Free Toyota 4Runner VIN Decoder

How to decode a Toyota 4Runner VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Toyota 4Runner VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier, commonly known as the WMI, is the unique three-letter code at the beginning of a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and serves as a global identifier for the manufacturer. For the Toyota 4Runner, a rugged and reliable SUV, the WMI is JTE, indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by Toyota Motor North America, Inc. This code is instrumental in verifying the vehicle’s country of origin, manufacturer, and type of vehicle. For example, a 4Runner VIN starting with JTE denotes that it is part of the Toyota family, and it’s a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) made for the North American market. The WMI acts as the first clue in decoding a VIN, leading to a deeper understanding of a vehicle’s specifications and history.

List of WMI Codes for a Toyota 4Runner

WMI: JT3

• Model Years Covered: 1985-1986, 1988-2002
• Example VIN: JT3RN65W7F5043548
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Toyota City
• State or Province: Aichi Prefecture
• Country: Japan

WMI: JTE

• Model Years Covered: 2003-2024
• Example VIN: JTEBU17R038001531
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Washington
• State or Province: DC
• Country: United States

WMI: JT4

• Model Years Covered: 1985-1989
• Example VIN: JT4RN61D3F5076594
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Toyota City
• State or Province: Aichi Prefecture
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Toyota 4Runner 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 Toyota 4Runner:

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 Toyota 4Runner 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 Toyota 4Runner VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Toyota 4Runner VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Toyota 4Runner Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Toyota 4Runner

The final 6 characters in a Toyota 4Runner’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a Toyota 4Runner VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year of manufacture, offering insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN contains encoded details about the vehicle’s specifications, including the engine type, transmission, and trim level, providing comprehensive information about the vehicle’s components and features.
• Body Style: The VIN may indicate the body style of the Toyota 4Runner, whether it’s a sport utility vehicle (SUV) or a multi-purpose passenger vehicle (MPV), offering insights into the vehicle’s design and purpose.
• Plant Location: The VIN provides information about the plant where the Toyota 4Runner was manufactured, specifying the city and state or province, possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s origin and production.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN may include the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) range, providing an estimate of the vehicle’s maximum loaded weight, helping understand its carrying capability.
• Drive Type: The VIN can reveal the drive type of the Toyota 4Runner, whether it’s a 4x2 or a 4x4, offering insights into the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Fuel Type: The VIN might indicate the primary fuel type of the vehicle, whether it’s gasoline, diesel, or another fuel option, providing insights into the vehicle‘s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Toyota 4Runner