Honda VIN Decoder
Honda cars are some of the most reliable vehicles you can purchase if you are looking for a world-class car at a reasonable price point. From early growth in the 50s, Honda Motor Company established itself in 1959 and evolved into a powerful global brand. The company is known for its motorcycles, portable generators, lawnmowers, marine engines, cars, and more.
Honda’s first-generation Honda Civic VINs were mounted on the top edge of the dashboard near the windscreen. Another location was on the hood mounting bracket, firewall, and rear door jam.
Honda was efficient in stamping their cars with plenty of characters, including on the Honda chassis, added to early Civics. There is no VIN Decoder for the first Hondas imported into the United States. However, a wealth of information exists with previous owners and Honda Forums. The first three digits on early Civics provide an engine model; the rest are production numbers.
The GoodCar VIN Decoder is an industry-grade application that decodes your Honda’s VIN and gives the user details about a specific model. Enter a 17-digit code, and the application returns specific information about the vehicle, such as model, production year, and options.
Honda has varied its VIN positioning characters in the last few decades to give more clarity to users. For example, Honda vehicles produced since 1981 and made in Japan will have a JHM in the first three digits.
Honda uses its VIN structure to ensure that all its vehicles adhere to safety standards and emission controls by tracking the vehicle’s history through the VIN. Every time the car goes into a shop or dealer “for anything,” the VIN must be recorded and what action has been taken.
Deciphering a Honda VIN
A VIN is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to every Honda. The code consists of letters and numbers, adhering to the format established by the ISO in 1981. Each position in a Honda VIN conveys specific information about a model.
- 1
- F
- T
- 8
- W
- 3
- D
- T
- B
- 8
- U
- c
- 3
- 8
- 8
- 9
Where Can I Find the VIN on My Honda?
- There are various locations where a manufacturer will place the VIN for a specific car or truck. The NHTSA requires two locations: on the driver’s side dashboard at the windshield, which must be readable through the glass, and the driver’s side door jam, found on a metal plate or sticker.
- Engine block or transmission
- Vehicle frame, suspension components, and under the hood
- Vehicle service records from dealerships or auto repair shops
- Insurance card or vehicle title and registration papers
Popular Honda Models
Honda continues to update the styling and technology of its iconic automobile, the Accord. First introduced as a three-door hatchback, the Honda Accord has been on the Car and Driver’s 10 best, a record 38 times. The Accord continues to sell at a brisk pace of well over 180,000 units per year with no letup in sight. Honda’s aim for the Accord is to find harmony between car and society.
The Honda Civic, along with the Accor,d, is one of the most recognizable compact models in America. First introduced in 1972 as a two-door fastback, the Honda Civic has evolved into a stylish, efficient four-door sedan. Eleven generations of the Civic have produced a powerful vehicle in a small frame with incredible fuel economy.
The Honda CRV is one of the company’s most popular models and is getting more attention with each passing year. It is a stylish mid-size SUV with four trim levels, not including options. A powerful 190-hp turbocharged engine gives the CRV plenty of acceleration and excellent gas mileage.
Entering your 17-digit Honda VIN into the GoodCar VIN Lookup tool will return exactly what the manufacturer provides. Although the VIN decoder tool may provide a host of great information about your Honda, “it is not the entire story.”
A GoodCar vehicle history report provides invaluable information about your Honda. If you plan on purchasing a quality used Honda, know beforehand if the car you are interested in has any title problems, if it has been involved in an accident, or if it has a branded title. So much can be learned, and knowing how to purchase a car correctly is one of life’s outstanding accomplishments.
Honda VIN Lookup
A GoodCar Vehicle History Report offers the vehicle style, how many doors there are, and pictures when available—new car pricing and “as equipped” figures are shown. Any significant accidents are shown on the report, as well as any major issues from the manufacturer. Taking the information further, used Honda pricing is made available, such as trade-in, wholesale, and retail numbers. NHTSA crash test ratings, recalls, awards, fuel economy, and more are in the GoodCar report.
The vehicle history report gives a running timeline of every notable event in the vehicle’s past.
Has the vehicle you are interested in purchasing been in an accident? The history report reveals every accident the car has been in and the extent of the damage.
Odometer fraud is one of the most prevalent automotive crimes. For example, instead of 31,000 miles, the vehicle may have 131,000 miles, drastically reducing its value.
Liens and title information are significant aspects of a title report. Salvage, fire damage, or flood/water damage titles are listed on the report, which dramatically influences a buying decision. Is your “almost new” vehicle a Lemon car? A car that cannot be repaired and the manufacturer was forced to repurchase it.
Honda Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Honda describes its technical service bulletins as unanticipated part issues and offers a solution. Recalls are significant safety concerns with the vehicle and must be fixed while the TSB identifies a common issue. The honda-tech.com site can give consumers information on both issues.
- Honda has been caught up in the global Takata PSAN air bag inflator recall. The airbag mechanisms can explode if exposed to long-term high heat and humidity. The Takata explosions have killed 27 people in the United States. The Takata recall now involves a staggering 33.8 million vehicles worldwide. The NHTSA has issued a “Do Not Drive” warning for specific Honda and Acura models until dealerships can replace the defective airbags.
- March 2024, Honda is recalling over 750,000 various models for a faulty front passenger seat sensor that may crack and short-circuit. The sensor may fail to suppress as intended, causing the airbag to deploy unintentionally during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will inspect and replace the seat weight sensors free of charge.
- February, 2024, Honda is recalling nearly 2,500,000 various 2017 to 2020 Honda and Acura models for a faulty fuel pump issue. The pump, located inside the fuel tank, may fail, causing the engine to stall or stop while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Owners should bring their vehicle into the dealership as soon as possible for inspection and replacement free of charge.