One parameter, no VIN
OBD Codes Decoder API
Turn a trouble code into readable diagnosis text.
- Send the code, nothing else required
- Readable diagnosis for the fault
- The normalized code echoed back
- Standard OBD-II codes, JSON or XML
Our benefits
So the work order says more than P0115.
Nothing else to look up
The code is the whole request. No VIN, no year, make and model, so a scanner reading can be decoded before the vehicle is even identified.
Integrate in minutes
One parameter and four fields back. Copy the request from the panel below, add your key, and the first decode runs in minutes.
People who know the table
A free sandbox, a documented response, and support that will check a specific code range for you before you put it in front of technicians.
Fits the smallest budget
This is the cheapest call on the platform to wire in and the easiest to cache, since a given code always decodes to the same diagnosis.
For developers
A code in, a diagnosis out.
The panel on the right is a real request for P0115 and the response it returns. It is the whole API. Copy the request into your terminal, swap in a code off your own scan tool, and you are integrated.
- Four fields, no nesting
- success, diagnosis, code and date. There is no object to walk and no optional block to guard.
- The code comes back normalized
- Echoing the normalized code lets you match the response to the request when you decode a list.
- Standard OBD-II only
- A manufacturer-specific code outside the standard set returns a not-found rather than a guess.
curl -G https://api.carsxe.com/obdcodesdecoder \
-d key=YOUR_API_KEY \
-d code=P0115{
"success": true,
"code": "P0115",
"diagnosis": "Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction",
"date": "2026-09-14"
}For AI agents
Built into the AI tools you already use
Point your coding agent at the CarsXE MCP server and it can call the API on its own, no client library, no glue code. The same tools are available to chat agents over plain HTTP.
- Claude Code
- Cursor
- GitHub Copilot
- Grok Bot
- Codex
- Gemini
- Hermes Agent
- OpenClaw
- opencode
- & more
One command. Register the CarsXE MCP server with your editor.
claude mcp add --transport http carsxe https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp \
--header "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"Then just ask. The agent picks the right CarsXE tool and returns structured vehicle data.
What does OBD code P0115 mean?Agent onboarding. Are you an AI agent? Fetch this skill to get an API key and start pulling vehicle data.
curl -s https://carsxe.com/agent-onboarding/SKILL.mdFair billing
No data, no charge
A lookup we cannot resolve comes back as a 404 and costs you nothing. You are billed only when the API returns data.
{ "success": true, "code": "P0115", "diagnosis": "Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction" }Billed. One lookup.
{
"success": false,
"message": "Could not find code P9999"
}No charge.
Priced per answer, not per request.
A global standard
Robust international support
OBD-II is a standard, so a code means the same thing wherever the vehicle was built. Manufacturer-specific codes sit outside it.
Customer stories
Companies love building with CarsXE
How teams build on CarsXE vehicle data.
“
CarsXE offers MotorTango's customers accurate and reliable vehicle data across many makes and models. Their VIN decoder and specs API are second to none.
Andy Liakos
CTO, MotorTango
“
The API is super easy to work with...it's a damn good API. And trust me, I deal with a lot of third parties and you're the creme de la creme. It's great. Documentation is sound, the result sets are sound. I have nothing to say but, man, it's too easy to work with.
Alan Deitch
Senior Engineering Leader, SpotHero
“
When a customer calls a dealership, we know they have an open recall instantly. That changes what the call is worth. Our agents book the recall alongside whatever the customer originally called about, and the dealer captures service work that used to walk out the door unnoticed. CarsXE's recall data is what makes that possible on every call, at every rooftop we run.
Samee Khan
Founder & CEO, PAM
“
With their VIN decoder and images, we can accurately document what's needed to perform repairs and ADAS calibrations, and we do it much more efficiently — saving dozens of minutes on every single repair. The result is consistent, reliable service at scale for all of our customers, backed by data we trust. CarsXE has become a critical part of our workflow and our ability to grow.
Philip Brossy
Founder & CEO, ADAS Safe
Same key, more endpoints
Keep building from the vehicle record
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our customer support team.
Get started
Ready for the test drive? Start building today.
Test drive CarsXE's platform. Sign up with your work email.