Free 2009 Honda Element VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2009 Honda Element VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 Honda Element VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or -number code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. For instance, the WMI for a 2009 Honda Element produced by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is “5J6.” This code not only signifies the manufacturer but also indicates that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), manufactured in the United States, specifically in Torrance, California. The WMI is the first part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is used globally to provide detailed information about the vehicle’s origin, characteristics, and unique identity. The VIN, which includes the WMI, helps in tracking recalls, registrations, warranty claims, and theft, making it an essential tool for vehicle identification and verification.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 Honda Element

WMI: 5J6

• Model Years Covered: 2003-2011
• Example VIN: 5J6YH28709L000059
• Manufacturer Name: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Torrance
• State or Province: California
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2009 Honda Element VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2009 Honda Element:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2009 Honda Element VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2009 Honda Element VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2009 Honda Element VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 Honda Element Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 Honda Element

The final 6 characters in a 2009 Honda Element’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2009 Honda Element VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as the 2009 {Element}, providing critical historical context about the vehicle’s age and potential technological features.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN can detail engine characteristics, such as an In-Line, 4-cylinder engine with a 144 cubic inch displacement, providing insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Efficiency and Type: Information like the primary fuel type being Gasoline offers insights into the vehicle’s environmental impact and operational costs.
• Safety Features: Elements like the presence of a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indicate the vehicle’s equipped safety technologies to enhance driving safety.
• Transmission and Drive Type: The VIN decodes to reveal an Automatic transmission with 5 speeds and Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), suggesting the vehicle’s handling characteristics and efficiency.
• Vehicle Manufacturing Details: Details such as the manufacturing location being East Liberty, Ohio, United States, providing insight into the origin of the vehicle, which can be relevant for recall information and brand reputation.
• Body Class and Capacity: The VIN can identify the vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 5 doors, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s design and utility aspects, important for understanding space and functionality.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 Honda Element