How to Read a VIN Number Like a Pro
From understanding the VIN number breakdown to uncovering a vehicle’s history,...
Free Mitsubishi VIN Decoder! 🚗 See specs, build sheet, recalls basic history—no sign-up. 🛡️✅ Need accidents, mileage, title? Upgrade in one click.
Looking for the VIN?
Here is there you’ll find it:
A vehicle identification number serves as your car's unique fingerprint. Its format was standardized in 1981 by the ISO Institute. VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, identifying each specific vehicle through 17 characters. Our VIN decoder transforms these digits into valuable specifications, recall information, and other facts that most car owners, buyers, and sellers find valuable.
Decoding your Mitsubishi VIN number requires just four simple steps to access detailed information.
Your vehicle identification number appears in several standard locations. Check the following places on your Mitsubishi vehicle.
| Key Risk | Impact on Buyers | Mitigation Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Theft Risk | ~15% chance of theft if VIN flagged in known theft database | Check VIN against NICB's free VINCheck before purchase. Verify title status with NMVTIS. |
| Unrepaired Safety Recalls | Over 29 million recalled vehicles in the U.S. (2024 total) | Use the NHTSA recall lookup by VIN. Confirm repairs at an authorized Mitsubishi dealer. |
| Depreciation Over Time | Mitsubishi models lose ~20-30% value in the first 3 years | Compare market values with KBB or NADA. Buy certified pre-owned to slow depreciation. |
| Odometer Rollback Fraud | ~3% of used vehicles show inconsistent mileage records | Match odometer reading with NMVTIS and service records. Check auction history photos. |
| Hidden Flood or Salvage History | Up to 5% of auctioned Mitsubishis have undisclosed damage history | Pull the EpicVIN or NMVTIS report. Inspect for rust, mold, and replaced electrical components. |
Risk Reduction: Minimize risks: Regularly perform VIN checks through the EpicVIN service. Search for mileage reports, liens, and recall notifications.
| Issue | Affected Models, Symptoms, Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| CVT Transmission Slippage | 2013–2017 Outlander, high mileage; shudder, shake. ≈ $3,000 |
| Water Pump / Timing Belt Wear | 2010–2014 Lancer, 100k–150k mi; overheating, coolant leak. ≈ $900 |
| Catalytic Converter Failure | 2012–2016 Outlander Sport, 80k–120k mi; check-engine light, poor performance. ≈ $1,200 |
Each character in your vehicle's unique sequence tells a specific story.
There are some other details that Mitsubishi owners and buyers should know:
North American VINs post 2016 include a secondary market code to differentiate dealer demo units.
Here's an example of how our Mitsubishi VIN decoder interprets a sample sequence (1Z7HC28K87S265652):
| Symbols | Sample | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | The United States as the country of origin |
| 2 | Z | Mitsubishi as a manufacturer |
| 3 | 7 | Passenger car vehicle type |
| 4-8 | HC28K | Sedan body style, engine type, restraint system, model line, and trim level |
| 9 | 8 | Check digit for validation |
| 10 | 7 | 2007 model year |
| 11 | S | Assembly plant location |
| 12-17 | 265652 | Individual vehicle serial number |
Year 2022
Make Mitsubishi
Model Mirage G4
Fuel Type Gasoline
Engine 1.2L In-Line MIVEC
Made in THAILAND
Your Mitsubishi VIN number unlocks important information and comprehensive vehicle details through our VIN decoder system.
Our timeline view archives salvage and auction data to help you catch hidden trouble before it costs.— Alex Black, CMO, EpicVIN
Search for your Mitsubishi VIN number in specific places. Check the dashboard near the driver's windshield, door jamb, engine bay, and registration documents.
The first character "4" indicates the Diamond-Star Motors plant in Normal, Illinois, during the 1990s production.
Position 8 contains specific engine code designating the PHEV powertrain in Outlander models.
Trim codes in positions 6-7 identify limited editions like Evolution Final Edition.
VIN decoder cross-references the NHTSA database, showing specific recall campaign participation by vehicle.
Position 8 indicates CARB-compliant versus federal emissions certification for your model.
WMI starting with "J" plus specific trim digits indicates JDM models imported later.
Plant designation reveals manufacturing country, helping identify vehicles subject to import duties.
Position 11 "C" designates the Mizushima plant in Japan for specific model production years.
Position 10 shows the model year, while the production month requires manufacturer-specific decode algorithms for each car.
Discover expert tips, news and advice on buying and maintaining used vehicles
From understanding the VIN number breakdown to uncovering a vehicle’s history,...
You can learn a lot about a used car just by checking its license plate. This...
EpicVIN honored with Emerging 8 award for its contributions to the auto indust...