How to decode a 2016 Mazda CX-3 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 Mazda CX-3 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences of characters assigned to automakers for the purpose of identifying the location, manufacturer, and type of their vehicles. Each WMI is composed of three characters at the beginning of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), reflecting specific details about the vehicle. For instance, the 2016 Mazda CX-3, manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation in Hiroshima, Japan, is designated by the WMI “JM1”. This code reveals that the vehicle is a passenger car produced by Mazda, highlighting its origin and type. Such identifiers are crucial for registration, identification, and regulatory purposes, offering a standardized method to recognize various aspects of vehicles on a global scale.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 Mazda CX-3

WMI: JM1

Model Years Covered: 2016-2022
Example VIN: JM1DKBC70G0104174
Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Hiroshima
State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2016 Mazda CX-3 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 2016 Mazda CX-3:

Known VDS for a 2016 Mazda CX-3
DKBC7	DKDC7	DKBB7	DKBD7	DKFC7	DKFD7	DKFB7	DKDD7	DKDB7

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 2016 Mazda CX-3 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 2016 Mazda CX-3 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
G	2016

11th Character in the 2016 Mazda CX-3 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 Mazda CX-3 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
0	Hiroshima		Japan	Mazda Motor Corporation	JM1DKBC70G0104174

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 Mazda CX-3

The final 6 characters in a 2016 Mazda CX-3’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2016 Mazda CX-3’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2016 Mazda CX-3 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mazda CX-3. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield on a small metal or plastic plate.
Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Mazda CX-3. The VIN might be located on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
Look at the vehicle registration documents or insurance documents for your Mazda CX-3, as the VIN will be printed there.
Examine the engine bay of your Mazda CX-3. Often, there is a VIN plate attached to the engine block or another component within the engine compartment.
Check the frame of the car, beneath the vehicle; sometimes the VIN is stamped directly on the chassis or on a dedicated plate for vehicles like the Mazda CX-3.

What info can a 2016 Mazda CX-3 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 2016, providing crucial information about the car’s age and technology standards at the time of manufacture.
Body Class and Size: The data indicates the vehicle is classified as a Wagon with 5 doors, offering insights into the car’s size, functional use, and capacity.
Engine Specifications: Characteristics such as a displacement of 2 liters (2000 CC or 122.0474881894 CI), an In-Line engine configuration, and a Mazda-manufactured engine model PE with 4 cylinders, highlight the vehicle’s powertrain details.
Safety Features: Comprehensive safety features are suggested, including curtain airbags available in all rows, front airbags for the 1st row (driver and passenger), and side airbags for added protection.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type is Gasoline, which is a critical factor for potential owners regarding fuel economy and environmental considerations.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN hints at the vehicle being assembled in Hiroshima, Japan, by Mazda Motor Corporation, offering a glimpse into the car’s origin and build quality.
Drive Type and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: It specifies a 4x2 drive type and falls under Class 1 for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, indicating a lighter vehicle that typically offers better fuel efficiency.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 Mazda CX-3

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Wagon
Curtain Air Bag Locations	All Rows
Displacement (CC)	2000
Displacement (CI)	122.0474881894
Displacement (L)	2
Doors	5
Drive Type	4x2
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	Mazda
Engine Model	PE
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Engine Stroke Cycles	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model	CX-3
Model Year	2016
Plant City	Hiroshima
Plant Company Name	Mazda Motor Corporation
Plant Country	Japan
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Touring/GS
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Indirect
Vehicle Descriptor	JM1DKDC7*G0
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	JM1DKDC70G0128471