How to decode a 2003 Acura MDX VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Acura MDX VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally, serving as the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Specifically, for the 2003 Acura MDX, the WMI “2HN” denotes several key pieces of information: it identifies the vehicle as being manufactured by Honda of Canada Mfg., Inc., located in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. This code also categorizes the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), highlighting its design and intended use. The presence of this WMI in the vehicle’s VIN is essential for accurate identification, aiding in everything from registration and insurance to recall and repair processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Acura MDX

WMI: 2HN

Model Years Covered: 2001-2013
Example VIN: 2HNYD18203H500706
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 2003 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 2003 Acura MDX:

Known VDS for a 2003 Acura MDX
YD182	YD189	YD188	YD186	YD187

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 2003 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 2003 Acura MDX VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
3	2003

11th Character in the 2003 Acura MDX VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 Acura MDX Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
H	Alliston	Ontario	Canada		2HNYD18203H500706

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Acura MDX

The final 6 characters in a 2003 Acura MDX’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2003 Acura MDX’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2003 Acura MDX is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Acura MDX where it meets the windshield; the VIN can typically be seen through the glass.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb area. You should find a sticker or plate with the VIN on your Acura MDX where the door latches when closed.
Check under the hood of your Acura MDX; the VIN may be on a label or stamped on the engine compartment firewall.
Look at the rear wheel well. Sometimes the VIN on an Acura MDX can be found directly above the tire.
Examine the underside of the spare tire cover in the trunk area of your Acura MDX, as the VIN is sometimes affixed there on a label.

What info can a 2003 Acura MDX VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting the year 2003, potentially providing insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
Body Class: The VIN can provide detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure, such as identifying it as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle with a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) body class.
Engine Type: The VIN provides specific details about the engine, including a V-Shaped configuration, a displacement of 3.474 liters, and an output of 260 hp, contributing to the understanding of the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle is indicated as Gasoline, providing valuable information for potential buyers or owners.
Manufacturing Location: The VIN specifies that the vehicle was assembled in Alliston, Ontario, Canada, offering insights into its origin and manufacturing details.
Transmission Details: The VIN discloses that the vehicle comes with an automatic transmission supporting 5 speeds, contributing to the understanding of its driving characteristics.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 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	260.00
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Model	J35A5
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Entertainment System	Rear Entertainment System
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	2003
Plant City	Alliston
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Canada
Plant State	Ontario
Series	Touring Package
Transmission Speeds	5
Transmission Style	Automatic
Trim	With RES
Valve Train Design	Single Overhead Cam (SOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	2HNYD187*3H
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	2HNYD18703H520210