Free Lexus IS VIN Decoder

How to decode a Lexus IS VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Lexus IS VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter codes used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and provide information about the vehicle’s place of origin and type. For the Lexus IS series produced by Toyota Motor Corporation, the WMI code is JTH. This indicates that the vehicles are manufactured in Japan, specifically in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The code signifies that these vehicles are passenger cars, covering models from the years 2001 to 2024. Understanding the WMI is crucial for decoding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), assisting in vehicle registration, identification, and tracking.

List of WMI Codes for a Lexus IS

WMI: JTH

• Model Years Covered: 2001-2024
• Example VIN: JTHBD182010001111
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Toyota City
• State or Province: Aichi Prefecture
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS:

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 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Lexus IS VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Lexus IS Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Lexus IS

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

What info can a Lexus IS VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN may reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year 2017 and providing insights into the vehicle’s age and historical value.
• Body Class and Specifications: By decoding the VIN, details such as body class (e.g., Sedan/Saloon) and drive type (e.g., 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4) may be uncovered. Additionally, engine specifics like V-shaped configuration with a displacement of 3.5 L may be available, offering a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s design and performance capabilities.
• Safety Systems: The VIN decode report could possibly indicate the presence of essential safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), enhancing awareness of the vehicle’s safety standards.
• Engine and Transmission Details: Details about the engine model (e.g., 2GR-FSE) and transmission style (e.g., automatic with 8 speeds) may be accessible, providing valuable insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: A VIN decode report might offer information about the primary fuel type used by the vehicle, such as Gasoline, aiding in the understanding of the vehicle’s operational costs.
• Advanced Technology Features: The report could possibly indicate the availability of advanced technologies like Backup Cameras and Parking Assist, contributing to assessments of the vehicle’s modernity and convenience level.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN may contain clues about the vehicle’s manufacturing location, potentially revealing the plant city (e.g., Tahara), offering significant insights into the vehicle’s production background.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Lexus IS