Decode VINs, look up specs, history, recalls, market value, and OBD codes.
🚗 CarsXE MCP Server
A modular, extensible Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for querying and analyzing vehicle data from the CarsXE API, with beautiful, chat-friendly Markdown output for LLMs and chatbots.
ℹ️ What is CarsXE MCP Server?
The CarsXE MCP server is a Node.js/TypeScript application that exposes a suite of tools for querying comprehensive vehicle data from the CarsXE API. It is designed for seamless integration with LLMs (like Anthropic Claude, OpenAI GPT, etc.), chatbots, and developer tools, providing:
- 🧩 Clean, modular code for each CarsXE endpoint
- 📝 Consistent, Markdown-rich output for chat/LLM environments
- 🛡️ Robust error handling and user-friendly messages
- 🔌 Easy extensibility for new endpoints and features
💡 Why Use CarsXE with MCP?
Connecting CarsXE to your AI editor or chat client via MCP gives you a supercharged vehicle data experience — directly inside the tools you already use:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Ask in plain English | No need to know API endpoints or parameters — just describe what you want |
| Context-aware answers | The AI combines live vehicle data with your question for tailored, actionable responses |
| No tab switching | Get VIN specs, history, recalls, and values without leaving your editor or chat |
| Chain requests effortlessly | Decode a plate → get full specs → check recalls → get market value, all in one conversation |
| Always live data | Every query hits the CarsXE API in real time — no stale cache or outdated results |
| Works in your favorite editor | Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, and any MCP-compatible client |
✨ Features
- 🤖 Uses Anthropic Claude to generate comprehensive, professional answers based on the API data and user query
- 🚙 Query vehicle specs, history, images, recalls, market value, and more
- 🏷️ Decode license plates and VINs (including OCR from images)
- 🛠️ Decode OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) codes
- 🎨 All endpoints return elegant, grouped, emoji-rich Markdown
- 🧑💻 Modular code: types, API logic, and formatters are separated for maintainability
- 🧪 Simple to run, test, and extend
⚙️ Prerequisites
CarsXE API key (get one here)
🖥️ Installation by Editor
All editors use the same remote MCP endpoint. Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual CarsXE API key in every config below.
Claude Desktop
1️⃣ Download and Install Claude Desktop
- Go to the official Claude Desktop download page
- Download the installer for your operating system (macOS, Windows, or Linux)
- Install Claude Desktop by following the on-screen instructions
2️⃣ Configure Claude Desktop to Use the CarsXE MCP Server
a. Open Claude Desktop Settings
- Launch the Claude Desktop app
- Click on Claude in the menu bar
- Select Settings
- In the Settings window, go to the Developer tab (you may need to scroll or expand advanced options)
- Click Edit Config (or Open Config File)
b. Edit the Configuration File
This will open the
claude_desktop_config.jsonfile in your default text editor.Locate the
"mcpServers"section. If it does not exist, add it as shown below.Add or update the following entry for CarsXE:
{ "mcpServers": { "carsxe": { "command": "npx", "args": [ "mcp-remote@latest", "https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp", "--header", "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" ] } } }Replace
YOUR_API_KEYwith your actual CarsXE API KeyTip: You can add multiple MCP servers under
"mcpServers"if you use more than one.Save the configuration file and close your editor.
c. Restart Claude Desktop
Close and reopen the Claude Desktop app to apply the new configuration.
It may take a short delay for the changes to take effect.
3️⃣ Verify the CarsXE MCP Server is Available
- After restarting, open Claude Desktop.
- Go to the tools or plugins section (usually in the search bar or under a tools menu).
- You should see CarsXE listed as an available MCP server/tool.
- Try running a CarsXE tool (e.g., get-vehicle-specs) to verify everything is working.
This will only work if your API key is associated with an active subscription.
Cursor
[Install CarsXE MCP for Cursor](cursor://anysphere.cursor-deeplink/mcp/install?name=CarsXE&config=eyJuYW1lIjoiQ2Fyc1hFIiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9tY3AuY2Fyc3hlLmNvbS9tY3AiLCJoZWFkZXJzIjp7IlgtQVBJLUtleSI6
Tools (5)
get-vehicle-specsRetrieves comprehensive technical specifications for a vehicle based on VIN or year, make, and model.get-vehicle-historyFetches historical data and records for a specific vehicle.get-recallsChecks for active safety recalls associated with a vehicle.get-market-valueProvides current market valuation data for a vehicle.decode-obd-codeTranslates On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) codes into human-readable descriptions.Environment Variables
X-API-KeyrequiredYour CarsXE API key obtained from the CarsXE developer dashboard.Configuration
{"mcpServers": {"carsxe": {"command": "npx", "args": ["mcp-remote@latest", "https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp", "--header", "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"]}}}