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One of Japan’s first luxury brands, Acura, launched for the U.S. market in 1986 and since then has become a symbol for innovation and performance. Each Acura vehicle comes encoded with a Vehicle Identification Number known as the VIN. This 17-character code is unique and contains a huge amount of information about the car, like model, trim, engine, year, and plant.
You can easily and instantly access this information with GoodCar’s Acura VIN Decoder. You can take your search even deeper by using the optional in-depth reports on recalls, accidents, and title brands. Whatever the reason you need to use your car’s VIN, GoodCar’s decoder gives you clarity.
Decoding your Acura VIN is very simple with GoodCar’s Decoder. All you need to do is:
That’s all you have to do!
The VIN on the Acura vehicle is a 17-character alphanumeric code created by the NHTSA for all cars built after 1981. While the VIN may look like a bunch of numbers and letters, each digit has one purpose: to contain highly specific information about the vehicle from region to manufacturer. Think of the VIN as the DNA of a vehicle.
The Acura VIN will have the following information:
Because the Japanese carmaker produces so many cars, while two may look alike from the outside, the inside of the hood tells a very different story. Car collectors, mechanics, owners, and buyers will use the VIN to see exactly what’s under the hood.
In this case, we should actually be asking: what doesn’t the Acura VIN reveal because of how much it reveals? The VIN is like the DNA of your car, and GoodCar’s VIN Decoder is the key to accessing the:
For easy decoding at a first glance, the VIN is broken up into three main categories: the manufacturer identifier, the vehicle descriptor section, and the vehicle identifier section. Regardless of the brand and model, this format is used universally.
The first three digits of the VIN provide information on where the vehicle was built and what type of vehicle it is.
| WMI | Country/Region | Vehicle Type (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JH4 | Japan | Passenger car/ luxury sedan and coupe | This is a very common code that is used on Japanese-built Acura sedans and coupes like the Legend and Integra. |
| 5J8 | United States | Passenger/crossover | This VIN is used for U.S.-built SUVS and sedans like the MDX, RDX, and TLX |
| 2HNY / 2H | Canada | Passenger / SUV | Used for Acura models that are produced in or for the North American market from Canadian plants |
| 19U | United States | Passenger car | Used for U.S.-built models (later models) |
You don’t need a mechanic to find where the VIN on your Acura is located. You can look in the following places:
The easiest place to find the VIN is by looking through the windshield of the driver’s side.
Some Acura VINs can also be used to retrieve the original window stickers or build sheets. Having this information provides owners and mechanics with an exact idea of what the vehicle looked like when it rolled off the factory assembly line.
This information includes:
This information can be used to verify the details that a dealership might be advertising. Remember, not all Acura VINs will have this information!
As a top global brand, Acura has been making cars since 1986 and has a large and impressive lineup. With so many models, owners and buyers can use the VIN to identify specific makes and models. These are the most common VIN checks used on popular Acura vehicles.
Example:
| Model | Class | Notable Notes (for VIN context) |
|---|---|---|
| Integra / RSX | Compact / Sport | The VIN can be used to identify the engine variant, trim, and generation. |
| TL / TLX | Midsize sedan | The VIN can be used to validate the V6, turbo, and SH-AWD configurations. |
| RL / RLX | Luxury sedan | You can use the VIN to check the hybrid or premium options and the different trims. |
| RDX / MDX / Acura SUV lineup | Crossover / SUV | The VIN can be used to check several things, like the drivetrain (AWD / SH-AWD), engine, and the market variation. |
| NSX | Sports/supercar | Since 1999, this iconic sports car has been a popular choice from the brand. The VIN can be used to confirm the limited-series specs and engine codes. |
| ILX / TLX / ZDX / others | Sedan / Sport models | The VIN can be used to decode the trim, powertrain, and different factory options. |
The Acura VIN can do more than just decode where and what type of vehicle was built. It is also extremely useful when it comes to safety and maintaining your vehicle for the long term. GoodCar’s Acura VIN Decoder has the option to access in-depth reports of the open recalls and recall history of a car.
The recall report will reveal the manufacturer-issued safety fixes that are still pending repair, the recall status, the IDs, description, safety risk, and the next steps.
Having this information on hand is very useful when deciding to purchase a specific model. For example, a potential buyer could run a VIN lookup on recalls and learn that in September 2025, the Japanese brand issued a recall of 17,334 models of the 2025 RDX. The issue stems from an improperly calibrated electronic power steering system that will cause the system to enter a fail-safe mode.
Buyers can use this information to decide if they want to purchase a vehicle that might potentially have this problem.
The VIN can also be used to access the Technical Service Bulletins, where advisories on known issues and recommended fixes are posted. By accessing recalls and the Technical Service Bulletins, owners and buyers are always in the know when it comes to their vehicle.
Whether you want to compare specs for your next purchase, book your car in for a service, or submit an insurance claim, GoodCar’s Acura VIN Decoder makes these tasks hassle-free. Use the decoder to unlock instant access to specific details, such as model, trim, engine, and plant data.
Have peace of mind knowing the data is official. GoodCar’s Decoder stands out from the competition not only with instant decoding but also with the option of in-depth reports on the recalls, accidents, and title brands.
By using GoodCar’s decoder, owners and buyers can avoid costly odometer scams by identifying discrepancies in mileage reporting and avoid purchasing a vehicle that has been in a severe accident and deemed a total loss. When it comes to maintenance and insurance tasks, GoodCar has your back. Use the decoder to verify parts and specs instantly.