Free Suzuki Samurai VIN Decoder

How to decode a Suzuki Samurai VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Suzuki Samurai VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. It forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides specific information about the vehicle, including its make, model, and place of manufacture. For Suzuki Samurai vehicles, the WMI codes JS3 and JS4 are particularly relevant. These codes denote vehicles manufactured by Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., with JS3 identifying multipurpose passenger vehicles and JS4 signifying trucks, spanning various model years from 1986 through 1995. This classification helps in tracing the vehicle’s origin, model year, and type, providing essential details for registration, service, and historical research.

List of WMI Codes for a Suzuki Samurai

WMI: JS3

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1988, 1991
• Example VIN: JS3JC51C1G4117611
• Manufacturer Name: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Brea
• State or Province: California
• Country: United States

WMI: JS4

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1990, 1993-1995
• Example VIN: JS4JC51C0G4125193
• Manufacturer Name: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Brea
• State or Province: California
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Suzuki Samurai 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 Suzuki Samurai:

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 Suzuki Samurai 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 Suzuki Samurai VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Suzuki Samurai VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Suzuki Samurai Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Suzuki Samurai

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

What info can a Suzuki Samurai VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating that the vehicle was manufactured in 1988, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class: The VIN suggests that this car is identified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), possibly highlighting its design and intended use.
• Engine Details: The VIN provides the engine model G13A and a displacement of 1.324 liters (1324 CC or 80.795437181 CI), possibly offering insights into its power and efficiency.
• Drive Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle has 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 capabilities, which might indicate enhanced off-road and adverse condition performance.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN data suggests that the car was built in Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan, possibly underscoring the geographic origin of its design and assembly.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified as Class 1A: 3,000 lb or less (1,360 kg or less), this specification possibly helps in identifying the vehicle’s size and capacity.
• Vehicle Specifics: The trim ‘Canvas Top’ and the series ‘Jimny’ provided further insights into the model’s specifications and variations.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Suzuki Samurai