Mazda VIN decoder
Enter a Mazda VIN to see the model, year, engine, factory and open safety recalls. Free, with official NHTSA data.
About Mazda VINs
Mazda cars built in Japan start with JM1 and SUVs with JM3. Mazda3 and CX-30 models from the Salamanca plant in Mexico start with 3MZ or 3MV, and the CX-50 built in Huntsville, Alabama starts with 7MM.
Mazda is part of Mazda Motor Corporation.
Good to know
- The Mazda6 built in Flat Rock, Michigan in the 2000s started with 1YV.
- The 8th character is the engine code on most models.
- Options are not in the VIN. Check the window sticker or the original sales paperwork.
Mazda manufacturer codes (WMI)
The first three characters of a VIN are the World Manufacturer Identifier. NHTSA lists 9 codes for Mazda. The first character shows the region where the vehicle was built (1, 4, 5 USA; 2 Canada; 3 Mexico; J Japan; K Korea; W Germany; Z Italy).
| Code | Manufacturer | Country | Vehicle type | Also used by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1YV | Auto Alliance International, USA | United States (USA) | Passenger Car | – |
| 3MD | Mazda Motor Manufacturing De Mexico S.A. De C.V. | Mexico | Passenger Car | – |
| 3MV | Mazda Motor Manufacturing De Mexico S.A. De C.V. | Mexico | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | – |
| 3MZ | Mazda Motor Manufacturing De Mexico S.A. De C.V. | Mexico | Passenger Car | – |
| 7MM | Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, USA, Inc. | United States (USA) | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Toyota |
| JC1 | Mazda Motor Corporation | Japan | Passenger Car | Fiat |
| JM1 | Mazda Motor Corporation | Japan | Passenger Car | – |
| JM2 | Mazda Motor Corporation | Japan | Truck | – |
| JM3 | Mazda Motor Corporation | Japan | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | – |
Some codes are shared by several brands of the same group. The full decode shows the brand.
How to read a Mazda VIN
| Position | Meaning | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Manufacturer code (WMI) | Maker, brand and country, as in the table above. |
| 4-8 | Vehicle descriptor | Model, body, engine and safety equipment. Each maker sets its own layout here. |
| 9 | Check digit | A calculated digit that catches typing errors and fake VINs. |
| 10 | Model year | A letter or number for the year (see the table below). |
| 11 | Assembly plant | The factory code, set by the maker. |
| 12-17 | Serial number | The production number of that vehicle. |
Model year codes
The 10th character of a Mazda VIN is the model year. Letters I, O, Q, U, Z and the number 0 are never used. The codes repeat every 30 years.
Mazda models in the NHTSA database
NHTSA lists 28 model names under Mazda. Decode a VIN to see which one yours is, with its exact trim and engine.
- 323
- 626
- 929
- B-Series
- CX-3
- CX-5
- CX-7
- CX-9
- CX-30
- CX-50
- CX-70
- CX-90
- GLC
- Mazda2
- Mazda3
- Mazda5
- Mazda6
- Millenia
- MPV
- MX-3
- MX-5
- MX-6
- MX-30
- Navajo
- Protege
- RX-7
- RX-8
- Tribute
Vehicle types NHTSA lists for Mazda
Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), Passenger Car, Truck
Where to find the VIN on a Mazda
Windshield
At the bottom of the windshield on the driver side, readable from outside.
Driver door frame
On the label on the door pillar, with tire pressures and weights.
Papers
On the title, registration and insurance card.
Mazda recalls by VIN
Every decoded Mazda VIN on VinGear shows the safety recalls NHTSA lists for that model and year. To know whether the repair was already done on your vehicle, ask a Mazda dealer or use Mazda's own recall lookup with the VIN.
Mazda VIN decoder questions
How do I decode a Mazda VIN?
Type the 17-character VIN in the box at the top of this page and press Decode VIN. You get the model, year, engine, factory and safety recalls from NHTSA, free.
Is this Mazda VIN decoder free?
Yes. Decoding and recall checks are free with no sign-up. The data comes from NHTSA, the US vehicle safety agency.
What do the first three characters of a Mazda VIN mean?
They are the manufacturer code (WMI): maker, brand and country of manufacture. NHTSA lists 9 codes for Mazda; the table on this page shows them.
Does a Mazda VIN show options or the owner?
No. The VIN codes the model, body, engine and factory, not options or colour. It never shows the owner, and VinGear does not look up owners.