This place is truly the best! I first came here in 2018 to upgrade the exhaust on my Dodge Charger, and they took the time to walk me through the entire process step by step. They were incredibly informative and made sure I understood all my options before moving forward. I've recently brought my BMW in for both the removal and reinstallation of my exhaust -- each time on short notice -- and they helped me out tremendously. Their willingness to accommodate and their efficiency really set them apart. Their staff -- especially Don -- represent exactly what great, old-school customer service should be. Honest. Polite. Efficient. They get the job done quickly and done right. And for a great price! I'll forever be a loyal customer and will continue recommending this shop to everyone I know. If you want quality work and people you can genuinely trust, this is the place to go! read more

Quick - Painless - and a freaking bargain. No hemming and hawing just did the ugly job others would still be rubbing their chin over. These guys have a 5 Star rating every garage and "stealer-ship" could never achieve - Hail Franklin ! aka 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee read more

I will never go anywhere else. Don and his crew are old school honest and highly competent. Don knows exhaust systems inside and out as well as just about everything else mechanical on a car. The service is top-notch, as is the quality of the work. Pricing is very reasonable and fair. Beyond everything else he's also super friendly. They don't make them like this anymore. As I say, I will never go anywhere else. read more

My 80series LC had an exhaust hanger go bad which caused everything to rattle so I decided to bring it in. I didn't get the guys name but I was immediately helped and my truck was placed on the rack. The hanger was replaced and no more rattle. These guys are fast and get the job done!!! Definitely recommend!! read more

Johnny Franklin's Muffler - Auto Repair Near Me - San Rafael, California

Very friendly , quick service. And reasonably priced . Can't go wrong at this place .

I was referred to Johnny Franklin's by my dealership to get a second opinion on a cracked catalytic converter. Don was friendly, very knowledgable and offered to take a look within 10 minutes of my arrival. He quickly identified that my vehicle was under warranty for this problem (something my dealership had missed!). He even took the time to call someone he knew at another dealership who confirmed that it should be covered. Thanks to his honesty and expertise, I saved $5200! I can't say enough good things about Don and my experience. read more

I took my 1995 BMW 525i to Johnny Franklin's to change out the stock exhaust. Don was helpful, he jacked up the car and let me rev up the engine and listen to a few different options. We tried a muffler delete and it sounded great in the shop, but under load it was obnoxious. Don adjusted it with two glass pack mufflers, and it toned it down nicely. I wanted to really like the new sound, but after a week of driving I had to fess up and admit that it wasn't working for me. The sound was hollow and too loud at low rpm's but fine at higher rpms. Don reinstalled my original muffler and included a pair of exhaust tips at no additional charge. Don wants to you to get the sound you're after without being after your wallet. I'd definitely recommend the shop to anyone. read more

I stopped by to inquire about modifying the muffler tips to fit the OEM rear bumper. I was removing a damaged aftermarket one. They took me right away and did a professional job at a reasonable price. Bonus: a '48 Tucker stopped by the shop. You know how rare those are? read more

Johnny Franklin' s Muffler Shop is the best when it comes to knowing your car better than you do! Especially when it has to do with complete exhaust systems. I've never had a bad experience with them, always a positive attitude from everyone that works there, and believe me, that's hard to find these days!? If you need a new muffler, or catalytic converter, or the Whole Kit, and Kaboodle!? You'll be a Happy Camper for sure!! read more

I wanted to replace the obnoxious TRD muffler on my Toyota with an OEM muffler. Rob took care of my truck and even came up with a masterful solution so that I could retain the side exhaust outlet from the TRD system in the process. The quality of his work was outstanding and his rate was beyond reasonable. Thanks Rob! read more

Great speedy work, friendly staff and fair price. What more can you ask for? I hope I won't need them going further but if I do I know I'll be taken care of. read more

Closed for some reason today, no note on door, no Voicemail when i called from right outside. Aggravating as they are only a 9-5 Mon -Fri business so i had to wait till i could find time away from work, plus i had to pay a toll to get here. Bah * I will update if and when i can come back and get services, they have good reviews for a muffler shop in my area and was hoping for the same. read more

These guys do a great job, through and through. I've had my first car welded here and about every car after (mustang gt, Audi S5, and my truck) they really do have attention to detail and go above and beyond when doing any job. These guys are pro's and arguably the best on the Marin county side of the bridge. And most importantly, they're fair in pricing, I would go as far as saying I would pay them more because of their work and customer service they bring to the table. Rare to find a business with honest management this day in age. read more

A HUGE THANK YOU to Johnny Franklin's San Rafael for not just getting me all sorted out in a pinch but also for reasonable pricing and the time in and out of the shop! I came in at a last minute call and they somehow got me in which was great. The Manager Paul was ridiculously busy answering call and managing the store. We chat briefly about what needed to be done and he got me on a rack for my requested repair. During the repair process there was an unfortunate incident that took place and Paul was responsive and more than fair with "making things right" I would highly recommend this shop! read more

Johnny Franklin's Muffler - Auto Repair Near Me - San Rafael, California

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I've been coming to Johnny Franklin's for a few years now for various work on a few of my cars exhausts systems. They do excellent work and their customer service is impeccable. I live in San Francisco and although Johnny Franklin's is across the golden gate bridge, I still make the trek. The majority of the work I've needed done requires custom welds/builds. This is something many muffler shops can't do here in San Francisco and most of the time they're going to refer you to Johnny Franklins. If you need exhaust work, this is the shop. They'll take great care of you! read more

5 STARS for personal caring service. Jiffy Lube staff told me I needed a new muffler & brakes. Worried and as rattled as my muffler, Don (owner & grandson of Johnny Franklin) quickly got the truck up, surveyed the situation and tightened my loose muffler. He could have taken advantage of my auto ignorance. Instead, he reassured me I did not need new muffler/brakes and waved off my attempt to pay small fee. COME HERE IF YOU WANT HONEST, QUALITY SERVICE. A rare, local gem. read more

I just want to give a strong recommendation for Johnny's. I was referred there by Toyota to handle a rattle that they couldn't solve. Don at Johnny's found it and took care of it on the spot. Ready, willing and able. Great service like this earns my business for life. Thanks again! read more

Needed to get my car Smoged and as someone who is mechanically oriented and understands emissions, I knew I needed a new catalytic converter. The owner confirmed my suspensions and researched for a possible bolt catalytic solution. Unfortunately the catalytic on my Acura RDX 2011 is a very tight spot and requires removal of other engine components. He was honest about what it would take to get the job done and recommended other shops in the area. At the end of the day, I was unable to get the work done at Johny's and he did not charge me for a diagnostic. I really appreciate Johny's honesty, patience and respecting the fact that I had a little more auto repair knowledge than the average customer and if I ever had any other exhaust repairs needs this is the first place I'll go to. read more

My '04 Toyota Corolla had the cat converter stolen (sadly), and Johnny Franklin's was able to get it all taken care of with ONE DAY of me calling. My guy Don, was a saint--patient and professional, each and every time I phoned him. 10/10, 5 stars across the board--I hope this never happens to me again, but I wouldn't want anyone else to take care of me. Thank you Don and the rest of the crew! read more

Villa Marin In San Rafael had Catalytic Converter stolen from 1 of their 2 buses. Johnny Franklin's Muffler was recommended by Whistlestop to have the Converter replace. Even though they didn't have it in stock & the dealer had it on back order, they replaced missing section with a temporary pipe till the Converter was back in stock & they welded Steel Rods to the exhaust pipes surrounding the Catalytic Converter on our other Bus. They were very efficient & very inexpensively priced and the quality of work was excellent. I really recommend you see them for all your exhaust needs. read more

A very honest shop! Unusual for a woman to be treated fairly in automotive shops. I was referred here to get a lock for my catalytic converter and it turns out I don't need one because it is up in the engine, not easy to steal. I wouldn't have known. While I was waiting, a few gentlemen came in looking for service or parts or referrals for something other than mufflers and they were all treated fairly and honestly. Highly recommend! read more

Great experience and a great repair. I was recommended this place by a friend and I was really happy with the result. I needed the front bolts of my drivers seat rewelded. Known problem with Gen 3 4runners. Don sent me to a pro who pulled my carpets back so that they could do the job without ruining the interior. Thanks to these guys my seat belt is now rebolted to the frame! read more

Just had my daughter's car taken care of by Don. I wanted her to get experience dealing with having her car worked on. Professional, courteous and just a great experience all around. Thanks Don! Now only if all her experiences in life could go so smooth... read more

All I can say is that Johny Franklin muffler is a Top Notch shop . Great customer service and great people

Muy buen servicio recomendado un amigo me los recomendo primera ves que fui a ese lugar me parecieron personas confiables

I needed a new muffler for my Lotus Super7 replica - basically a kit car with a pretty special configuration (header to external side mount exhaust). Don spent a LOT of time looking for options and ended up giving me 6 (yes six) different mufflers for me to take home and try. We finally came up with a solution that was not only quieter (which I wanted) but looked good, worked great and was quite affordable. I can't recommend them enough. Thanks Don for all your time and effort. read more

Great service... Friendly staff... Good Honest Business... Highly recommended. Yup shouldn't make you write so much stuff just to give somebody an honest good review .. read more

Not long ago my business truck was hit by the catalytic converter thieves. They stole both catalytic converters and both sensors. After calling around, I was told to call Johnny Franklin's and did exactly that. I brought the truck in on a Friday and to my surprise received a call Monday afternoon telling me my truck is ready. For it being a bad experience, they turned it around and made it less painful than it originally thought. Thank you guys at Johnny Franklin Muffler's in San Rafael. I highly recommend you patronizing their business. read more

I am no expert (I naively did not know what a catalytic converter was until mine got stolen after four blissfully lucky years of not having any issues parking on the streets of San Francisco), but I would highly recommend going to Johnny Franklin's for any work related to a stolen catalytic converter. I went there after I already replaced mine elsewhere. I was so paranoid that my replacement would get stolen again at any moment, but I could not find a shield online that was compatible with the make/model and year of my car (2005). Someone referred me to Johnny Franklin's for their fair pricing and quality of work. They installed rods to help deter any future potential thefts and I think I paid a fair price considering the price of shields. It's not a shield but I think/hope it's better than nothing. It was also a very quick install, and I have much more peace of mind! read more

Well, you know is busy everybody's busy, but I stopped by johnny Franklin's motor here and Don made it happen for me in record time I was really impressed that he was busy, but he still knew how to help help me as a walk-in. Thanks guys. read more

Wow! Just wow! I had my son's 2003 Honda CRV towed to Johnny Franklin's Muffler on Sunday night to replace the catalytic converter that had been stolen. They installed it along with protective rods so that it hopefully doesn't happen again (catalytic converter stolen near Novato Airport). I got the car back the same night! The quote and what I actually paid were identical. Customer service was responsive and super friendly. Paul and Don are the best! Thank you! read more

After our catalytic converter was stolen in a parking lot at our office from our Lexus hybrid SUV, Johnny Franklin's muffler replaced it so now it does not sound like a motorcycle. The service was friendly prompt, and they are a pleasure to do business with locally. read more

I had a custom made exhaust made by them. They are great people but the exhaust he made had a huge rattle and would not go away . I asked them to put back my oem exhaust and I did not want the exhaust he made me. In my head I was going to get a refund at least for the parts and I understand the labor part. So in conclusion I would not go there again for a custom made exhaust. They're good at connecting pipes but I hate that I had $480 go to the trash and no money back . Now I'm stuck with an exhaust that I don't need read more

Johnny Franklin's Muffler - Auto Repair Near Me - San Rafael, California

These guys are incredible! They are quick, affordable, and professional. I highly recommend them.

I have an older car that didn't pass smog and the smog station told me it "might be the catalytic converter. I was referred to Franklin's by another garage because of their speciality in catalytic converters. The man I dealt with reviewed the smog report thoughtfully, assessed the car up on the lift, recommended a new converter, installed it with no waiting. He was knowledgeable and easy to deal with. The car passed. No appointment, no drama. What can I say? Five stars. read more

I left Johnny Franklin's this afternoon swearing I'd write the best review I possibly could. Somebody had tried to steal my catalytic converter but quit after removing just one bolt and cutting the air sensor cable. The team at Johnny's had the bolt replaced and a new sensor installed in no no time. Everyone was super friendly and the cost was so reasonable!!! read more

I was recently rear-ended while stopped in traffic on the freeway. My car although driveable wasn't in great shape. I was waiting to hear from the insurance company to inspect and approve the collision work. The auto body repair shop recommended I take it to Johnny's to have the muffler reattached so I could drive my car around safely. So I drove around the corner to Johnny's. The man (I didn't get your name) was so friendly and they got my car up to work on. They heated up a bent corner and reattached the rubber brackets and down the car came. It took maybe 10-15 minutes. I went to the counter to pay and he said..."don't worry about it". What a big generous person. It made my day. The other two men seemed really friendly too. Smiling and saying hello goes a long way. This sounds corny, but as a single woman when a man just takes care of something for you...it feels great, I feel take care of...and it's really nice to see that chivalry and humanity are thriving in pockets of the world. read more

This review is a long time in the making. I went to Johnny Franklin's over 3.5 years ago after someone stole my catalytic converter on my 1987 4Runner. I bought an upgraded cat and muffler and brought the parts to Johnny Franklin's, and told them to copy the factory exhaust with the new parts. Their quality of work was top notch and I am still happy with their work over 3 years later. The amount of terrible exhausts I see on the road done by exhaust shops is amazing. It's actually comical. However, Johnny Franklin does it right and is not a hack. Would definitely recommend this shop. read more

We were recommended to Johnny Franklin's by our mechanic when he said we needed a new catalytic converter. They were friendly, knowledgeable and did a great job on our car. We have gone back two times for a rattle our car was making and they happily and quickly fixed it for us. Highly recommend them! read more

So glad I went to these guys!!! I called to make an appointment, and was told to just come by whenever. On my lunch break I cruised over, super easy to find off 101, with a tons of parking. I've been driving my car around with a rattling muffler for months, bc I've been broke & terrified to know how much it would be to replace it. I was prepared for a quote of at least $1k. 5 mi it's later I rolled out of there for $20 and a silent muffler. The guy that greeted me was so chill, super friendly and very clear describing the problem to me. I could have replaced the entire muffler for who Knows how much, but he was able to weld the valve that broke and off I went!!! Super rad guys!! I will 100% go back if my muffler has anymore issues read more