How to Read a VIN Number Like a Pro
From understanding the VIN number breakdown to uncovering a vehicle’s history,...
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Looking for the VIN?
Here is there you’ll find it:
Find a unique 17-character vehicle identification number in every Mazda vehicle. Such a sequence, which was standardized in 1981, acts as your car's fingerprint. Our VIN decoder successfully interprets these characters. Identify genuine Mazda parts compatibility, recall status, and essential specifications before making a purchase decision without any inconvenience.
Our Mazda VIN decoder simplifies the process in four straightforward steps:
Here are the most common locations where your Mazda's VIN is placed:
| Indicator | What It Means |
|---|---|
| ≈ 5,300 Mazda lots on leading insurer auction platforms (July 2025, Pacific time) | Combined Copart + IAA inventory includes 2,318 cars with salvage titles and 3,012 damaged lots affecting certain vehicles with serious body damage risk. |
| Average annual mileage ≈ 8,900 miles | Independent research (2025) showed the average Mazda3 covers 137.7k miles over 15.4 years (≈ 8.9k miles/year), which is below market average: cars "wear out" slower. |
| Chance to survive 200k miles : ≈ 3% | From the same database of 2M+ cars, only 3% of Mazda sedans reach 200 thousand miles, close to the average for mainstream brands. |
| Major recall campaigns 2024-25 | • 9.9k cars (CX-90, 24V-349): false brake activation; • 38.9k cars (CX-90 / CX-70, 24V-816): engine may not restart after i-Stop; • 12.2k cars (MX-5 2024-25, 25V-336) : DSC system malfunction |
Note: Before buying, run the VIN through EpicVIN. Identify if the car falls under open campaigns or hides expensive repairs that could affect safety.
| Issue | Statistics and Problem Details |
|---|---|
| False braking (CX-90) | Safety recall 24V-349 covers ≈ 9,900 CX-90 2024 models: the radar sensor may "see" non-existent obstacles and activate brakes at 10-15 mph during normal driving. |
| Engine won't restart after i-Stop | Recall 24V-816 affects ≈ 38,900 CX-90 and CX-70 2024-25 models: PCM/ECM software failure can leave the vehicle without power at intersections. |
| DSC indicator malfunction (MX-5) | Recall 25V-336: ≈ 12,200 MX-5 Miata 2024-25 models; due to a software error, the ESC lamp doesn't illuminate during malfunction, increasing crash risk and loss of control. |
Each character in your vehicle's unique sequence tells a specific story. Here's the standard VIN format:
Here's a sample sequence (JM1NC2MF0D0229257) for our Mazda VIN decoder to interpret:
| Symbols | Sample | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | J | Japan as the country of origin |
| 2 | M | Mazda as a manufacturer |
| 3 | 1 | Passenger car vehicle type |
| 4-8 | NC2MF | Specific model (MX-5), body style, engine type, and restraint system |
| 9 | 0 | Check digit for validation |
| 10 | D | 2013 model year |
| 11 | 0 | Hiroshima assembly plant |
| 12-17 | 229257 | Individual vehicle serial number |
Year 2025
Make Mazda
Model CX-5
Fuel Type Gasoline
Engine 2.5L In-Line PY
Made in JAPAN
Our Mazda VIN decoder reveals essential vehicle information across multiple categories:
Before paying for a used Mazda vehicle, run its VIN through EpicVIN. In seconds, you'll see factory equipment - from Carbon Edition to plug-in hybrid - and learn about open recalls, odometer rollbacks, and salvage titles. Verified facts save thousands and protect customers from costly surprises.Alex Black, CMO & auto-expert, EpicVIN
Yes. First, enter the VIN. EpicVIN instantly shows core build data. This includes the model family (CX-5, Mazda3, MX-5, etc.), engine type, body style, trim, and plant.
A paid EpicVIN report adds different types of valuable information. This includes NMVTIS title data, odometer rollbacks, salvage or flood brands, open recall information, insurance total-loss events, prior auction photos, and verified service entries from authorized dealers.
Absolutely. Each EpicVIN decode connects to the NHTSA recall database in real time. Any active safety recall appears with its description and repair instructions, so owners can contact their Mazda dealer for service.
Yes. Our Mazda VIN decoder reads any VIN built since 1981. This includes classics like the NC-generation MX-5 or rotary-powered RX-8. The tool is useful when searching for specialty vehicles.
Enter the VIN and you'll see detailed data for powertrain options, i-ACTIV AWD systems, and appearance packages. For many recent models, we also show original MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) and factory options, helping you decide on genuine Mazda parts compatibility. Videos and additional data help customers understand their specific model features at different temperature conditions present during manufacture.
Mazda VIN numbers explained:
1st-3rd Characters: Manufacturer and region (e.g., "JM1" indicates Mazda, Japan).
4th-8th Characters: Vehicle details like body type and engine code.
9th Character: Check digit for authenticity.
10th Character: Model year (e.g., "L" for 2020).
11th Character: Manufacturing plant.
12th-17th Characters: Serial number or production sequence.
Yes, sharing your Mazda VIN is generally safe for legitimate purposes, such as obtaining a build sheet, checking specifications, or ordering parts. Avoid posting your chassis number publicly to reduce identity theft risks related to fake vehicle identification.
Use the first three characters of the VIN for identification. For instance, "JM1" indicates Mazda manufactured in Japan. This detail helps confirm specs by VIN, ensuring you receive region-specific information about your Mazda.
Yes, use a VIN decoder to access your Mazda’s specs by VIN. This includes optional features like sunroof, infotainment system, or advanced safety packages. A build sheet from your Mazda dealer can provide a full list of factory-installed features for precise identification.
A Mazda VIN clearly shows which CX model you have, helping tell apart similar ones like the CX-30, CX-5, and CX-50. The eighth digit in your VIN specifically marks the series, making it simple to identify your exact crossover model and avoid mix-ups.
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