About CarCodeFix
Data journalism meets automotive repair. We analyze real owner experiences to help you make informed decisions about your vehicle.
Our Mission
CarCodeFix is a data journalism platform dedicated to helping car owners make informed repair decisions. We believe that every vehicle owner deserves access to accurate, transparent information about their car's problems — not generic advice, but real data from people who have experienced the same issues.
Traditional automotive repair advice often comes from manufacturer estimates, generic databases, or single mechanic opinions. We take a different approach: we aggregate and analyze thousands of real experiences from vehicle owners who have already dealt with the same problems you're facing.
The Problem We Solve
When your check engine light comes on, you're faced with uncertainty. How serious is the problem? How much will it cost to fix? Can you drive safely? Should you attempt a DIY repair or go to a mechanic? The answers to these questions can vary dramatically depending on your specific vehicle, the exact nature of the problem, and who you ask.
We solve this problem by providing vehicle-specific, data-backed answers. Instead of telling you "P0420 repair costs $100-$1500" (which is almost useless), we can tell you that for your 2018 Ford F-150, P0420 is most commonly caused by a failing catalytic converter (67% of cases), typically costs $850-$1200 at a shop, and occurs most often between 80,000-100,000 miles — based on analysis of 234 owner reports.
This specificity is what sets us apart. We don't guess. We analyze real data from real owners who have already solved the problems you're facing.
How It Works
Data Collection
We continuously gather discussions from 50+ automotive communities including Reddit, dedicated forums, and YouTube comments where real owners share their repair experiences in detail.
Data Extraction
Our natural language processing pipeline extracts key information: OBD codes, parts mentioned, repair costs, mileage when problems occurred, and whether fixes were successful.
Statistical Aggregation
We aggregate data across thousands of reports to identify patterns: typical repair costs, common failure points, most effective solutions, and which mileage ranges see the most issues.
Visual Reporting
We present our findings through interactive charts and clear summaries, making it easy to understand what to expect for your specific vehicle and problem.
What Makes Us Different
Real Data
Every statistic comes from actual owner reports, not manufacturer estimates or generic databases. We analyze what real people paid, what actually fixed their problem, and how long repairs lasted.
Transparent Sources
We show exactly how many data points back each statistic, so you know how reliable the information is. More reports mean more confidence in the data.
Vehicle-Specific
Costs and solutions vary dramatically by make, model, and year. A P0420 on a 2018 Honda Civic is different from a 2015 Ford F-150. We provide specific data for your exact vehicle.
Continuously Updated
Our data pipeline runs continuously, incorporating new owner experiences as they're shared online. Articles are updated when significant new data becomes available.
AI Transparency
How We Use AI
We believe in full transparency about our process. Our content creation involves AI assistance in specific ways:
- •Data Processing: AI helps extract structured data from unstructured forum posts
- •Content Synthesis: AI assists in combining data points into readable articles
- •Pattern Recognition: AI identifies trends across thousands of reports
However, all data comes from real human experiences. We don't fabricate statistics or invent solutions. Every number can be traced back to actual community discussions.
Expert Review Program
Professional Verification
While our data pipeline is automated, we're committed to accuracy. High-traffic articles undergo review by certified automotive professionals:
- •ASE-certified technicians review technical accuracy
- •Safety-critical repairs get priority expert review
- •Verified articles display "Expert Reviewed" badges
We partner with independent mechanics through Upwork to ensure our most-viewed content is technically accurate.
Our Team
CarCodeFix Data Team
Data Analytics & Research
Our data team combines expertise in automotive systems, natural language processing, and data journalism. We're passionate about making complex repair information accessible to everyone.
View Full ProfileImportant Note
CarCodeFix provides informational content based on aggregated owner experiences. This information should not replace professional diagnosis. Always consult with a qualified mechanic before performing repairs, especially for safety-critical systems like brakes, steering, or airbags. Vehicle repairs can be dangerous if performed incorrectly.
Contact Us
Have questions, feedback, or suggestions? We'd love to hear from you. Whether you've found an error in our data, want to suggest a feature, or just want to say hello — reach out anytime.
Contact Us