Free Mitsubishi Lancer VIN Decoder

How to decode a Mitsubishi Lancer VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Mitsubishi Lancer VIN

WMIs, or World Manufacturer Identifiers, are the initial trio of characters in a vehicle identification number (VIN) that uniquely identify the vehicle’s manufacturer. This protocol is crucial for vehicle tracking, registration, and recall purposes. For instance, the WMI ‘JA3’ is designated to Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, highlighting vehicles produced by this manufacturer, specifically targeting models like the Mitsubishi Lancer produced between 2002 and 2017. The ‘JA3’ code indicates that these vehicles were manufactured in Japan, providing an immediate geographical context. This system facilitates global standardization in vehicle identification, making it easier for regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and consumers to pinpoint a vehicle’s origin and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a Mitsubishi Lancer

WMI: JA3

• Model Years Covered: 2002-2017
• Example VIN: JA3AJ26E02U011753
• Manufacturer Name: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Minato-Ku
• State or Province: Tokyo
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Mitsubishi Lancer:

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 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Mitsubishi Lancer VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Mitsubishi Lancer VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Mitsubishi Lancer Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mitsubishi Lancer

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

What info can a Mitsubishi Lancer VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2016, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type and Displacement: The VIN discloses the engine as a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) MIVEC with a displacement of 2.0 liters, offering insights into the vehicle’s power and efficiency.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates the body class as a Sedan/Saloon with four doors, outlining the general structure and capacity of the vehicle.
• Safety Features: Safety equipment such as curtain airbags located in the 1st and 2nd rows, alongside front airbags for the driver and passenger, and side airbags, emphasizes the vehicle’s focus on occupant protection.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type is specified as gasoline, providing information on the vehicle’s environmental and operational requirements.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN contains details about the vehicle’s manufacturing, such as the plant location in Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan, under the Mizushima Plant company, indicating the origin and quality standards.
• Drive Type and Transmission: With a drive type of 4x2 and a manual seat belt type, the VIN offers a glance into the vehicle’s drivetrain and safety mechanisms.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mitsubishi Lancer