Mazda VIN Decoder
Decode your Mazda VIN now! Type the VIN number and discover key details like specs, market value, accident history, ownership, and more. Get instant access to vital information with a Mazda VIN Decoder.
What is a Mazda VIN Decoder?
A Mazda VIN decoder reads the 17-character VIN number stamped into your Mazda and translates it into human language, such as the manufacturer, model year, engine type, body style, and trim level.
If you’re shopping used, checking the VIN should be your first step. A quick Mazda VIN decoder can disclose specs and show important clues about the vehicle’s past, including mileage records, accident notes, and title issues, so you don’t get burned by sweet talk or hidden problems. You can avoid buying a stolen car, overpaying for a troubled one, or draining cash on surprise repairs.
What is a Mazda VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?
A Mazda Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character mix of digits and capital letters that uniquely identifies your Mazda. It isn’t random. Those characters describe the manufacturer and country, the model year, engine and transmission type, body form, the assembly plant, and a serial number.
Because it’s so informative, the VIN is used by law enforcement, insurance firms, and car dealers for registrations, recalls, warranty claims, and theft recovery.
Have a pre-1981 Mazda with a shorter VIN? We can decode it. No blank screens, no “invalid” roadblocks.
How to Read a Mazda VIN Number?
Since 1981, a VIN has 17 characters divided into three sections (WMI, VDS, VIS), each part revealing key details about the vehicle. Below is the usual pattern you’ll see on Mazda vehicles, with a standardized 17-character VIN:
WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier)
These three characters point to Mazda and where the vehicle was built. Common Mazda WMIs include examples like:
- JM1 – Mazda Motor Corp., Mazda passenger car
- JM2 – Mazda Motor Corp., Mazda truck
- JM3 – Mazda Motor Corp., Mazda multi-purpose passenger vehicle
- JC1 – Mazda Motor Corp., Fiat passenger car (’17-’20 124 Spider)
- JC2 – Mazda Motor Corp., Ford truck (’81-’82 Courier)
- 1YV – Mazda Motor Manufacturing USA/AutoAlliance International, Mazda passenger car (Mazda 6, 626, MX-6)
- 3MD – Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation, Mazda passenger car (Mazda 2)
- 3MJ – Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation, Mazda CX-3 (For Mexican market)
- 3MY – Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation, Toyota passenger car (’16 Scion iA, ’17-’18 Toyota Yaris iA, ’19-’20 Toyota Yaris sedan, ’20 Toyota Yaris hatchback)
- 3MZ – Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation, Mazda passenger car (Mazda 3)
- 3MV – Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation, Mazda multi-purpose passenger vehicle (Mazda CX-30)
- 4F2 – Mazda multi-purpose passenger vehicle (Mazda Navajo, Tribute)
- 4F4 – Ford Motor Company, Mazda truck (Mazda B-series ’94+)
- 7MM – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA, Mazda multi-purpose passenger vehicle (Mazda CX-50)
VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section)
Positions 4–9 describe the vehicle itself, such as the body style, restraint system, series/trim, engine, and more. The VDS also includes the check digit (position 9) used to detect typos or tampering.
VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section)
Positions 10–17 are for the vehicle identifier section.
On North American vehicles (Mazda included), the 10th character of the VIN tells you the model year. Think of it as a simple code the factory uses.
For the year code specifically, manufacturers also skip U, Z, and 0. “Model year” can mean the calendar year the vehicle was built or the year the manufacturer assigns for that model run.
Below is the list of the code and its meaning for the model years:
| 10th Digit | Model Year | 10th Digit | Model Year | 10th Digit | Model Year | 10th Digit | Model Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1980 | M | 1991 | 2 | 2002 | D | 2013 |
| B | 1981 | N | 1992 | 3 | 2003 | E | 2014 |
| C | 1982 | P | 1993 | 4 | 2004 | F | 2015 |
| D | 1983 | R | 1994 | 5 | 2005 | G | 2016 |
| E | 1984 | S | 1995 | 6 | 2006 | H | 2017 |
| F | 1985 | T | 1996 | 7 | 2007 | J | 2018 |
| G | 1986 | V | 1997 | 8 | 2008 | K | 2019 |
| H | 1987 | W | 1998 | 9 | 2009 | L | 2020 |
| J | 1988 | X | 1999 | A | 2010 | M | 2021 |
| K | 1989 | Y | 2000 | B | 2011 | N | 2022 |
| L | 1990 | 1 | 2001 | C | 2012 | P | 2023 |
The assembly plant (position 11) is where the vehicle was assembled. Each manufacturer uses its own set of plant codes. For example:
Code | Description |
0 | Hiroshima, Japan |
1 | Hofu, Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan |
5 | Flat Rock, Michigan, US (Mazda Motor Manufacturing USA/AutoAlliance International) |
M | Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico (Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation) (Mazda models) |
N | Huntsville, Alabama, US (Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA) |
Y | Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico (Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation) |
And finally, a six-digit serial (position 12–17) is unique to every vehicle, including Mazda. We translate this automatically, so you don’t have to memorize the table.
Where to Find the VIN on a Mazda?
A Mazda VIN number is a 17-digit character that acts as a unique ID for your Mazda. The VIN can be found in several places below:
- Driver’s side dashboard (most common): Look through the windshield from outside. You’ll see a small metal plate or a clear sticker at the base of the glass on the driver’s side.
- Driver’s door pillar/door frame: Open the door and check the label on the jamb. It often lists the VIN along with tire and paint info.
- Under the hood: On older Mazdas, the VIN may appear in the engine bay, in front of the engine block (many gasoline models), the firewall, inner fender, or the radiator support.
- Front end of the frame (older vehicles): Some classics show the VIN on the inner front wheel arch or frame rail.
- Paperwork & digital records: Your VIN is printed on the registration, title, and insurance policy. It may also appear in service receipts.
What Information Can You Get from a Mazda VIN Decoder?
Instant VIN Reports VIN decoder tells you the full specs and history of any Mazda. When you run your Mazda VIN through our decoder, you’ll get information about the Mazda you’re considering. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find:
Vehicle Specifications
Get the essentials at a glance, including the Mazda’s model year, make, model, trim, and body style. These specs help you validate the car’s true configuration and spot any mismatch between the report and the seller’s claims.
Lien/Loan Check
Outstanding liens can hinder a smooth sale, and many used cars for sale might have unpaid liens or loans. We search for records that show if there are unpaid liens, so you don’t wire money only to chase a release later.
Title Brand Records
Does the vehicle have a clean or branded title? See if the Mazda carries a clean or branded title. We show you the records like salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood, fire, hail, or lemon so you understand the condition and disclosure needs.
Theft Records
A quick theft check shows if the Mazda vehicle was reported stolen and whether it was later recovered. It’s a simple line with big implications linked to the VIN when paperwork or stories feel a little off.
Warranty Status
For late-model Mazdas, we indicate if factory warranties are likely still active based on model year, mileage markers, or manufacturer data where provided. Always confirm with a Mazda dealer for exact coverage.
Service Records
When you check a Mazda VIN for service records, you’re reading a maintenance diary. (e.g., oil changes, brake jobs). A Mazda with documented maintenance tells you if service follows a reasonable rhythm.
Accident & Damage History
If the Mazda has recorded accidents or damage claims, you’ll see them. With a report, you’ll get dates, locations, and severity notes. Use this to budget for repairs or decide the car isn’t the right fit.
Mileage History
With Instant VIN Reports, you can verify the recorded mileage reading on the odometer at different points in time and identify potential rollbacks, consistent use, or gaps that deserve questions.
Auction & Sales History (with Photos)
If the Mazda ran through auctions or online listings, you’ll see dates, sale details, and how many times it was listed, along with up to 10 photos when available. Great for judging condition and market value.
Why Use a Mazda VIN Decoder?
Before you buy or list a Mazda, it’s important to decode the VIN. Verifying specs instantly with our Free tools, and add the paid report to dig deeper into title checks, accidents, mileage, ownership records, recalls, and more. And yes, many pre-1981 VIN/chassis numbers are supported.
The table below breaks it down into what you can get at a glance.
Who Can Benefit from Using a Mazda VIN Decoder?
The Mazda VIN Decoder helps buyers, private sellers, and dealers in different ways. See the quick breakdown below.
For Buyers
- Confirm exact trim and engine, not just a listing blurb.
- Spot title brands early to avoid wasted money.
- Check for odometer issues before negotiating.
- See prior accidents to judge repair quality.
- Compare auction photos with the current condition.
For Sellers
- Print clean specs to build trust in your listing.
- Speed up the sale with fewer back-and-forths.
- Show there are no title brands or liens.
- Use market value ranges to price fairly.
- Differentiate your Mazda from similar local listings.
For Dealers
- Verify trim, engine, and options before pricing or bidding.
- Catch title brands early, so you can avoid costly mistakes.
- Compare histories side-by-side for smarter purchasing decisions.
- Reduce returns and chargebacks with transparent documentation.
- Use market value ranges; price competitively and confidently.
How to Use the Free Mazda VIN Decoder?
To use the Mazda VIN decoder, you’ll need the VIN (or classic chassis number) and follow these steps:
1) Find the VIN
Locate the Mazda VIN numbers on the vehicle or the documents.
2) Fill in the Form
Type the 17-digit VIN into the form above. Our Instant VIN decoder also works for classic cars made before 1981. After that, click the “Search VIN” button to decode the VIN.
3) Get the Report
You’ll see a preview with the car’s basic details, like the year, make, model, engine, and transmission. Complete payment and click “Access Records” to get the full report in seconds.
Free Mazda VIN Decoder vs. Paid Mazda VIN Decoder
Buying or selling a BMW and want the facts fast? Start with our Free BMW VIN Decoder to confirm the model, year, engine, trim, and other core specs. Want to know more? Step up to the Paid BMW VIN Decoder for the full story, and see title brand records, accidents, mileage, recalls, theft checks, auctions, and more.
Here are the details of what you can get:
| Feature | Free VIN Decoder | History Report (Paid) |
|---|---|---|
| VIN decoding for all vehicle types | ||
| Year, make, model, trim | ||
| Full vehicle specifications / detailed car specs | ||
| Market value snapshot | ||
| Sales listings (current/online ads) | ||
| Sales history (timeline of past listings/sales) | ||
| Auction records (when available) | ||
| Auction history with photos | ||
| Mileage during auction/sales (when available) | ||
| Odometer rollback checks | ||
| Ownership history | ||
| Vehicle usage type (personal, fleet, rental, commercial) | ||
| Title brand records (salvage, rebuilt, flood, lemon, etc.) | ||
| Lien & loan records | ||
| Accident & damage history | ||
| Theft / stolen records | ||
| Flood/hail/fire damage checks | ||
| Service/repair records | ||
| Warranty status & coverage | ||
| Recall information |
Decode VIN by Other Manufacturers
Alfa romeo
AM general
Aston Martin
Audi
Austin Healey
Avanti Motors
Bentley
BMW
Bricklin
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Daewoo
Daihatsu
Datsun
Dodge
Eagle
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Freightliner
Genesis
Geo
GMC
Harley Davidson
Hino
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kawasaki
Kenworth
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Maybach
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes Benz
Mercury
MG
MINI
Mitsubishi
Morgan
Nissan
Oldsmobile
Panoz
Peterbilt
Plymouth
Polestar
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Ram
Saab
Saleen
Saturn
Scion
Shelby
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Tesla
Toyota
Triumph
Volkswagen
Volvo
Yamaha
Frequently Asked Questions about Mazda VIN Decoder
What is a Mazda VIN?
It’s a standardized 17-character (established since 1981) code that identifies your Mazda’s make, model, engine, year, plant, and serial.
How to use the Mazda VIN decoder
Enter the VIN in our tool. We read the WMI/VDS/VIS, validate the check digit, and return clear specs instantly. Need more than specs? Add the Instant VIN Reports history for title brands, accidents, mileage, recalls, and more.
Is using an online Mazda VIN Decoder safe and legal?
Yes. VINs are visible by design (windshield/door jamb). Decoding is legal, and our VIN decoder can show you the specs instantly. You can even access the full history of the vehicle in the complete vehicle history report.
Is the Mazda VIN decoder free?
Yes. On Instant VIN Reports, the free Mazda VIN decoder returns core specs from the 17-character VIN into model year, trim, engine, body style, and more. If you need the full picture, like title records, accidents, mileage readings, liens/loans, recalls, theft, auction/sales data, and more, those are in our paid history report. We also support classic Mazda VIN/chassis numbers with fewer than 17 characters, so you won’t hit a blank or “invalid” screen like some tools.
Can I use this tool to decode Mazda chassis numbers?
Yes. We also support many classic/pre-1981 Mazda VIN/chassis numbers with fewer than 17 characters. We’ll decode what’s possible and show any records we can find (coverage varies by vehicle and data source).
Can I check Mazda's service history by VIN?
Often, yes. When maintenance events are reported, your Instant VIN Reports history will show service/maintenance records (dates, mileages, brief notes). Not all Mazdas have digital service data, but many do. Start with the free decoder for specs, then add the history report if you need service details.