OBD-II Port Location by Car Brand - Where to Find It

What the OBD-II Port Looks Like

The OBD-II port is a 16-pin trapezoidal connector, wider at the top than the bottom. It is roughly the size of a wide USB port but taller and shaped like a trapezoid or a letter D turned on its side. The port is black or dark gray on most vehicles. All 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles in the US are required to have this port, and it must be located within reach of the driver's seat. It is almost always under the dashboard on the driver's side, but the exact position varies by manufacturer. Some ports are exposed and easy to see, while others are hidden behind plastic covers or panels.

Toyota and Lexus

On most Toyota and Lexus vehicles, the OBD-II port is located under the dashboard on the driver's side, just to the left of the steering column. On the Camry, Corolla, and RAV4, look directly below and slightly left of the steering wheel -- the port faces downward and is usually exposed without any cover. On the Tacoma and 4Runner, the port is in the same general area but may be recessed slightly further under the dash. Lexus models typically place the port in the same location with a small hinged plastic cover that you flip open. If you cannot find it visually, reach under the dash with your hand and feel along the bottom surface to the left of the steering column.

Honda and Acura

Honda places the OBD-II port on the passenger side of the center console on many models, which is unusual compared to most manufacturers. On the Civic (2006 and newer), Accord, and CR-V, look to the right of the steering column near the center of the dashboard -- it is often tucked above the footwell on the lower right area of the dash. On older Civics (1996-2005), the port is behind a small panel to the right of the center console near the passenger's left knee. Acura models generally follow the same pattern. The Honda Fit and HR-V place the port directly below the steering column, which is more conventional. If you are having trouble, check both sides of the steering column and along the lower edge of the center console.

Ford and Lincoln

Ford consistently places the OBD-II port under the dashboard on the driver's side, directly below the steering column. On the F-150, Explorer, Escape, and Fusion, the port is easy to find -- look straight under the steering wheel and it is usually exposed, facing downward. On some models, the port is angled slightly to the left. The Ford Mustang places the port in the same area but it may be slightly further to the left near the kick panel. Lincoln models mirror Ford's placement. The port is almost never covered on Ford vehicles, making it one of the easiest brands to locate.

Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick

GM vehicles place the OBD-II port under the driver's side dashboard, typically just to the left of the steering column and below the fuse box cover. On the Silverado, Equinox, Malibu, and Cruze, the port is exposed and faces downward. On some Chevy trucks, the port is slightly recessed and you may need to look up from the footwell to spot it. GMC trucks and SUVs follow the same placement as their Chevrolet counterparts. Buick and Cadillac models also use the same driver's side location but occasionally place a small plastic cover over the port that you need to pull off or flip open.

BMW and Mini

BMW typically hides the OBD-II port more than other manufacturers. On most BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and X-series models, the port is under the dashboard on the driver's side, but it is often behind a hinged or removable plastic panel near the driver's left knee area. Look for a small rectangular panel or cover along the lower left side of the dashboard -- pry it open or pull it downward to reveal the port. On the BMW E90 3 Series, the port is behind a small door in the lower kick panel to the left of the steering column. Mini Cooper places the port in the center console area or under the driver's dash depending on the model year. Always check for hidden covers on BMWs.

Nissan and Infiniti

Nissan places the OBD-II port under the dashboard on the driver's side, slightly to the right of the steering column on most models. On the Altima, Sentra, and Rogue, the port is located just above the driver's right knee, tucked under the lower dash panel near the center. On the Nissan Frontier and Pathfinder, the port is in a similar position but may be angled toward the center console. Some Nissan models have a small cover or flap over the port. Infiniti vehicles follow the same placement pattern. On the 370Z and GT-R, the port location shifts slightly toward the center of the dash.

Hyundai and Kia

Hyundai and Kia make the OBD-II port easy to find on most models. On the Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, and Santa Fe, the port is under the dashboard on the driver's side, directly below the steering column and usually fully exposed. It faces downward and is visible if you lean down and look up under the steering wheel. Kia vehicles like the Forte, Optima (K5), and Sportage use the same straightforward placement. Some newer Hyundai and Kia models have a small plastic lip or cover, but the port is always in the same general area -- directly below the steering column, facing the floor.

Volkswagen and Audi

Volkswagen places the OBD-II port under the dashboard on the driver's side, but it is often hidden behind a removable or hinged cover. On the Jetta, Golf, Passat, and Tiguan, look for a small rectangular cover or panel on the lower left side of the dashboard, near the driver's left shin. Pull or pry the cover off to access the port. On older VW models (early 2000s), the port may be above the pedals and partially obstructed. Audi vehicles place the port in a similar location with a cover panel, and on some models it is positioned within the center console cubby or near the driver's knee bolster. VW and Audi ports are almost always covered, so do not be discouraged if you cannot see it immediately -- feel for a removable panel.

General Tips for Finding Any OBD-II Port

If your vehicle is not listed above, follow these universal tips. Federal law requires the port to be within 2 feet of the steering column and accessible from the driver's seat without tools. Start by looking directly under the steering wheel, then check to the left and right along the lower dashboard edge. Feel with your hand if the area is too dark to see -- the trapezoidal shape is distinctive. Check for small plastic covers, panels, or doors along the lower edge of the dashboard. On some vehicles, the port is behind the coin tray, in the center console, or near the fuse box. Your vehicle's owner's manual always lists the exact location under the diagnostics or maintenance section.

Frequently Asked Questions