Free 2012 Toyota Highlander VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 Toyota Highlander VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Toyota Highlander VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to distinguish their products. Each WMI not only identifies the brand but also provides insights into the vehicle type and its production location. For the 2012 Toyota Highlander, the WMI can signify the vehicle’s manufacturing at Toyota facilities either in Indiana, United States, with the code “5TD”, indicating it as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc., or under the code “JTE” if the vehicle was manufactured by Toyota Motor North America, Inc. The inclusion of such codes in the vehicle identification number (VIN) ensures precise identification and tracing of automobiles, reflecting essential details about their origin and classification. This system enhances the global standardization and tracking of vehicles, demonstrating the Highlander’s specifics in terms of manufacturer, vehicle type, and location.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Toyota Highlander

WMI: 5TD

• Model Years Covered: 2010-2024
• Example VIN: 5TDBK3EH0CS094336
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Princeton
• State or Province: Indiana
• Country: United States

WMI: JTE

• Model Years Covered: 2001-2013
• Example VIN: JTEDC3EH0C2004109
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Washington
• State or Province: DC
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2012 Toyota Highlander 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 2012 Toyota Highlander:

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 2012 Toyota Highlander 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 2012 Toyota Highlander VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 Toyota Highlander VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Toyota Highlander Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Toyota Highlander

The final 6 characters in a 2012 Toyota Highlander’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2012 Toyota Highlander VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that the vehicle is a 2012 model and providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN specifies that the vehicle is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 5 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s size and configuration which are critical for understanding space and utility.
• Engine Specifications: According to the VIN, the Highlander’s engine is detailed as having a V-Shaped, 3.5L (3456 CC or 213.58 CI) configuration with 231 to 314 horsepower, portraying the potential power and performance level of the vehicle.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN reveals that the primary fuel type for this model is Gasoline, which is crucial for determining fuel costs and compatibility with consumer needs.
• Safety Features: The VIN discloses the availability of curtain airbags in all rows, along with front airbags for the 1st row and a knee airbag for the driver seat only, demonstrating the vehicle’s dedication to passenger safety.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc., in Princeton, United States, providing valuable insight into the origin and potential quality of the vehicle.
• Drive Type and Weight Class: The VIN specifies a 4x2 drive type and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating in Class 1D (5,001 - 6,000 lb), which affects handling, performance, and possibly the intended use or capability of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Toyota Highlander

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