How to decode a 2002 Acura MDX VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2002 Acura MDX VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-digit code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to distinguish its vehicles in the global market. For instance, the code “2HN” designates Honda of Canada Mfg., Inc., indicating that the vehicle was produced by this specific manufacturer. This identifier not only reveals the manufacturer but also provides insights into the vehicle type and country of assembly. In the case of the 2002 Acura MDX, the WMI indicates that it is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, assembled in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. The WMI is a crucial component of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), aiding in vehicle tracking, registration, and recall procedures.

List of WMI Codes for a 2002 Acura MDX

WMI: 2HN

Model Years Covered: 2001-2013
Example VIN: 2HNYD18602H000904
Manufacturer Name: Honda of Canada Mfg., Inc.
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Alliston
State or Province: Ontario
Country: Canada

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2002 Acura MDX 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 2002 Acura MDX:

Known VDS for a 2002 Acura MDX
YD186	YD184	YD182	YD188

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 2002 Acura MDX 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 2002 Acura MDX VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
2	2002

11th Character in the 2002 Acura MDX VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2002 Acura MDX Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
H	Alliston	Ontario	Canada		2HNYD18602H000904

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2002 Acura MDX

The final 6 characters in a 2002 Acura MDX’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?

TRY BUMPER

How to find a 2002 Acura MDX’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2002 Acura MDX is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Review the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Acura MDX, where it meets the windshield; the VIN is commonly displayed here and visible from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and look at the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). You should find a sticker or plate with the VIN for your 2002 Acura MDX.
Check the engine block, as some Acura MDX models have the VIN stamped onto the engine itself.
Inspect the rear wheel well. Occasionally, the VIN can be found on the inside of the wheel well of your Acura MDX.
Look at the front frame or crossbar for a VIN stamp; this is commonly found in the engine bay of many vehicles, including the Acura MDX.
Examine your vehicle’s paperwork, such as the title, registration, or insurance documents, which will have the VIN recorded for your Acura MDX.

What info can a 2002 Acura MDX VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2002, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Location of Manufacturing: The information includes details such as the plant city being Alliston, Ontario, Canada, pinpointing where the vehicle was possibly assembled.
Vehicle Specifications: The details encompass the make and model as a MDX, along with engine characteristics like a V-Shaped, 3.474 liter engine with a 240 hp engine brake, indicating a possible mix of power and efficiency.
Body Class and Size: It reveals the vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 5 doors, providing insights into its possible body style and capacity.
Engine and Fuel Type: Details such as a gasoline fuel type combined with an engine model J35A3 and displacement details might offer a clear picture of the vehicle’s performance capabilities and fuel efficiency.
Transmission and Drivetrain: Showcases an automatic transmission with 5 speeds, illustrating the vehicle’s possible ease of use and driving dynamics.
Safety and Classification: Including the gross vehicle weight rating (Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb) hints at regulatory and safety classifications that might affect insurance and registration requirements.

Don’t have your 2002 Acura MDX’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

Search License Plate

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2002 Acura MDX

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	3474.057568
Displacement (CI)	212
Displacement (L)	3.474057568
Doors	5
Engine Brake (hp) From	240
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Model	J35A3
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Model	MDX
Model Year	2002
Plant City	Alliston
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Canada
Plant State	Ontario
Series	Premium
Transmission Speeds	5
Transmission Style	Automatic
Trim	NAVI
Valve Train Design	Single Overhead Cam (SOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	2HNYD188*2H
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	2HNYD18802H506511