Q: Looking for info about most common OBD2 Codes

asked by on February 08, 2017

Hello There Hope all is well I ran into one of your articles "The Most Common Error Codes for Transmission Problems by Valerie Johnston" on your site. I am working on a market research about the most common problems for OBD2 Codes, with specifics regarding how often do these problems happen, what manufacturers, etc. I was wondering if you have this type of information on hand and if you are able to share it. If not, maybe you can point me out in the correct direction as to where I might be able to gather this type of info or what company might be able to conduct a study like this one. Thank you in advance!

There are two (at least) quite distinct issues in regard to your general request: The first is, once a check engine light illuminates, what are the most "frequent" codes that are stored and thence downloaded, that is what does THAT distribution look like?; but the second issue, and probably the more meaningful one (in terms of engineering, economics, market research, etc.) is, what are the most common "problems" that are actually in evidence (found) upon doing the actual diagnostic? A key point is diagnostic trouble codes merely provide clues in the actual process of repairing an automobile. Codes do NOT conclusively or authoritatively identify failed parts. As such, codes mean little (in real life) unless accompanied by an actual diagnostic. The automobile manufacturers, as well as the scan tool manufacturers, DO absolutely have BOTH categories of data that you are looking for (i.e., both categories that I just described) but the difficulty of course would be obtaining the data from them. There are many other entitles, though, that collect this "type" of data that you are referring to and just to give you merely one example (there are MANY), in 2009 the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency looked at the records of 1.67 million inspections in the state to determine, inter alia, what the most common trouble codes were. A list was compiled and published by the Agency. If you let us know more specifically the GOAL of your research, that is the questions you are trying to answer or the market estimates you are trying to create, we will be happy to refer you to the most appropriate databases, vendors, standards setting organizations, and/or academic literature that will address your research goals. If you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I open the ashtray?
Your truck is equipped with an ashtray. The ashtray is found on the instrument panel. To open the ashtray. Press the ashtray door in and it will open up. Press the ashtray back in to close it when you are...
How do I adjust the air vents?
The air vents are located along the instrument panel, and blow both cold and hot air into the cabin, depending on the climate control settings. You can adjust the air vent in two different ways, to find the ideal setting...
Service Engine Light is on
This indicator is part of the onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) system, and in all cases, it indicates a problem with your emissions system. Basically, it is an emissions monitoring system. A Check Engine indictor will stay solid or blink. If the...
Squeaking from front driver's side tire
If the noise is heard when turning it could be the strut tower bushings. These are rubber bushings that ride on a bearing. They insulate the strut from your vehicle and aid in turning. Over time dirt gets between the...
Car shaking and other issues
It appears that your Pontiac is in need of some serious attention with the suspension, brake and the electrical systems. Because Your G6 has so much going on, I highly recommend enlisting the assistance of a certified mechanic as soon...
Water leak
If the sunroof is much like a window. It has a switch, motor and a regulator/track assembly that moves it back and forth. If the switch or motor fail it will not operate. These failures are not common but they...
Where's then cam sensor on a Dodge Caliber 2009
Hello there! You will find the camshaft position sensors mounted on the front and rear of the cylinder heads. If you need help with this, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car's location to replace or install...
Is my car toast?
having low compression in one or more cylinders with oil fouling of plugs will indicate a bad piston or piston rings. If the engine is more expensive to replace then the prive to repair and is over the value of...
The overdrive is not working in my 2011 Ford E350.
Hello. Most of the time if the OD is not working it is because the computer has locked it out. This occurs if the vehicles control module detects and issue within the transmission so it locks out this gear. The...

Related articles

P2178 OBD-II Trouble Code: System Too Rich Off Idle Bank 1
What What the P2178 code means? P2178 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the fuel control has reached it specification limits for short and long fuel trim when the engine is just off idle...
P2185 OBD-II Trouble Code: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High
P2185 code definition Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High What the P2185 code means This code indicates that the sensor is...
B1906 OBD-II Trouble Code: Air Bag Crash Sensor #2 Feed/Return Circuit Short to Ground
B1905 means there is a circuit malfunction in the #2 airbag crash sensor, likely due to damaged electrical components or a bad sensor circuit.