How to decode a Mitsubishi i-MiEV VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Mitsubishi i-MiEV VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or three-digit code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code forms the first segment of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identifies each individual vehicle rolling off the production line. For the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, an electric car that blends advanced technology with environmentally-conscious engineering, the WMI is JA3. This code indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Japan, specifically focusing on their commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. The WMI is essential for identifying the manufacturer and is the key to unlocking a wealth of information about the vehicle, including its country of origin and the division within the company responsible for its production.

List of WMI Codes for a Mitsubishi i-MiEV

WMI: JA3

Model Years Covered: 2012, 2014, 2016-2017
Example VIN: JA3215H10CU008594
Manufacturer Name: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Minato-Ku
State or Province: Tokyo
Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Mitsubishi i-MiEV 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 Mitsubishi i-MiEV:

Known VDS for a Mitsubishi i-MiEV
215H1	215H4

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 Mitsubishi i-MiEV 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 Mitsubishi i-MiEV VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
H	2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
G	2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
E	2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
C	2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

11th Character in the Mitsubishi i-MiEV VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Mitsubishi i-MiEV Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
U	Mizushima		Japan		JA3215H10CU008594

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Mitsubishi i-MiEV

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

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How to find a Mitsubishi i-MiEV’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your Mitsubishi i-MiEV is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Examine the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your Mitsubishi i-MiEV; the VIN is typically located on a small plate visible from the outside.
Look at the driver’s side door frame of your Mitsubishi i-MiEV for a VIN sticker, especially where the door latches when it is closed.
Inspect the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance papers, as the VIN of your Mitsubishi i-MiEV is usually recorded there.
Check for a VIN plate under the hood of your Mitsubishi i-MiEV, it might be on the engine block or affixed to the body in the engine compartment.
Consult the owner’s manual of your Mitsubishi i-MiEV; it often includes a section where the VIN is written down during vehicle delivery.

What info can a Mitsubishi i-MiEV VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the model year of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
Manufacturer Name: The VIN identifies Mitsubishi Motors Corporation as the manufacturer of the i-MiEV.
Vehicle Type: The VIN indicates that the i-MiEV is classified as a passenger car, giving a general idea of its intended use and design.
Fuel Type: The VIN specifies that the i-MiEV is powered by electricity, indicating its alternative fuel source.
Plant City: The VIN provides the location of the plant where the i-MiEV was manufactured, offering insights into its production origin.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd Rows
Doors	5
Electrification Level	BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Electric
Model	i-MiEV
Model Year	2016
Other Engine Info	ELECTRICAL MOTOR Y51
Plant City	Kurashiki
Plant Company Name	MIZUSHIMA PLANT
Plant Country	Japan
Plant State	Okayama
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	PREMIUM
Side Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd Rows
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	JA3215H4*GU
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	JA3215H40GU000284