Can cabin air filters cause check engine light?

Cabin air filters are primarily responsible for filtering the air that enters a vehicle's interior through the ventilation system, aimed at improving air quality for occupants. However, they are not directly linked to the engine's performance or emissions systems monitored by the onboard diagnostic (OBD) system. The check engine light (MIL) is triggered by the OBD system when it detects issues related to the engine's operation, emissions control, sensors, and other engine management components. While a severely clogged cabin air filter might indirectly impact airflow to the HVAC system, leading to rare and minor performance issues, it is unlikely to be a primary cause of the check engine light coming on. If the check engine light is illuminated, it's advisable to have the OBD system scanned to pinpoint and address the specific problem affecting the engine or emissions.