Free Toyota Prius VIN Decoder

How to decode a Toyota Prius VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Toyota Prius VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter sequences used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. For the Toyota Prius, the WMI codes JT2 and JTD denote vehicles produced by the Toyota Motor Corporation in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The JT2 WMI was utilized for Prius models manufactured between the years 2001 and 2003, while the JTD code has been in use from 2004 to 2024, indicating a shift or update in the identification process over time. These codes are part of the larger Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and are critical in distinguishing the vehicle’s country of manufacture, manufacturer, and the type of vehicle, which in the case of the Toyota Prius, classifies it as a passenger car. This system ensures each car has a unique identifier that reveals important manufacturing details at a glance.

List of WMI Codes for a Toyota Prius

WMI: JT2

• Model Years Covered: 2001-2003
• Example VIN: JT2BK12U010005508
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Toyota City
• State or Province: Aichi Prefecture
• Country: Japan

WMI: JTD

• Model Years Covered: 2004-2024
• Example VIN: JTDKB20U040002855
• 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 Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius:

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 Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius VIN — Year Code

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

Known Toyota Prius Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Toyota Prius

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

What info can a Toyota Prius VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2018, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 2018 Toyota Prius, this may indicate a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with a specific number of doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN. In the case of the 2018 Toyota Prius, it may be a 4x2, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Fuel Efficiency and Engine Type: The VIN can provide details about the engine specifications, such as a 1.8L, 4-cylinder engine by Toyota with configurations indicating it as a Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), offering insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: The VIN may provide information about standard safety features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Curtain Air Bags for all rows, and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), showcasing the vehicle’s emphasis on safety.
• Electrification and Environmental Considerations: The VIN may also indicate the vehicle as a strong HEV with a primary fuel type of gasoline and secondary as electric, supported by two lithium-ion battery packs, signifying its environmental efficiency and advanced electrification level.
• Performance and Drive Dynamics: Vehicle performance insights such as top speed and the presence of advanced systems like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control can be gleaned from the VIN, offering a glimpse into the driving dynamics and performance capabilities.
• Comfort and Convenience Technologies: The VIN data might also include the presence of technologies like Keyless Ignition, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) of the direct type, and an Automatic Pedestrian Alerting Sound for hybrids and EVs, highlighting the vehicle’s advanced comfort and convenience features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Toyota Prius