How to decode a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, signifying the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It reveals pivotal information about the vehicle, including the manufacturing company, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For instance, in the case of the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander, the WMI is “JA4”, indicating that the vehicle was produced by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Japan. Specifically, it designates the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), illustrating the versatility and functionality embedded in its design. The WMI serves as a critical tool for tracking, registering, and recalling vehicles, underscoring its importance in automotive identification and safety protocols.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander

WMI: JA4

Model Years Covered: 2003-2024
Example VIN: JA4LX41G03U026343
Manufacturer Name: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Minato-Ku
State or Province: Tokyo
Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander 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 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander:

Known VDS for a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
LX41G	LZ41G	LX31G	LZ31G

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 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander 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 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
3	2003

11th Character in the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
U	Mizushima		Japan		JA4LX41G03U026343

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander

The final 6 characters in a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Mitsubishi Outlander’s VIN below:

How to find a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mitsubishi Outlander; the VIN can usually be seen through the windshield on a small plate near where the dashboard meets the glass.
Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Mitsubishi Outlander; the VIN is often found on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
Examine the firewall of the vehicle; the VIN might also be located on a plate or sticker on the firewall inside the engine compartment of your Mitsubishi Outlander.
Check your Mitsubishi Outlander’s service or maintenance book; the VIN is often printed there by the manufacturer or recorded by the service center.
Consult your Mitsubishi Outlander’s vehicle registration documents or insurance documents, as the VIN will be recorded on all official papers related to the vehicle.

What info can a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year 2003 and offering insights into the vehicle’s age and potential technological features.
Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN discloses the vehicle type as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, specifically categorized as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), outlining its design purpose and capabilities.
Engine Specifications: Details provided, such as a 2.4-liter engine displacement, 146.45698582735 cubic inches displacement, and the presence of a Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) valve train design, may indicate the engine’s size and engineering.
Fuel Type and Efficiency Systems: The VIN indicates the primary fuel type as gasoline and the use of a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system, possibly showcasing the vehicle’s fuel efficiency mechanisms.
Drive Type and Brake System: Descriptions such as a 4x2 drive type and a hydraulic brake system type are encoded, giving insight into the vehicle’s handling and safety features.
Manufacturing Information: Production details like the plant city Mizushima and the plant country Japan can be derived, offering clues about the manufacturing origin and possibly affecting perceptions of quality and design.
Additional Features: The VIN includes additional specifications like a 5-door body and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating in Class 1C, which ranges from 4,001 to 5,000 lb, possibly helping to approximate its size, capacity, and regulatory classification.

Don’t have your 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	2400.0
Displacement (CI)	146.45698582735
Displacement (L)	2.4
Doors	5
Drive Type	4x2
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Model	Outlander
Model Year	2003
Other Engine Info	MPI
Plant City	Mizushima
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Japan
Series	HIGH
Series2	Wagon body style
Valve Train Design	Single Overhead Cam (SOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	JA4LX41G*3U
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	JA4LX41G03U026343