Free 2016 Mazda Mazda3 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2016 Mazda Mazda3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 Mazda Mazda3 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, its country of origin, and the type of vehicle it is. For the 2016 Mazda Mazda3, two distinct WMIs are relevant, denoting where the vehicles are manufactured. Vehicles manufactured in Mexico by Mazda Motor Manufacturing de Mexico S.A. de C.V. in Salamanca, Guanajuato, bear the WMI “3MZ,” while those produced in Japan by Mazda Motor Corporation in Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, are marked with “JM1.” Both WMIs confirm the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 as a passenger car but highlight its production in different countries, showcasing Mazda’s global manufacturing footprint. This system provides an essential tool for tracking and identifying vehicles, ensuring their authenticity and origin.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 Mazda Mazda3

WMI: 3MZ

• Model Years Covered: 2014-2024
• Example VIN: 3MZBM1K70GM242224
• Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Manufacturing de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Salamanca
• State or Province: Guanajuato
• Country: Mexico

WMI: JM1

• Model Years Covered: 2004-2024
• Example VIN: JM1BM1M70G1278993
• Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Hiroshima
• State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2016 Mazda Mazda3 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 2016 Mazda Mazda3:

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 2016 Mazda Mazda3 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 2016 Mazda Mazda3 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 Mazda Mazda3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 Mazda Mazda3

The final 6 characters in a 2016 Mazda Mazda3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2016 Mazda Mazda3 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2016, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Make and Model: The VIN indicates that this vehicle is a Mazda3, suggesting specific make and model information is encoded within the VIN.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN outlines that the vehicle uses a 2.0-liter In-Line engine manufactured by Mazda, with a 4-cylinder configuration and four-stroke cycle, showcasing detailed engine characteristics that might be present in the vehicle.
• Fuel Type: The vehicle operates on Gasoline as the primary fuel type, offering insights into potential fuel efficiency and environmental impact that may be associated with the vehicle.
• Safety Features: The presence of airbags in both the 1st and 2nd rows, alongside front and side airbag locations for the driver and passenger, demonstrates the vehicle’s comprehensive safety measures as suggested by the VIN.
• Body Class and Number of Doors: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is classified as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 5 doors, providing a glimpse into the vehicle’s potential design and functional layout.
• Manufacturing Details: According to the VIN, the vehicle was assembled in Guanajuato, Mexico, by Mazda Motor Manufacturing de Mexico, hinting at its geographical production origin and associated manufacturing quality.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 Mazda Mazda3