Acura VIN Check
Every Acura vehicle manufactured for the North American market since 1981 carries a standardized 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) regulated by NHTSA under FMVSS 565 and ISO 3779. This code is unique to each vehicle and encodes the country of assembly, manufacturer identity, model attributes, engine configuration, model year, assembly plant, and production sequence number. Decoding a Acura VIN helps you verify a used-vehicle listing, confirm the correct parts and service history, check for open recalls, and detect potential title fraud.
Acura uses manufacturer-specific encoding in the Vehicle Descriptor Section (positions 4–8). Position 4 typically identifies the model line — for example, popular Acura models include MDX, RDX, TLX, Integra, ZDX. Position 8 usually encodes the engine type. Position 9 is a mathematical check digit that detects typos and many forms of VIN tampering. Position 10 encodes the model year, and position 11 identifies the assembly plant. 19U indicates U.S.-assembled Acura (Marysville, Ohio); JH4 indicates Japan-built models.
Acura was the first Japanese luxury brand in the U.S. market (1986). The NSX supercar demonstrated Honda engineering excellence, while the MDX defined the three-row luxury SUV category.
How to Read a Acura VIN
To read a Acura VIN manually, start with the WMI (positions 1–3) to confirm the manufacturer and country of origin. For Acura, the WMI prefixes in our database include 19U, JH4 and others depending on where the vehicle was built.
Position 4 encodes the Vehicle Line. Common values include B=Civic, C=Accord, D=Prelude, E=CR-V, F=Fit / Jazz, G=Ridgeline / Pilot. Position 5 encodes trim or series level. Position 8 encodes the engine (A=1.3L 4-cyl, B=1.5L 4-cyl, C=1.6L 4-cyl, D=1.7L 4-cyl, E=1.8L 4-cyl). Position 9 is the check digit — our decoder validates it automatically using the ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm. Position 10 is the model year (see our year-code reference), and position 11 is the assembly plant (A=Marysville, Ohio, B=East Liberty, Ohio, C=Alliston, Ontario, D=Alliston Plant 2, Ontario, E=Lincoln, Alabama). Positions 12–17 are the unique serial number for that vehicle.
Because Acura may change VDS encoding between model years, treat decoded attributes as informational. Always confirm critical details (engine, trim, drivetrain) against the window sticker, build sheet, or dealer records.
Acura VIN Position Breakdown
| Pos. | Section | Standard Meaning | Acura Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WMI | Country of manufacture | ISO 3779 region code — e.g. 1=USA, J=Japan, W=Germany |
| 2 | WMI | Manufacturer | Combined with pos. 1–3 identifies Acura |
| 3 | WMI | Vehicle type | Acura WMI codes: 19U (United States), JH4 (Japan) |
| 4 | VDS | Vehicle Line | B=Civic; C=Accord; D=Prelude; E=CR-V; F=Fit / Jazz; G=Ridgeline / Pilot; H=HR-V; J=Insight |
| 5 | VDS | Series / Trim | Trim, series, or drive configuration |
| 6 | VDS | Body / restraint | Body style and/or restraint system (varies by year) |
| 7 | VDS | Restraint / body | Supplemental restraint or body attribute |
| 8 | VDS | Engine | A=1.3L 4-cyl; B=1.5L 4-cyl; C=1.6L 4-cyl; D=1.7L 4-cyl; E=1.8L 4-cyl; F=2.0L 4-cyl |
| 9 | Check digit | Validation | ISO 3779 weighted-sum check — detects typos and tampering |
| 10 | VIS | Model year | Standard 30-year letter/digit cycle (1980–2039) |
| 11 | VIS | Assembly plant | A=Marysville, Ohio; B=East Liberty, Ohio; C=Alliston, Ontario; D=Alliston Plant 2, Ontario; E=Lincoln, Alabama; F=Suzuka, Japan |
| 12–17 | VIS | Serial number | Unique production sequence at the assembly plant |
Frequently Asked Questions — Acura VIN
Where is the VIN on a Acura?
Dashboard, driver's door jamb, and AcuraLink app.
What does 19U mean in a Acura VIN?
The WMI prefix 19U identifies a Acura vehicle. 19U indicates U.S.-assembled Acura (Marysville, Ohio); JH4 indicates Japan-built models.
How do I decode a Acura VIN for free?
Enter your 17-character Acura VIN in the decoder above. Our engine validates the check digit, reads the model year, identifies the assembly plant, and applies Acura-specific rules for positions 4–8 where available.
Can a Acura VIN tell me the engine type?
For most Acura models, position 8 encodes the engine family or displacement. Our decoder maps this using manufacturer data. Popular models like MDX and RDX are supported.
What plants build Acura vehicles?
Position 11 is the assembly plant code. Acura operates factories worldwide — our decoder translates the plant letter to a city and country. 19U indicates U.S.-assembled Acura (Marysville, Ohio); JH4 indicates Japan-built models.
How do I verify a Acura VIN is genuine?
Use our decoder to validate the check digit at position 9. A valid Acura VIN like 19UUB2F505FA12345 must pass the ISO 3779 check-digit test. Also compare the dashboard VIN with the door jamb label — mismatches may indicate tampering.
Does the model year in a Acura VIN match the calendar year?
Not always. Position 10 encodes the model year using the standard 30-year ISO cycle. A vehicle assembled in late 2024 may carry a 2025 model-year code. Always treat position 10 as the manufacturer's designated model year.
Which Acura models can I decode?
Our decoder supports all Acura models with standard 17-character VINs since 1981, including MDX, RDX, TLX, Integra, ZDX. WMI lookup works for every Acura VIN; detailed trim and engine data is available where manufacturer encoding is documented.