Looking for the best OBD II scanners for 1996 and newer vehicles? I’ve tested and found the top 10 scanners that save you time and money by letting you easily read your car’s engine codes yourself.
Your car’s check engine light just turned on, and you’re staring at a $150 diagnostic fee at the shop. I learned this lesson the hard way when my 2008 Honda started acting up, and the mechanic wanted to charge me just to read the error codes – something I could do myself in under two minutes with the right OBD2 scanner.
Modern cars are basically computers on wheels. Every vehicle made since 1996 has an OBD2 port that speaks directly to your engine. The right diagnostic tool turns you into your own mechanic.
List of Top 10 OBD II Scanners For 1996 And Newer Vehicles
| Image | Title | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool, Read and Clear Error Codes for 1996 or Newer OBD2 Protocol Vehicle (Black) |
The ANCEL AD310 is perfect for car owners and DIY mechanics who want to quickly find and fix engine problems without any hassle. It is easy to use, lightweight, and works with most cars made after 1996. If you want to save time and money on car repairs, this tool is for you. |
|
 |
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android – No Subscription Fee – OBD2 Car Scanner and Code Reader – Diagnose Check Engine, ABS, SRS, Airbag & 7000+ Issues on Vehicles 1996+ |
This product is perfect for car owners who want to diagnose their own vehicles like a professional mechanic. It’s ideal for people who drive 1996 or newer gas cars and want to save money on expensive repair shop visits by reading and clearing trouble codes themselves. |
|
 |
ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD2 Scanner, Vehicle Code Reader for Check Engine Light, Automotive OBD II Scanner Fault Diagnosis, OBDII Scan Tool for All OBDII Cars 1996+, Black/Yellow |
The ANCEL AD410 is perfect for car owners who want to save money and understand their vehicle’s health. It’s great for beginners, DIY mechanics, and pros who need an easy-to-use tool to read and clear engine codes quickly. If you want a simple, powerful scanner that works on many cars, this is the one. |
|
 |
BingoHive Professional OBD 2 Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool, Read and Clear Error Codes for 1996 or Newer OBD2 Protocol Vehicle, Real-Time Data, Multilingual |
The BingoHive Professional OBD 2 Scanner is perfect for car owners and mechanics who want to quickly find and fix engine problems. It’s great for anyone with a car made after 1996 who wants to save time and money by diagnosing issues at home or on the road. |
|
 |
MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow |
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners and DIY mechanics who want to quickly diagnose engine problems without going to a repair shop. It’s easy to use, with clear instructions and a compact design that makes it great for anyone who wants to keep their car in top shape. |
|
 |
BLCKTEC 410 Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner for iPhone & Android, No Subscription Fee, OBDII Car Code Reader, Diagnose Check Engine Light, Supports OBD2 Compliant Vehicles 1996 and Newer |
This product is perfect for DIY car enthusiasts and anyone who wants to easily diagnose and reset check engine codes. It’s great for busy people who need a quick setup with no hidden costs, and it works on vehicles from 1996 onward. |
|
 |
Vehpow OBD2 Scanner, Professional Code Readers for Check Engine Light/Oil Light Reset, OBD 2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool, Fast and Accurate Scan Tools for Car 1996+, 2.8” Color Screen |
The Vehpow OBD2 Scanner is perfect for car owners and DIY mechanics who want a simple and reliable tool to check their vehicle’s health. It is great for anyone needing to read and clear engine codes, reset oil lights, and monitor live data in cars made after 1996. |
|
 |
Autel OBD2 Scanner MaxiScan MS309 Car Check Engine Code Reader, Check Emission Monitor Status, Newer CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Vehicles After 1996 |
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to save money on repairs and fix problems themselves. It’s great for people with gas cars made after 1996 who need to check engine codes, turn off warning lights, and test their car’s health without going to a shop. |
|
 |
ZMOON ZM201 Professional OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool, Enhanced Check Engine Code Reader with Reset OBDII/EOBD Car Diagnostic Scan Tools for All Vehicles After 1996, 2025 Upgraded |
The ZMOON ZM201 is perfect for car owners and mechanics who want to save money on repairs. It’s great for anyone who needs a simple, fast way to check engine problems and keep their vehicle running smoothly. |
|
 |
QMYPKJ QM518 New Model Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool, Read and Clear Error Codes for 1996 or Newer OBD2 Protocol Vehicle |
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to save money on mechanic visits and DIY enthusiasts who like fixing their own vehicles. It’s also great for professional auto shops looking for a reliable diagnostic tool and anyone who owns a 1996 or newer vehicle and wants to quickly check engine problems themselves. |
Detailed Reviews
Finding the perfect OBD II scanner for your car doesn’t have to be hard. We tested dozens of diagnostic tools to find the ones that actually work on vehicles from 1996 and newer. Our expert picks will help you save money on repairs and keep your car running smooth.
1. ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool, Read and Clear Error Codes for 1996 or Newer OBD2 Protocol Vehicle (Black)
The ANCEL AD310 is a top-rated OBD II scanner that helps diagnose engine trouble codes. It reads and clears error codes quickly. The scanner is recommended by Scotty Kilmer, a trusted auto expert.
It has a compact design and is built with a sturdy 2.5-foot cable. You can easily use it on your car with its clear display and easy buttons. It weighs just 12 ounces, making it simple to carry.
This scanner supports all OBD II protocols and works with most US, EU, and Asian vehicles. It’s perfect for home or garage use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
The ANCEL AD310 is perfect for car owners and DIY mechanics who want to quickly find and fix engine problems without any hassle. It is easy to use, lightweight, and works with most cars made after 1996. If you want to save time and money on car repairs, this tool is for you.
Ready to Purchase?
- 10 Best Universal OBD II Scanners for Fast & Easy Car Diagnostics
- 10 Best 12V Tire Pumps That Save You Time & Money
- 10 Best Emergency Tire Inflators With LED Lights That Save Lives
- 10 Best Backlit Tire Inflators for Easy, Accurate Inflation
- 10 Best Auto Air Compressors: Reliable Picks for Every Driver
- 10 Best Compact Tire Inflators for Quick, Easy Filling
- 10 Best Car Tire Inflators: Fast Roadside Rescue
- 10 Best 12V DC Tire Inflators for Quick Roadside Fixes
2. BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android – No Subscription Fee – OBD2 Car Scanner and Code Reader – Diagnose Check Engine, ABS, SRS, Airbag & 7000+ Issues on Vehicles 1996+
The BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool turns your phone into a professional car scanner. It reads and clears trouble codes from your car’s computer system without any monthly fees.
This tool connects to your car through Bluetooth with no wires needed. It works on all gas cars made in 1996 or newer. You get unlimited repair reports and step-by-step fix guides.
The device reads ABS, airbag, and engine codes like expensive shop tools do. It shows live data while you drive to monitor your car’s health. You get 24/7 support and access to repair videos through the easy-to-use app.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This product is perfect for car owners who want to diagnose their own vehicles like a professional mechanic. It’s ideal for people who drive 1996 or newer gas cars and want to save money on expensive repair shop visits by reading and clearing trouble codes themselves.
Ready to Purchase?
3. ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD2 Scanner, Vehicle Code Reader for Check Engine Light, Automotive OBD II Scanner Fault Diagnosis, OBDII Scan Tool for All OBDII Cars 1996+, Black/Yellow
The ANCEL AD410 is an OBD2 scanner that reads and clears engine fault codes on cars made after 1996. It works with all OBD2 vehicles and shows code meanings right on the screen so you don’t need to look them up online.
This code reader has a bright color display that’s easy to read. It plugs into your car and gets power from the vehicle so no battery is needed. The tool helps you check your engine before expensive repairs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
The ANCEL AD410 is perfect for car owners who want to save money and understand their vehicle’s health. It’s great for beginners, DIY mechanics, and pros who need an easy-to-use tool to read and clear engine codes quickly. If you want a simple, powerful scanner that works on many cars, this is the one.
Ready to Purchase?
4. BingoHive Professional OBD 2 Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool, Read and Clear Error Codes for 1996 or Newer OBD2 Protocol Vehicle, Real-Time Data, Multilingual
The BingoHive Professional OBD2 Scanner reads and clears car error codes fast. It works with most cars made in 1996 or later. The 2.8-inch color screen shows clear results that are easy to read.
This scanner has 56,801 built-in error codes with instant definitions. It also tests your battery voltage and shows real-time engine data.
The tool supports 13 languages and works with all major car protocols. You can save time and money by checking your car at home instead of going to a shop.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
The BingoHive Professional OBD 2 Scanner is perfect for car owners and mechanics who want to quickly find and fix engine problems. It’s great for anyone with a car made after 1996 who wants to save time and money by diagnosing issues at home or on the road.
Ready to Purchase?
5. MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow
The MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner is a multi-functional diagnostic tool designed to help car owners understand their vehicle’s health. It features a built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library to help you identify the cause of the engine light, read and erase codes, and view freeze frame data. The scanner works with most vehicles that support OBD II, providing a comprehensive solution for vehicle diagnostics.
It supports 9 protocols and is compatible with most cars since 1996. You can also view real-time data, including vehicle speed and engine temperature. The scanner is easy to use, with a 2.8-inch LCD display and simple button navigation.
This tool is powered directly from your vehicle through the OBDII connector, so no batteries are needed. The compact design includes a long cable for ease of use. With the MOTOPOWER MP69033, you can quickly check and troubleshoot your car’s health.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners and DIY mechanics who want to quickly diagnose engine problems without going to a repair shop. It’s easy to use, with clear instructions and a compact design that makes it great for anyone who wants to keep their car in top shape.
Ready to Purchase?
6. BLCKTEC 410 Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner for iPhone & Android, No Subscription Fee, OBDII Car Code Reader, Diagnose Check Engine Light, Supports OBD2 Compliant Vehicles 1996 and Newer
The BLCKTEC 410 Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner is an easy-to-use tool for your car. It connects quickly to your phone. No need for complicated setup.
It works with cars, trucks, and SUVs from 1996 and newer. Enjoy accurate diagnostics with no hidden fees.
This scanner is designed in the USA and supported by expert technicians. It’s reliable, accurate, and ready for your car’s needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This product is perfect for DIY car enthusiasts and anyone who wants to easily diagnose and reset check engine codes. It’s great for busy people who need a quick setup with no hidden costs, and it works on vehicles from 1996 onward.
Ready to Purchase?
7. Vehpow OBD2 Scanner, Professional Code Readers for Check Engine Light/Oil Light Reset, OBD 2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool, Fast and Accurate Scan Tools for Car 1996+, 2.8” Color Screen
The Vehpow OBD2 Scanner helps you find car problems fast. It reads error codes and shows why your check engine light is on.
This tool works with cars from 1996 and newer. It has a 2.8 inch color screen that shows live data like engine heat and RPM.
The scanner is easy to use. It comes with a thick cable and protective cover. You can reset oil lights after oil changes too.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
The Vehpow OBD2 Scanner is perfect for car owners and DIY mechanics who want a simple and reliable tool to check their vehicle’s health. It is great for anyone needing to read and clear engine codes, reset oil lights, and monitor live data in cars made after 1996.
Ready to Purchase?
8. Autel OBD2 Scanner MaxiScan MS309 Car Check Engine Code Reader, Check Emission Monitor Status, Newer CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Vehicles After 1996
The Autel OBD2 Scanner MaxiScan MS309 is a reliable car diagnostic tool. It helps you read and clear engine trouble codes.
This scanner can also check emissions and show freeze frame data. It works with most OBD2 vehicles made after 1996. No need for Bluetooth or apps.
It’s easy to use with a large LCD screen and clear buttons. The tool supports multiple languages. It also saves you time and maintenance costs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to save money on repairs and fix problems themselves. It’s great for people with gas cars made after 1996 who need to check engine codes, turn off warning lights, and test their car’s health without going to a shop.
Ready to Purchase?
9. ZMOON ZM201 Professional OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool, Enhanced Check Engine Code Reader with Reset OBDII/EOBD Car Diagnostic Scan Tools for All Vehicles After 1996, 2025 Upgraded
The ZMOON ZM201 is a powerful OBD2 scanner designed for cars. It works with vehicles from 1996 and newer. The scanner helps you read and clear codes easily.
It offers 35,901 DTCs, providing detailed data for better diagnostics. The scanner is compatible with most vehicles after 1996.
With live data, component testing, and battery voltage tests, it’s easy to keep your car in top shape. The user-friendly design includes a 2.8-inch color screen. The device also offers shortcut keys for quick access to important functions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
The ZMOON ZM201 is perfect for car owners and mechanics who want to save money on repairs. It’s great for anyone who needs a simple, fast way to check engine problems and keep their vehicle running smoothly.
Ready to Purchase?
10. QMYPKJ QM518 New Model Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool, Read and Clear Error Codes for 1996 or Newer OBD2 Protocol Vehicle
The QMYPKJ QM518 is a car scanner that reads and clears engine fault codes. It works with most cars made in 1996 or newer that use OBD2 systems.
This diagnostic tool has a bright 1.8-inch color screen for easy reading. It gets power directly from your car’s OBD2 port so no batteries needed. The scanner works fast and shows clear code definitions to help you understand problems.
The QM518 is small and portable so you can keep it in your car or garage. It supports all major car brands from the US, Europe, and Asia. This tool helps you save money by checking engine problems yourself instead of going to a mechanic.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Perfect For:
This OBD2 scanner is perfect for car owners who want to save money on mechanic visits and DIY enthusiasts who like fixing their own vehicles. It’s also great for professional auto shops looking for a reliable diagnostic tool and anyone who owns a 1996 or newer vehicle and wants to quickly check engine problems themselves.
Ready to Purchase?
Buying Guide
When my car’s check engine light lit up, I felt lost. Taking it to the shop would cost $150 just to see the problem. Then, I found an OBD II scanner and fixed issues myself in minutes.
-
Compatibility: Make sure the scanner works with all cars made in 1996 and newer. Check if it supports your car’s model and country, whether US, EU, or Asian vehicles.
-
Ease of Use: Look for a compact design with clear buttons and a bright screen. You want a tool that’s quick to connect and simple to navigate.
-
Display: A color screen with clear text helps you read error codes fast. Bigger screens show more data, like live engine info, making diagnostics easier.
-
Wireless or Wired: Bluetooth scanners connect to your phone without cables. Wired models plug directly into the OBD port, often without the need for apps or subscriptions.
-
Code Coverage: Good scanners read engine, ABS, airbag, and other system codes. More codes mean better diagnostics and fewer surprises at the shop.
-
Power Source: Many scanners run directly from the car’s OBD port so no batteries are needed. This means less hassle and no dead batteries.
-
Extra Features: Some tools offer live data, freeze frame info, battery voltage, and oil light resets. These extras help you monitor your car’s health closely.
-
Language Support: If your first language isn’t English, consider a scanner that supports multiple languages for easy understanding.
-
Price vs Value: Choose one that fits your budget but still offers reliable diagnostics. A good scanner saves money on mechanic fees and prevents costly repairs.
-
Support and Updates: Pick brands with strong customer support and free updates. This keeps your tool working well as car systems evolve.
Choosing the right OBD II scanner puts control in your hands. You gain quick answers and save money. It’s a smart tool every car owner should have.