Mazda VIN Decoder

List of Mazda Models

• 323
• 626
• B-Series
• CX-3
• CX-30
• CX-5
• CX-50
• CX-7
• CX-9
• CX-90
• Mazda2
• Mazda3
• Mazda5
• Mazda6
• Millenia
• MPV
• MX-3
• MX-30
• MX-5
• MX-6
• Navajo
• Protege
• RX-7
• RX-8
• Tribute

Mazda VIN Number Lookup

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is an identifier issued by Mazda on every vehicle they make. This code is more than a serial number. It includes information on where the car was built and the equipment fitted to it at the factory. This helps you identify obvious errors in sale listings, and spot modifications made since the car rolled off of the factory line.

For some buyers, this is useful for finding the exact model you want. For example, if you’re buying a Miata, there are certain gearbox and differential combinations that handle spirited driving better than others. For other buyers, it helps you identify changes that make the car seem more valuable than it really is. There’s a big difference between factory-installed equipment and parts added haphazardly to boost value.

Where to Search for the VIN?

Mazda applies the VIN to several parts of their cars and crossovers. You should be able to find this code in at least a few of these locations:

• Look at the dash through the windshield. You should see a small VIN plate next to the driver’s door.
• Open the driver’s door. Look for a large white sticker near the bottom of the door pillar. The VIN is printed on this sticker.
• Open the hood and look at the passenger’s side inner fender. You should see the VIN printed on a small white sticker at the top of the fender, just ahead of the strut tower. If you don’t see it there, look at the firewall directly behind the passenger’s side strut tower. If you’re looking at an MX-5 or a Miata, this sticker may be on the right side of the firewall, somewhere close to the clutch and brake master cylinders. On most Mazdas, the VIN is also stamped into the top center of the firewall.

The VIN is also inside the cabin of most Mazdas. Slide the front passenger’s seat all the way back. You will see a small carpet flap sticking up. Tilt this flap back to uncover the VIN stamped into the floor.

Since VINs are unique for each vehicle, they’re also used on official records. You can find this code on titles, insurance paperwork, window stickers and service receipts.

Comprehensive VIN Decoder Guide

Here’s what each of the digits in Mazda’s VIN numbers can tell you about a vehicle.

The first three digits of the VIN identify the area where the vehicle was built. There are 7 codes you’ll find on North American market Mazdas.

American-built Mazdas:

The 4th digit identifies the vehicle’s GVWR and safety equipment. The GVWR is the total combined weight of the vehicle and its maximum cargo capacity.

The 4th and 5th digits together identify the vehicle model. However, the codes for the fifth digit change from year to year, making it hard to decode. It’s much easier to match the model to the VIN using our online decoder.

The 6th digit is the safety restraint system. A car with a “1” has side airbags, while a car with a “2” doesn’t.

The 7th digit is the body style. H, J, K, L, M and N are used for 5 door vehicles, including wagons, hatchbacks and SUVs. S, T, U, V, W and X are used for four-door sedans.

The 8th digit is the engine. Here are some of the codes used on recent models:

Digit 9 is used for error correction, and has no meaning by itself.

Digit 10 is the year. This cycles through 30 numbers and letters. For the 2023 model year, this character is “P”.

Digit 11 is the manufacturing location. Most models are built in one of three plants:

The rest of the VIN is the car’s serial number.