Honda VIN Decoder: WMI Codes, Model Codes and Plant Codes (2027 Filings)

This is general information. Decoded details come from manufacturer submissions to NHTSA; always confirm a specific vehicle with its title, the manufacturer or a dealer.

American Honda files a short VIN package with NHTSA for each model and model year: a one-page configuration chart showing the WMI, year and plant, a table of model codes, and an engine characteristics sheet. This page pulls those filings together for current Honda and Acura models. To decode a specific car, paste its VIN into our free VIN decoder.

What Does Each Position in a Honda VIN Mean?

Honda’s model code does a lot of work. In the 2027 CR-V filing, RS3H2 is a CR-V LX 2WD with a CVT, RS4H4 is an EX 4WD and RS6H6 is a TrailSport Hybrid 4WD with an e-CVT. Each code row also gives the GVWR class (C, 4,001-5,000 lb, for the gas CR-V; D, 5,001-6,000 lb, for the hybrid), a restraint-system letter and the engine model: L15BE, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four rated at 190 hp, or LFC3, a 2.0-liter four paired with a 135 kW motor in a strong hybrid (Honda 2027 CR-V filing).

Which WMI Codes Do Honda and Acura Use?

NHTSA’s vPIC GetWMIsForManufacturer endpoint returned 45 WMIs for "honda" in October 2026, including motorcycle codes such as JH2 and 1HF. Running the car and light-truck codes through vPIC’s DecodeWMI endpoint returned these makes (vPIC; DecodeWMI):

What Are Honda’s Plant Codes (Position 11)?

A few examples from the 2027 filings: the Passport is built only in Lincoln, Alabama, under WMI 5FN with plant code B, and its model codes such as YF9H5 (TrailSport AWD) pair with the J35Y8 engine, a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 280 hp (Honda 2027 Passport filing). The Odyssey also uses 5FN and plant B (2027 Odyssey filing), while the Prelude and Civic Type R use JHM and plant X, Yorii (2027 Prelude filing; 2027 Civic Type R filing).

How Do You Read the Model Year on a Honda?

Every Honda filing reprints the year as a single letter, for example V = 2027, and position 10 follows the federal table in 49 CFR 565.15 (49 CFR 565.15).

How Does the Check Digit Work?

Position 9 is calculated from the other 16 characters under 49 CFR 565.15(c). Each letter is converted to a number from the regulation’s Table III (A=1, B=2 … H=8, J=1 … R=9, S=2 … Z=9; digits keep their value), each value is multiplied by a position weight (8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 10, 0, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2), the products are added, and the sum is divided by 11. The remainder is the check digit, with a remainder of 10 written as X. The regulation’s own example, 1G4AH59H45G118341, produces a sum of 411 and a remainder of 4, which matches its ninth character (49 CFR 565.15).

A VIN whose check digit fails the calculation was mistyped or is not genuine. Our decoder runs this test automatically, which catches most typing errors before you rely on any other result.

Where Is the VIN on a Honda?

Federal rules fix the main location. Under 49 CFR 565.13(f), the VIN on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, low-speed vehicles and trucks of 4,536 kg (10,000 lb) GVWR or less must be inside the passenger compartment and readable through the glazing by an observer standing outside next to the left windshield pillar, with characters at least 4 mm tall. Section 565.13(e) requires the VIN to be marked clearly and indelibly on a part not designed to be removed except for repair, or on a plate or label permanently affixed to such a part (49 CFR 565.13).

In practice that means the plate at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side. The same 17 characters also appear on the title, registration and insurance card. Before buying a used Honda, compare the dashboard VIN with the door-jamb label and the paperwork; all should match exactly. A mismatch, or a plate that looks loose or altered, is a reason to stop and ask questions.

How Can You Use a Honda VIN Before Buying?

• Decode it with our VIN decoder and check that the model code’s trim, drive system and engine match the listing; a "Touring" badge on an LX model code is a red flag.
• Check hybrid claims. On the 2027 CR-V, hybrid model codes start RS5 or RS6 and pair with the LFC3 engine; gas models start RS3 or RS4.
• Check recalls at NHTSA with the full VIN.
• Review history following our accident history guide.

Morgan Reyes

Morgan Reyes is the founder and editor-in-chief of NextCarReview, which Morgan launched in August 2024. A 2022 graduate of Columbia University, Morgan is based in New York and writes and edits the site’s reviews, comparisons and buying guides. Morgan does not road-test vehicles. Every article is built from published primary data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov ratings, NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and owner complaints, IIHS results, and manufacturer specifications and pricing, with each figure cited and checked before publication. Contact: admin@nextcarreview.com

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