Auto Repair Shops in Fairbanks, AK. 10 Mechanics Compared

Independent shops in Alaska usually charge $105 to $150 an hour for labor, which is above the national average. A quote is the book time for the job times that rate, plus parts. At Alaska rates, a starter replacement runs about $255 to $775 and a car battery replacement runs about $150 to $400 for a midsize car.

Of the 10 Fairbanks listings that post their hours, 1 open on Saturday. 3 open before 8 AM on weekdays, which helps if you need to drop the car off before work.

10 businesses in Fairbanks have at least 15 reviews, enough for a rating to mean something, and 7 of those hold 4.5 stars or better. Half of them have 71 or more reviews. A shop with a long history and a 4.6 is a safer call than a perfect 5.0 from a handful of people.

For work a general shop may turn away, Fairbanks has 2 transmission shops. Call ahead with the year, make and model so you do not waste a trip.

Alaska does not require periodic safety or emissions inspections for passenger cars. Emissions testing ended in the Fairbanks North Star Borough on January 1, 2010 and in Anchorage on March 1, 2012. Details are on the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation site.

Owning a Car in Fairbanks

227Nights a Year at or Below Freezing

13Inches of Rain a Year

58Inches of Snow a Year

14Minute Average Commute

1.57Cars per Household

8%Households With No Car

66%Drive to Work Alone

Lows drop to freezing on about 227 nights a year. Cold is when a weak battery finally fails, because a cold engine takes more power to turn over. Fairbanks averages 58 inches of snow, and road salt eats brake lines, exhaust and the underside of the car. Rinse the underbody through the winter and have the brake lines looked at whenever the car is up on a lift.

The average commute in Fairbanks is 14 minutes each way, and 66% of workers drive there alone.

Sources, checked October 13, 2026

Weather: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, station Aurora
Households and commutes: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024, Fairbanks city

Pre-Purchase Inspections in Fairbanks

Buying a used car in Fairbanks? PPI Auto, our sister company, sends an inspector to the car for $225 on most cars, pickups and SUVs. That is a 122 point check with a full scan and a road test, and the report comes back the same day. Dealer lot, private seller or auction, it works the same.

Alaska has no regular safety or emissions inspection, so unless the last owner paid for one, nobody has looked under that car.

Book a $225 Inspection Call 951-267-8500

Questions About Auto Repair in Fairbanks

How many auto repair businesses are there in Fairbanks?

We list 10 in Fairbanks, AK. That covers mobile mechanics, workshops, diesel and heavy duty specialists, body shops and tire shops. Every one has its own page with the phone number, what they work on and the reviews we have found.

Who is the best rated mechanic in Fairbanks?

MTR Transmission & Auto currently holds the highest rating in Fairbanks at 4.9 stars from 84 reviews. MTR Transmission & Auto, Z Transmission & Auto Repair, Right Choice Automotive Repair are the top three by rating among businesses with a real review history behind them. We rank on the ratings themselves and nobody can pay to appear there.

How much do mechanics charge per hour in Fairbanks?

Independent shops in Alaska usually bill $105 to $150 an hour for labor. The national range is $95 to $140. Dealers charge more. Most quotes are the book time for the job times that rate, plus parts, so ask the shop how many hours it is billing you for.

Does Alaska require a car inspection?

Alaska does not require periodic safety or emissions inspections for passenger cars. Emissions testing ended in the Fairbanks North Star Borough on January 1, 2010 and in Anchorage on March 1, 2012.

How do I know a shop in Fairbanks is trustworthy?

Look at the review count as well as the stars, because five stars from four people tells you very little. None of the 10 listings in Fairbanks has been claimed yet, so call to confirm hours and what the shop works on. Get the quote in writing before any work starts.

How does winter in Fairbanks affect my car?

Fairbanks gets about 227 nights a year at or below freezing and 58 inches of snow. Cold exposes a weak battery, and salted roads rust brake lines and exhaust parts. Test the battery in the fall and rinse the underbody in winter.

Can I get a pre-purchase inspection in Fairbanks?

Yes. PPI Auto, our sister company, inspects used cars in Fairbanks for $225 on most cars, pickups and SUVs. The inspector comes to the car, runs a 122 point check and sends the report the same day. Call 951-267-8500 to book.

Mechanics in Nearby Cities

No luck in Fairbanks? A mobile mechanic from the next town over will often make the trip. See all 8 cities in Alaska.

Healy, AK1 mechanics · 72 mi

Palmer, AK8 mechanics · 228 miTop rated: Mountainside Mobile Repair 5.0★

Wasilla, AK22 mechanics · 232 miTop rated: Peak Automotive 4.9★

Anchorage, AK9 mechanics · 258 miTop rated: MattyP Mobile Mechanic 4.8★

Kenai, AK4 mechanics · 316 miTop rated: PitStop Garage 4.9★Soldotna, AK1 mechanics · 319 miTop rated: Kenai River Auto Repair 4.5★

Juneau, AK10 mechanics · 618 miTop rated: Northstar Auto Care 4.8★

What Car Repairs Cost in Fairbanks, AK

Typical independent shop prices at Alaska labor rates, parts and labor, for a midsize car. Each guide shows the price for your vehicle and what to ask before you pay. See all 91 repair cost guides.

Knock sensor replacement cost $145 to $930 Transmission rebuild cost $1,740 to $4,300 Oxygen sensor replacement cost $110 to $475 Brake booster replacement cost $360 to $1,200 Starter replacement cost $255 to $775 Rack and pinion replacement cost $715 to $2,100

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