How to decode a 1998 Mazda MPV VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Mazda MPV VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designating the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacturing. For instance, the WMI for a 1998 Mazda MPV reveals that it was manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation in Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. This specific vehicle falls under the category of Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPV), highlighting its versatility. The WMI is a crucial element for identifying and verifying various aspects of a vehicle, from its manufacturing origin to the type of vehicle, providing valuable information for both consumers and automotive industries.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Mazda MPV

WMI: JM3

Model Years Covered: 1990-1998, 2000-2006
Example VIN: JM3LV5221W0832764
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 1998 Mazda MPV 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 1998 Mazda MPV:

Known VDS for a 1998 Mazda MPV
LV522	LV523

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 1998 Mazda MPV 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 1998 Mazda MPV VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Mazda MPV VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Mazda MPV Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
0	Hiroshima		Japan	Mazda Motor Corporation	JM3LV5221W0832764

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Mazda MPV

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Mazda MPV’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Mazda MPV’s VIN below:

How to find a 1998 Mazda MPV’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1998 Mazda MPV is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mazda MPV where it meets the windshield. This is a common place where the VIN is displayed and can be seen from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb area. There should be a plate or sticker with the VIN for your Mazda MPV where the door latches when closed.
Inspect the engine block of your Mazda MPV. The VIN can be stamped on the engine itself.
Examine the frame near the windshield washer container under the hood. In some vehicles, the VIN is placed in this area, so it might be the same for your 1998 Mazda MPV.
Check your vehicle’s insurance or registration documents, as they will always have the VIN listed for your Mazda MPV.

What info can a 1998 Mazda MPV VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN may suggest that the vehicle was manufactured in 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Manufacturing Details: Indications show that it was manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation in Hiroshima, Japan, possibly providing insight into the vehicle’s origin and production quality.
Vehicle Specifications: The VIN suggests the vehicle is a Mazda MPV, hinting at the make and model, along with specifications such as a V-Shaped engine configuration, 4x2 drive type, and minivan body class.
Engine Specifications: The VIN may reveal a displacement of 3 liters or 183.071 CI and an engine horsepower ranging from 137 to 167, possibly showcasing the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The vehicle possibly utilizes Gasoline, which may be vital for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Safety and Design: It may feature a Hydraulic brake system type and could be classified as a multipurpose passenger vehicle, hinting at the vehicle’s intended use and safety features.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN suggests that it falls within Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb, hinting at its load-carrying capacity and potentially helping in understanding its potential utility and performance under load.

Don’t have your 1998 Mazda MPV’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Mazda MPV

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Minivan
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	3000
Displacement (CI)	183.0712322841
Displacement (L)	3
Doors	4
Drive Type	4x2
Engine Brake (hp) From	137
Engine Brake (hp) To	167
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	Mazda
Engine Model	JEE
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Model	MPV
Model Year	1998
Plant City	Hiroshima
Plant Company Name	Mazda Motor Corporation
Plant Country	Japan
Series	Wagon
Vehicle Descriptor	JM3LV522*W0
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	JM3LV5221W0832764