube which has much more additives and properties meant for differentials.
I've dived deeper into the car and found a loose slave clutch hardline bolt as well as a loose bell housing to engine bolt. The Miata has 1 very long bell housing bolt that needs to go on the exhaust hanger side. They put this bolt on the opposite side (passenger side) near the starter and left it sticking out 1 inch so it was pinching the engine harness.
If the owner reads this please get your staff to pay a little more attention to the details because they absolutely matter.
Carol Rothenberg2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Carol has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
