How to decode a 2008 Honda Pilot VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Honda Pilot VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) function as the key element in distinguishing the unique identity of a vehicle, providing critical details about its manufacturer and type in the global automotive landscape. For instance, the WMI for a 2008 Honda Pilot reveals that it is manufactured by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., emphasizing its connection to a reputable parent company. The specific WMI of “5FN” is indicative of this model being produced in the United States, within California – pinpointing Torrance as the city of manufacture. It also classifies the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), signifying its design purpose. This framework enables each vehicle, including models from 2004 to 2024, to be traced back to its origins, enhancing the clarity and safety measures within the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 Honda Pilot

WMI: 5FN

Model Years Covered: 2004-2024
Example VIN: 5FNYF18308B001037
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 Pilot 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 Pilot:

Known VDS for a 2008 Honda Pilot
YF183	YF186	YF282	YF185	YF187	YF286	YF184	YF284	YF287	YF285
YF283	YF182

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 Pilot 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 Pilot VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
8	2008

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

Known 2008 Honda Pilot Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
B	Lincoln	Alabama	United States		5FNYF18308B001037

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Honda Pilot

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

Check your Honda Pilot’s VIN below:

How to find a 2008 Honda Pilot’s VIN?

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

Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Honda Pilot. The VIN can usually be seen by looking at the corner where the dashboard meets the windshield.
Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your 2008 Honda Pilot. The VIN could be on a sticker or plate where the door latches when it is closed.
Look under the hood of your Honda Pilot; the VIN may be stamped onto a plate attached to the engine block.
Examine the rear wheel well above the tire. On some Honda Pilot models, the VIN might be found stamped into the car’s body in this area.
Check your vehicle’s insurance or title/registration documents, which should list the VIN for your 2008 Honda Pilot.

What info can a 2008 Honda Pilot 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 and Doors: A VIN may indicate the vehicle is classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), possibly highlighting its design and intended use for versatile passenger and cargo transportation.
Engine Type: The VIN may provide the engine specifications, possibly including a 3.474-liter (3474.057568 CC or 212 CI) V-Shaped 6-cylinder model (J35Z1) with a power output of 244 hp, showcasing the vehicle’s potential performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The VIN data suggests the primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, offering potential insights into fuel efficiency and running costs.
Drive Type: Based on the VIN, the vehicle may have a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) system, which can possibly affect the handling characteristics and the distribution of power to the wheels.
Transmission Details: The VIN data indicates the transmission could be a 5-speed automatic, potentially impacting how the vehicle shifts gears and contributes to the driving experience.
Safety and Convenience Features: The vehicle may be equipped with a direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a rear entertainment system, possibly incorporating advanced technologies for safety and passenger entertainment.

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

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Honda Pilot

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
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Brake (hp) From	244
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Model	J35A9
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	Pilot
Model Year	2008
Plant City	Lincoln
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Alabama
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Transmission Speeds	5
Transmission Style	Automatic
Trim	EX-L( With RES)
Valve Train Design	Single Overhead Cam (SOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	5FNYF186*8B
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	5FNYF18608B001405