Honda VIN Decoder, VIN Lookup and Build Sheet
Decipher any Honda VIN in seconds. Use our free Honda VIN decoder below to look up the model, trim, engine and plant on a Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Element or any other Honda. Then see how to read a Honda VIN number character by character, and why on a Honda the VIN tells you more about the build than on most brands.
Try It Yourself. Copy/Paste This Honda VIN Into Our Decoder Below: 5FNYF6H50KB024680
VIN Decoder & Build Sheet
Check VIN identity, factory spec, recalls, complaints, and ownership risks before you buy.
Pre Purchase VIN Check
Fuel Economy, Emissions & Running Cost
EPA fuel economy for the vehicle year and model profile.
Additional Vehicle Specs
Supplementary spec matching for output such as power, transmission, size, and weight.
Recalls, Complaints & Mechanical Failures
Model level safety and complaint data for the decoded year, make, and model.
Vehicle Ownership Insights
Platform specific reliability patterns, critical engine platform audits, and pre purchase inspection guidance.
Likely Factory Option Profile
Probability model for common package combinations around this production era.
The free scan verifies identity and surfaces early risk signals. The paid report goes deeper into what those signals mean for ownership, repairs, and buying confidence.
Unlock Full VIN ReportHonda Build Sheet by VIN: Why the Trim Tells You Almost Everything
Honda builds cars in fixed trims rather than long option lists. A Civic EX or a Pilot EX-L comes off the line with a set list of equipment, and the trim is written into the VIN. That makes a Honda VIN lookup closer to a build sheet than it is on most brands.
Three things sit outside the trim, and you'll find them in three places.
Model, trim, drive and transmission
Characters 4 to 8 are Honda's own model code. Decode them and you know the model line, the trim level and, on most models, two wheel or all wheel drive.
Paint color
Honda doesn't put the color in the VIN. The paint code, like NH731P for Crystal Black Pearl, is printed on the label in the driver door opening.
Accessories and price
Roof rails, splash guards, wheel locks and other add ons are often fitted at the port or by the dealer. Only the original window sticker or dealer paperwork lists those.
How to Read a Honda VIN Number
Here's a 2019 Honda Pilot EX-L with all wheel drive. The middle five characters do most of the work.
5FNYF6H50KB024680: 2019 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD, 3.5 V6, built in Lincoln, Alabama
- 5FN: country, maker and type
- 5 is the US, and FN is Honda's code for an SUV or minivan from Alabama. An Ohio built Accord starts 1HG.
- YF6H5: Honda model code
- YF6 is a 2016 to 2022 Pilot with all wheel drive (YF5 is front wheel drive). The 5 in position 8 is the EX-L trim. A 2019 EX-L with navigation and rear entertainment shows a 4 instead.
- 0: check digit
- Calculated from the other characters, so a mistyped VIN almost always fails.
- K: model year
- K is 2019.
- B: plant
- Lincoln, Alabama, home of the Pilot, Passport, Odyssey and Ridgeline.
- 024680: serial
- The production number of this one Pilot.
The trim digit in position 8 is model specific. A 5 means EX-L on this Pilot, but something else on a Civic, so let the decoder match it to your model and year.
Common Honda model codes, characters 4 to 6
| Code | Model | Years |
|---|---|---|
| CV1 | Accord, 1.5 turbo | 2018 to 2022 |
| CV2 | Accord, 2.0 turbo | 2018 to 2022 |
| CY1 | Accord | 2023 on |
| FC1 | Civic sedan, 1.5 turbo | 2016 to 2021 |
| FC2 | Civic sedan, 2.0 | 2016 to 2021 |
| FK8 | Civic Type R | 2017 to 2021 |
| RM4 | CR-V, all wheel drive | 2012 to 2016 |
| RW1 and RW2 | CR-V, front and all wheel drive | 2017 to 2022 |
| YF5 and YF6 | Pilot, front and all wheel drive | 2016 to 2022 |
| RL6 | Odyssey | 2018 on |
| YH | Element | 2003 to 2011 |
Where it was built, characters 1 to 3
- 1HG Car built in the US: Accord
- 19X Car built in the US: Civic
- 2HG Car built in Canada: Civic
- 2HK SUV built in Canada: CR-V
- 5J6 SUV built in the US: CR-V, Element
- 5FN SUV or minivan built in the US: Pilot, Passport, Odyssey
- 5FP Truck built in the US: Ridgeline
- JHM Built in Japan: Fit and older imports
Honda plant codes, character 11
- A Marysville, Ohio
- L East Liberty, Ohio
- B Lincoln, Alabama
- E Greensburg, Indiana
- H Alliston, Ontario
- M Celaya, Mexico
- S Suzuka, Japan
- C Sayama, Japan
Model year, character 10
- 12001
- 22002
- 32003
- 42004
- 52005
- 62006
- 72007
- 82008
- 92009
- A2010
- B2011
- C2012
- D2013
- E2014
- F2015
- G2016
- H2017
- J2018
- K2019
- L2020
- M2021
- N2022
- P2023
- R2024
- S2025
- T2026
Honda Engine Codes: What the VIN Tells You
Honda doesn't give the engine its own character in the VIN. The model code decides it, so once the decoder knows the model and trim, it knows the engine. The engine code itself, like K20C1, is stamped on the block.
| Engine code | What it is | Found in |
|---|---|---|
| L15B7 | 1.5 turbo four | Civic, 2016 to 2021 |
| K20C2 | 2.0 four | Civic, 2016 to 2021 |
| K20C1 | 2.0 turbo four | Civic Type R, 2017 to 2021 |
| L15BE | 1.5 turbo four | Accord 2018 to 2022, CR-V 2017 to 2022 |
| K20C4 | 2.0 turbo four | Accord, 2018 to 2022 |
| K24W1 | 2.4 four | Accord, 2013 to 2017 |
| J35Y6 | 3.5 V6 | Pilot, Ridgeline and Odyssey, 2016 on |
| K24A4 | 2.4 four | Element, early years |
Honda Code Decoder
Got a code off an engine block, a door jamb or a forum post? Paste it here. The decoder knows Honda engine codes, chassis codes, paint codes and Honda Sensing feature names.
Separate codes with spaces, commas or new lines.
Codes not in our list
Find one code
Look up a code or search by name.
Start typing to search the Honda code list.
Click a code to copy it. Honda reuses some engine codes across markets, so check anything important against the car itself.
Honda Paint Codes and Colors
The paint code is on the driver door jamb label, not in the VIN. The first letters give away the color family: NH for whites, blacks, greys and silvers, B for blue, R for red and G for green.
NH883P
Platinum White Pearl
Honda's pearl white, a paid upgrade on most models.
NH603P
White Diamond Pearl
Pearl white on earlier Pilots and others.
NH0
Championship White
Solid white, a Type R signature.
NH731P
Crystal Black Pearl
Honda's black on nearly every model.
NH830M
Lunar Silver Metallic
Bright silver.
NH797M
Modern Steel Metallic
Dark grey metallic.
NH877P
Sonic Gray Pearl
Light grey with a blue hint.
NH737M
Polished Metal Metallic
Mid grey metallic.
B588P
Obsidian Blue Pearl
Near black navy.
B593M
Aegean Blue Metallic
Mid blue.
B600M
Steel Sapphire Metallic
Blue grey, seen on Pilots.
B637P
Boost Blue Pearl
Bright blue, Civic Type R.
R513
Rallye Red
Solid red on Civics and Fits.
R569M
Radiant Red Metallic
Deep red on Accord and CR-V.
R561P
Deep Scarlet Pearl
Dark red on Pilots.
G542P
Black Forest Pearl
Very dark green on Pilots.
G546M
Dark Olive Metallic
Olive green on the CR-V.
G511M
Galapagos Green Metallic
An early Element color.
Colors are approximate on screen. Use the code from your door jamb when you order touch up paint.
Honda Trim Levels, From LX to Elite
Most Hondas climb the same ladder, and each step adds a predictable group of features. Use it to sanity check a listing once the VIN has told you the trim.
LX
The base trim. Cloth seats, steel or small alloy wheels, and the core Honda Sensing safety suite on recent models.
Sport and EX
Sport adds bigger wheels and styling. EX typically adds a moonroof, heated front seats and more driver aids.
EX-L
EX plus leather. On some models it also brings a power tailgate or memory seats.
Touring and Elite
Touring is the top trim on most cars and SUVs. Pilot and Odyssey go one higher with Elite.
Si and Type R
Civic performance models with their own engines and model codes, which makes them easy to confirm from the VIN.
TrailSport and Black Edition
Newer appearance and off road themed trims on Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline and others.
Known Honda Problems by Engine and Model
Once the VIN gives you the model, year and engine, these are the issues worth checking.
| Issue | Affects | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Connecting rod bearing recall | 3.5 V6 in Pilot, Ridgeline and Odyssey, around 2016 to 2020 | Run the full VIN for open recalls and ask for proof the inspection was done. |
| Oil dilution | 1.5 turbo CR-V and Civic, early years, mostly in cold climates | A rising oil level or a fuel smell on the dipstick. Ask about Honda's software update. |
| 9 speed shifting complaints | Pilot and Passport with the 9 speed automatic | Rough or hesitant shifts. Software updates fixed many trucks. |
| V6 oil consumption with cylinder deactivation | Accord, Pilot and Odyssey V6s, around 2008 to 2013 | Check the oil level, look for misfire codes and ask about piston ring repairs. |
| AC condenser failure | Civic, around 2016 to 2018 | Make sure the AC blows cold. |
| Automatic transmission failure | V6 Accord and Odyssey, around 1999 to 2004 | Look for slipping or flashing D lights, and ask if the transmission has been replaced. |
Honda Recall Check by VIN
Our decoder shows recall records for the model and year, and some Hondas have a lot. The 2019 Pilot in our example is covered by campaigns for the fuel pump, the hood latch, the rearview camera and the engine's connecting rod bearings. Enter the full VIN on Honda's owner site or NHTSA to see which are still open on yours. Honda dealers do recall work free, even on a used car.
Honda Code List
Everything our Honda decoder recognizes. Honda doesn't use option codes, so these are the codes owners actually run into: engines, chassis codes, paint and Honda's feature names.
Honda engine codes
- L15B7 1.5 turbo four, 2016 to 2021 Civic
- K20C2 2.0 four, 2016 to 2021 Civic
- K20C1 2.0 turbo four, Civic Type R
- K20Z3 2.0 four, 2006 to 2011 Civic Si
- R18A1 1.8 four, 2006 to 2011 Civic
- D16Y8 1.6 SOHC VTEC four, late 1990s Civic
- L15BE 1.5 turbo four, Accord and CR-V
- K20C4 2.0 turbo four, 2018 to 2022 Accord
- K24W1 2.4 four, 2013 to 2017 Accord
- K24A4 2.4 four, Element
- J35Y6 3.5 V6, Pilot, Ridgeline and Odyssey
- H22A 2.2 DOHC VTEC four, Prelude
- F20C 2.0 four, 2000 to 2003 S2000
- F22C1 2.2 four, 2004 to 2009 S2000
- B16A2 1.6 DOHC VTEC four, Civic Si and del Sol
- B18C1 1.8 DOHC VTEC four, Integra GS-R
- B18C5 1.8 DOHC VTEC four, Integra Type R
Honda chassis codes
- EF 1988 to 1991 Civic
- EG 1992 to 1995 Civic
- EK 1996 to 2000 Civic
- EP3 2002 to 2005 Civic Si hatchback
- FK8 2017 to 2021 Civic Type R
- FL5 2023 on Civic Type R
- DC2 Integra Type R
- AP1 Early S2000
- AP2 Later S2000
- GD3 2007 to 2008 Fit
- GE8 2009 to 2013 Fit
- RD1 1997 to 2001 CR-V
Chassis codes are enthusiast shorthand for a generation. They overlap with, but aren't the same as, the model code in the VIN.
Honda Sensing and feature names
- CMBS Collision Mitigation Braking System
- ACC Adaptive Cruise Control
- LKAS Lane Keeping Assist System
- RDM Road Departure Mitigation
- TSR Traffic Sign Recognition
- BSI Blind Spot Information
- CTM Cross Traffic Monitor
- FCW Forward Collision Warning
- LDW Lane Departure Warning
- VCM Variable Cylinder Management, cylinder deactivation on V6s
- i-VTM4 Torque vectoring all wheel drive
- VTEC Variable valve timing and lift
Honda paint codes
- NH883P Platinum White Pearl
- NH603P White Diamond Pearl
- NH0 Championship White
- NH731P Crystal Black Pearl
- NH830M Lunar Silver Metallic
- NH797M Modern Steel Metallic
- NH877P Sonic Gray Pearl
- NH737M Polished Metal Metallic
- B588P Obsidian Blue Pearl
- B593M Aegean Blue Metallic
- B600M Steel Sapphire Metallic
- B637P Boost Blue Pearl
- R513 Rallye Red
- R569M Radiant Red Metallic
- R561P Deep Scarlet Pearl
- G542P Black Forest Pearl
- G546M Dark Olive Metallic
- G511M Galapagos Green Metallic
Type the code with or without the dash, NH731P or NH-731P both work.
Honda VIN Questions
How do I decipher a Honda VIN?
Characters 1 to 3 show where it was built, 4 to 8 are Honda's model code with the trim in position 8, 9 is a check digit, 10 is the year, 11 is the plant and 12 to 17 are the serial number.
Can I find the Honda model and trim by VIN?
Yes. Honda's model code in characters 4 to 8 names the model line and trim, so a VIN lookup gives you both.
Is there a Honda build sheet by VIN?
Honda doesn't publish one like GM or BMW, but the trim in the VIN sets almost all the factory equipment. Add the paint code from the door jamb and the window sticker for accessories, and you have the full picture.
Does the Honda VIN show the engine code?
Not as its own character. The model code decides the engine, and the engine code itself is stamped on the block.
What do Honda paint codes like NH731P mean?
On the label in the driver door jamb. It looks like NH731P or R569M, and the letters at the start hint at the color family, like R for red and B for blue.
How do I decode a Honda Element VIN?
The same way as any Honda. Element VINs start 5J6YH, and characters 4 to 8 hold the model code with the trim and drive type. Paste it into our decoder for the details.
What does a Honda Pilot VIN tell me?
The generation, front or all wheel drive and the trim. On 2016 to 2022 Pilots, YF5 is front wheel drive and YF6 is all wheel drive.
How do I look up a Honda Civic by VIN?
Enter it in our decoder. Civic VINs from the US start 19X, Canadian built ones 2HG, and characters 4 to 8 tell you sedan, hatchback, Si or Type R.
Where can I find my Honda VIN number?
At the base of the windshield on the driver side, on the driver door jamb, and on the title and registration.
Dale Ogden
Dale has spent more than 20 years in vehicle valuations, forecasting and asset management. He was a Forecast Manager at CAP HPI, the UK's leading vehicle valuation authority and a counterpart to Kelley Blue Book.
He helped pioneer early electric vehicle depreciation models adopted by major manufacturers, and his residual value forecasts cover more than 10,000 vehicles. Today his data led insights help buyers, enthusiasts and automotive professionals around the world.
Find Out What Your Honda's Trim Is Worth
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