How to decode a 2008 Honda Element VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Honda Element VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. The first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) comprise the WMI, specifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For example, the WMI “5J6” denotes vehicles manufactured by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., based in Torrance, California, United States, specifically signifying Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs). This indicates that the vehicle is designed for various functions beyond carrying passengers, such as cargo transportation. It offers a precise way to recognize the make and model of a vehicle, especially useful for differentiating vehicles within the vast automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 Honda Element

WMI: 5J6

Model Years Covered: 2003-2011
Example VIN: 5J6YH17708L011492
Manufacturer Name: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Torrance
State or Province: California
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2008 Honda Element 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 2008 Honda Element:

Known VDS for a 2008 Honda Element
YH177	YH173	YH273	YH183	YH283	YH287	YH179	YH189	YH277	YH187

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 2008 Honda Element 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 2008 Honda Element VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
8	2008

11th Character in the 2008 Honda Element VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 Honda Element Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
L	East Liberty	Ohio	United States		5J6YH17708L011492

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Honda Element

The final 6 characters in a 2008 Honda Element’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Honda Element’s VIN below:

How to find a 2008 Honda Element’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2008 Honda Element is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Honda Element. The VIN is usually visible through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb for a sticker or plate with the VIN on your 2008 Honda Element.
Examine the frame or the engine bay for a stamped or printed VIN on your Honda Element.
Review your Honda Element’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or the title, where the VIN should be printed.
Inspect the area behind the windshield washer tank under the hood; sometimes the VIN is present there on the Honda Element.
Check beneath the spare tire in the rear cargo area, as some Honda Element models may have the VIN located there.

What info can a 2008 Honda Element VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2008, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class: The VIN can reveal that the vehicle can be identified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), showcasing its versatile body design.
Drive Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle features a 4WD, possibly enhancing its capabilities for various driving conditions.
Engine Details: The VIN suggests that the vehicle is equipped with an engine model K24A8, utilizing a 2.359-liter displacement, inline configuration, and being supported by a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train, possibly indicating a balance between efficiency and performance.
Fuel Type: According to the VIN, the vehicle runs on gasoline, which may allow for easy refueling and maintenance.
Safety Features: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is equipped with front airbags for both the driver and passenger, possibly emphasizing the vehicle’s focus on occupant safety.
Plant Information: The VIN suggests that the vehicle was manufactured in East Liberty, Ohio, United States, possibly indicating the production origin of the vehicle.

Don’t have your 2008 Honda Element’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

Search License Plate

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Honda Element

Vehicle Spec	Value
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)	Standard
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Curb Weight (pounds)	3742
Displacement (CC)	2359.737216
Displacement (CI)	144
Displacement (L)	2.359737216
Doors	5
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Model	K24A8
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Model	Element
Model Year	2008
Plant City	East Liberty
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Ohio
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Transmission Speeds	5
Transmission Style	Automatic
Trim	EX
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	5J6YH287*8L
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	5J6YH28708L000044