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Acura VIN Decoder

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.

How to Look Up an Acura VIN (Step-by-Step)

Decoding your Acura VIN is very simple with GoodCar’s Decoder. All you need to do is:

  • Locate the VIN (the driver’s side of the dashboard is the easiest spot, or check on your official paperwork)
  • Enter the VIN into GoodCar’s VIN Decoder
  • Read the instantly decoded information
  • Take a deeper dive and use the optional full report to uncover the accident history, title brands, and recalls

That’s all you have to do!

What Is an Acura VIN?

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:

  • Country or region of manufacture
  • Manufacturer (Acura / Honda group)
  • Vehicle type or division
  • Model series/platform
  • Engine and powertrain details
  • Body style and variant
  • Safety/restraint system codes
  • Model year
  • Assembly plant
  • Production (serial) sequence

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.

What Information Does an Acura VIN Reveal?

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:

  • Model series and trim (TLX, MDX, Integra, RDX)
  • Engine type, displacement, and fuel system
  • Transmission type (automatic, manual, CVT, dual-clutch, etc.)
  • Drivetrain (FWD, AWD / SH-AWD)
  • Body style (sedan, SUV / crossover, hatchback, etc.)
  • Model year
  • Assembly plant/factory
  • Production sequence / serial number
  • Restraint/safety system codes
  • Country or region of manufacture
  • Option/variation codes (if encoded)

Acura VIN Decoder Breakdown by Digit

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.

  • WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier, positions 1–3): Identifies the manufacturer and the country/region.
  • VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section, positions 4–9): Encodes the model, body, engine, and safety features.
  • VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section, positions 10–17): Contains the model year, assembly plant, and the serial number.
Manufacture Identifier
  • 1
origin
  • F
country
  • T
type of vehicle
Vehicle descriptor section
  • 8
  • B
Restraint systems
  • T
  • A
Engine size
  • B
body style
 
  • B
checksum
 
  • 8
model year
 
  • U
manufacturing plant
Vehicle identifier section
  • c
  • 3
  • 8
  • 8
  • 9
1st
The first digit describes the geographic area or country where the vehicle was built. While the Acura is a brand of Japanese origin, the cars are built in the U.S.
2nd
This digit describes the vehicle’s manufacturer.
3rd
The third digit describes the specific division within the brand that manufactured the vehicle.
4th- 5th
These two digits are reserved for the model type.
6th
This digit is used to describe the Acura engine-type configurations.
7th
Acura uses the 7th digit to describe the different body types and transmissions. An example would include a coupe with an automatic transmission or a hatchback with a manual transmission.
8th
This digit is reserved for Acura's standard safety equipment.
9th
The 9th digit is a checksum digit that is used to verify the VIN's authenticity.
10th
The 10th character is reserved for the model year, which is different from a calendar year. To eliminate confusion, the letters "O", “I”, and “Z” are excluded. This character is recycled every 30 years.
11th
This digit is used to show the exact location where the Acura vehicle was rolled off the assembly line. These locations include Marysville, East Liberty, in Ohio, or Canada.
12th - 17th
The last digits are used to store the production sequence numbers. Car owners will use this part of the VIN when purchasing parts.

Common Acura WMIs (Quick Reference)

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)

VIN Location on Acura Vehicles

You don’t need a mechanic to find where the VIN on your Acura is located. You can look in the following places:

  • Dashboard: The VIN will be a metal plate on the driver's side
  • Driver’s door jamb: Search for the manufacturer label near the latch area
  • Engine block: The VIN will be physically stamped on the engine block or strut tower
  • Official documents: The VIN can also be found on the registration, title, and insurance paperwork
  • Owner’s manual: Some older Acura models will have the VIN printed in the owner’s manual or service book.

The easiest place to find the VIN is by looking through the windshield of the driver’s side.

Window Sticker / Build Sheet via VIN (Optional)

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:

  • The original MSRP
  • Factory options and packages
  • Trims and exterior color
  • Original technology and performance features

This information can be used to verify the details that a dealership might be advertising. Remember, not all Acura VINs will have this information!

Popular Acura Models

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.

Acura Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

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.

Why Use GoodCar’s Acura VIN Decoder?

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.

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