How to decode a 2012 Mazda CX-7 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Mazda CX-7 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence that forms the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), pinpointing the vehicle’s manufacturer, the type of vehicle, and in some cases, its place of manufacture or assembly. For instance, Mazda Motor Corporation’s CX-7 model made between 2007-2012, has a WMI of “JM3”, indicating it was manufactured by Mazda in Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. This multipurpose passenger vehicle reflects its origins and model specifics right in its VIN, serving as an essential tool for identifying vehicles globally. The WMI is a critical component for automotive manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and consumers alike, ensuring a clear and standardized method for vehicle identification.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Mazda CX-7

WMI: JM3

Model Years Covered: 2007-2012
Example VIN: JM3ER2BM0C0412048
Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Hiroshima
State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 2012 Mazda CX-7:

Known VDS for a 2012 Mazda CX-7
ER2BM	ER2C3	ER2A5	ER2CL	ER2C5	ER2B5	ER4CL	ER4D3	ER2AM	ER2CM
ER4DL	ER4C3	ER2D3	ER2DL

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 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 2012 Mazda CX-7 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
C	2012

11th Character in the 2012 Mazda CX-7 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Mazda CX-7 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
0	Hiroshima		Japan	Mazda Motor Corporation	JM3ER2BM0C0412048

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Mazda CX-7

The final 6 characters in a 2012 Mazda CX-7’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Mazda CX-7’s VIN below:

How to find a 2012 Mazda CX-7’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2012 Mazda CX-7 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mazda CX-7. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield on a small plate mounted on the dashboard.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb. The Mazda CX-7 often has a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches.
Examine the engine block of your Mazda CX-7, as the VIN can also be stamped onto the engine.
Locate the vehicle’s firewall inside the engine compartment; there is a chance that the VIN is marked on a plate there for your Mazda CX-7.
Check the rear wheel well directly above the tire; in some vehicles, including the Mazda CX-7, a VIN label might be found in this area.
Look through your Mazda CX-7’s service records or owner’s manual; the VIN is typically recorded in vehicle documents for identification purposes.

What info can a 2012 Mazda CX-7 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2012, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Type: The vehicle is powered by an L3T Turbo California engine with a displacement of 2.3 liters, equivalent to 2300.0 CC or 140.35461141788 CI. This detail gives insight into the vehicle’s performance capabilities and fuel efficiency.
Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is categorized as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, highlighting its design and functionality geared towards versatility and passenger space.
Drive Type and Safety Features: The vehicle is specified to have a 4x2 drive type, and it is equipped with comprehensive safety features including 1st and 2nd row curtain airbags, 1st row driver and passenger front and side airbags, and a direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), emphasizing the vehicle’s focus on safety and driving stability.
Fuel Type and Turbocharged Engine: The vehicle runs on gasoline and boasts a turbocharged engine, indicating greater power output and potentially improved fuel economy for a vehicle of its size and class.
Manufacturing Details: Manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation in Hiroshima, Japan, these details provide insight into the vehicle’s quality and the manufacturing standards of the company.
Additional Features: Features such as a manual seat belt type and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating falling within Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) underscore the vehicle’s unique specifications.

Don’t have your 2012 Mazda CX-7’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Mazda CX-7

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd Rows
Displacement (CC)	2300.0
Displacement (CI)	140.35461141788
Displacement (L)	2.3
Doors	4
Drive Type	4x2
Engine Model	L3T Turbo California
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	CX-7
Model Year	2012
Plant City	Hiroshima
Plant Company Name	Mazda Motor Corporation
Plant Country	Japan
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series2	Wagon Body Type
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	Grand Touring/GT
Turbo	Yes
Vehicle Descriptor	JM3ER2DL*C0
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	JM3ER2DL1C0410748