ToolviaHonda VIN decoder
Most Hondas sold in America are built in North America, and the VIN shows exactly where. A Civic might start with 2HG from Canada or 19X from the US, while an Accord built in Ohio starts with 1HG.
Decode a Honda VIN below to see the model, trim, engine and plant, with any recalls and owner complaints for that model year.
Honda manufacturer codes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Honda VIN are its World Manufacturer Identifier. These are the ones you’re most likely to see on vehicles sold in the United States:
| VIN starts with | Meaning |
|---|---|
1HG | Honda cars built in the US |
JHM | Honda cars built in Japan |
2HG | Honda cars built in Canada |
5FN | Honda SUVs and minivans built in the US |
5J6 | Honda CR-V models built in the US |
19X | Honda cars built in the US (newer range) |
Not sure what the rest of the characters mean? Our guide to what each digit in a VIN means walks through all 17, and the VIN year chart shows how to read the model year from the 10th character.
How to read a Honda VIN
Model and trim are built in
Honda packs the model, body, transmission and trim into positions 4 through 8. That’s why the decoder can usually tell an LX from an EX or a Touring without you checking the badges.
SUVs and minivans
5FN is used on SUVs and minivans built in the US, such as the Pilot and Odyssey. 5J6 is common on CR-Vs built in the US.
Motorcycles are different
Honda motorcycles have their own manufacturer codes, often starting with JH2. You can decode them here too, though NHTSA usually holds fewer details for motorcycles than for cars.
Before you buy a used Honda: what to check with the VIN
Once you’ve decoded the VIN, these are the Honda-specific things worth comparing against the listing.
Confirm the trim
The difference between an LX, an EX and a Touring can be thousands of dollars. The Trim row shows what Honda reported for this VIN.
CVT, automatic or manual?
Check the Transmission row. Honda has offered CVTs, conventional automatics and manuals, sometimes in the same model year.
Civic Type R and Si
Performance versions like the Type R and Si command a premium. Decode the VIN to make sure a car advertised as one really left the factory that way.
Where to find the VIN on a Honda
Check the dashboard through the windshield on the driver’s side first, then the label on the driver’s door jamb. The VIN is also printed on the title, registration and insurance card. See all the places to look.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my Honda’s trim level from the VIN?
Enter the VIN above. The report’s Trim and Series rows show what Honda reported to NHTSA for that VIN.
Does an Acura VIN work here?
Yes. Acura is Honda’s luxury brand and its VINs decode the same way.
Where is the VIN on a Honda?
At the base of the windshield on the driver’s side and on the label in the driver’s door jamb.
Honda is a trademark of its owner. Toolvia is an independent site and isn’t affiliated with Honda. Decoded details come from data the manufacturer reports to NHTSA.