Lexus VIN Decoder

List of Lexus Models

• CT
• ES
• GS
• GX
• HS
• IS
• LC
• LC500 / LC 500h
• LFA
• LS
• LX
• LX 570
• NX
• RC
• RC F
• RX
• RZ 450e
• SC
• UX

Lexus VIN Number Lookup

What makes the VIN so important? By looking up your vehicle's VIN, you can discover tons of valuable information about your vehicle that you might've not known before. You will see your vehicle's year, make, and model, where your vehicle was made, place of assembly, and other manufacturer information. You will also discover what parts your vehicle originally came with, ranging from chassis and engine, allowing you to spot any unoriginal or false modifications since leaving the factory. Additionally, by checking your VIN, you can see who previously owned your vehicle and whether it's been in any major accidents or natural disasters. This 17-character code is also essential for registering and insuring your vehicle.

Where to Search for the VIN?

Like on most vehicles, the Lexus VIN is displayed on a metal tag attached to the car’s dashboard, which you can view by looking from the outside through the windshield on the driver’s side of the car, next to the cowl.

Additionally, you may find the VIN on the service tag, typically located inside the driver's door jamb, between the door latch and where the door meets the sill. This tag displays several codes used to identify the axle, paint color, transmission, and other features.

Other locations where you may look for the VIN include the engine compartment, under the hood or trunk, other door jambs, rear-wheel well, or even underneath a spare tire.

Can't look for the VIN on your car? The VIN can also be found on documents such as the vehicle's title, registration, and insurance card.

Comprehensive VIN Decoder Guide

Before we crack the code, it's important to note that Lexus changed their VIN codes in 1996 and 2009 – changing the meaning of some characters based on model year. However, you don't have to worry about that as our decoder will do the work for you. Here's how you can decode and check VIN letters and numbers to learn more about the vehicle.

Digit 1

This is the location of the assembly plant: “J” is for Japan, “1” and “5” are for the United States and “2” is for Canada.

Digit 2

This is the manufacturer: which is “T” for Toyota.

Digit 3

This is the brand division: which is “H” for Lexus.

Digit 4

For Lexus cars built before 1996, the following digits represent the car models:

For Lexus cars built between 1996 and 2008 the following digits indicate the frame construction and drive type:

For Lexus models built in 2009 and later the following digits indicate the body style, drive type, and in some cases the trim level:

Digit 5

For Lexus cars built before 1996, this indicates the vehicle model. For Lexus cars built from 1996 and on, this indicates the engine model. Each character in the engine name represents a specific feature. For example, engines with a “G” have a high performance cylinder head.

1996-2009

2009 and later

Digit 6

On Lexus cars built up until 2008, this represents the trim level options. On Lexus cars built from 2009 and on, this indicates safety equipment:

Digit 7

This digit identifies equipment options in Lexus cars built up to 1996. From 1996 and on, it identifies safety and security equipment.

Digit 8

On Lexus cars built before 1996, it identifies the body style: “C” for coupes and “E” or “T” for sedans. On newer Lexus cars, it identifies the model.

Digit 9

This is a VIN check digit, which is used to verify the number's authenticity.

Digit 10

This is the model year. It alternates between letters and numbers. 1-9 were used from 2001 to 2009, while other model years use letters.

Digit 11

This is the manufacturing plant:

0-9 - Japan

“A” - Motomachi, Japan

“C” - Cambridge (Canada)

Digits 12-17

These digits represent the vehicle’s serial number. Lexus does not standardize their serial numbers. Even if two cars left the factory the same day, which are the same model, year and equipment level, they won’t have sequential serial numbers.