Mazda VIN Decoder, VIN Check and Build Sheet Lookup
Enter your 17 character Mazda VIN to see the model, generation, engine, year and build plant, plus recall records. Mazda builds its own model code into every VIN, so you can tell a KE CX-5 from a KF or an NA Miata from an ND at a glance. Below you’ll find a full VIN breakdown, Mazda paint codes with color swatches, and where to get the build sheet for your car.
Try It Yourself. Copy/Paste This Mazda VIN Into Our Decoder Below: JM3KFBDM5M0024680
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 ReportWhere to Find the Mazda VIN Number and VIN Plate
Every Mazda since 1981 carries the same 17 character vehicle identification number in a few set places, and the label in the door opening adds the paint code.
On the car
- Windshield The VIN plate on the driver side of the dashboard, read from outside
- Door opening The label on the driver side door pillar, with the VIN, build date and paint code
- Engine bay Stamped on the firewall or a plate nearby on many models, including older Miatas and RX-7s
On the paperwork and app
- Title and registration The full VIN on both
- Insurance card Usually listed in full
- MyMazda app Shows the VIN under your vehicle once it's added
Mazda VIN Breakdown: What Each Character Means
Mazda puts its own model code in characters 4 and 5, the same two letter codes Mazda fans use, like KF for the current CX-5 or ND for the latest Miata. Here's a 2021 CX-5 Grand Touring with all wheel drive.
JM3KFBDM5M0024680: 2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD, 2.5 Skyactiv-G, built in Hiroshima, Japan
- JM3: country, maker and type
- J is Japan, M is Mazda and 3 is an SUV. A Japanese built Mazda car, like a Miata or Mazda3, starts JM1.
- KF: model code
- KF is the second generation CX-5, sold from the 2017 model year. The first generation was KE.
- B and D: drive and grade
- B marks all wheel drive here, where a front wheel drive CX-5 shows A. D is the Grand Touring grade, and a Touring shows C.
- M: engine
- M is the 2.5 Skyactiv-G four on this CX-5.
- 5: check digit
- A maths check on the other 16 characters, so one wrong letter shows up.
- M: model year
- M is 2021.
- 0: plant
- 0 is Hiroshima, Mazda's home plant. Hofu shows 1.
- 024680: serial
- The production number of this one CX-5.
Mazda VIN prefixes, characters 1 to 3
- JM1 Mazda car built in Japan: Mazda3, Mazda6, MX-5 Miata, RX-7, RX-8
- JM3 Mazda SUV built in Japan: CX-5, CX-9, CX-90
- JMZ Mazda built in Japan for Europe and other markets
- 3MZ and 3MV Built in Mexico: Mazda3, CX-30
- 7MM Built in the US: CX-50
Where your Mazda was built: character 11
- 0 Hiroshima, Japan
- 1 Hofu, Japan
Mexican and US built Mazdas are easiest to spot from the prefix: 3MZ, 3MV or 7MM.
Mazda year codes in 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
Mazda Model Codes in the VIN: CX-5, Mazda3, Mazda6 and Miata
Because characters 4 and 5 are Mazda's own generation code, a Mazda VIN tells you exactly which generation you have. These are the ones you'll see on US cars.
| Model | Codes by generation |
|---|---|
| CX-5 | KE first generation, KF from 2017 |
| Mazda3 | BL 2010 to 2013, BM 2014 to 2016, BN 2017 to 2018, BP from 2019 |
| Mazda6 | GJ and GL, 2014 to 2021 |
| MX-5 Miata | NA 1990 to 1997, NB 1999 to 2005, NC 2006 to 2015, ND from 2016 |
| CX-9 | TB first generation, TC from 2016 |
| CX-30 and CX-3 | DM CX-30, DK CX-3 |
| CX-90 and CX-70 | KK CX-90, KJ CX-70 |
| RX-7 and RX-8 | FB, FC and FD RX-7, FE RX-8 |
The full list, including Japan and Europe only models, is in the code list below.
Mazda Build Sheet by VIN: Where the Options Are Recorded
The VIN gives you the model, generation, grade, drive and engine. Mazda keeps option lists short, but packages like Premium, Preferred and the Bose audio upgrade still change what a car is worth. Here's where to find them.
Window sticker
The original Monroney sticker lists the grade, every package and port installed accessory, and the price. A Mazda dealer can usually reprint it from the VIN.
MyMazda and your dealer
Add the car to the MyMazda app for vehicle details and service records. A dealer can look up the original specification for the VIN.
Door label
The label in the driver door opening gives the paint code and build date. Match the paint against the swatches below.
Mazda Code Decoder
Paste a model code from the VIN, an engine code or a paint code from the door label. The decoder knows Mazda generation codes from the RX-7 to the CX-90, Skyactiv and rotary engines, and Mazda paint.
Separate codes with spaces, commas or new lines.
Codes not in our list
Find one code
Look up a Mazda code or search by name.
Type a code or a name to search.
Click a code to copy it. Mazda codes can differ between markets, so confirm anything important against your own car.
Mazda Paint Codes: Soul Red, Machine Gray and More
Mazda paint codes are three characters on the door label. Soul Red Crystal is the one everyone asks about, but these are the colors you'll see most on recent Mazdas.
46V
Soul Red Crystal
Mazda's signature red, a paid upgrade.
41V
Soul Red Metallic
The earlier Soul Red, mid 2010s.
46G
Machine Gray
Liquid metal grey.
47C
Polymetal Gray
Blue tinted grey.
42M
Deep Crystal Blue
Dark blue mica.
45B
Eternal Blue
Mid blue mica.
41W
Jet Black
Black mica.
25D
Snowflake White Pearl
Pearl white.
34K
Crystal White Pearl
Earlier pearl white.
A4D
Arctic White
Solid white.
45P
Sonic Silver
Bright silver.
42S
Titanium Flash
Mid silver mica.
42A
Meteor Gray
Dark grey mica.
On screen colors are approximate. Order paint by the door label code.
Mazda Grades and Packages: What Each Adds
Mazda's grade names are the quickest way to check a listing once the VIN confirms the model.
| Grade or package | What it usually adds |
|---|---|
| Sport and Select | The base grades, with cloth seats and core safety equipment |
| Touring and Preferred | Synthetic leather, more driver aids and keyless entry |
| Grand Touring and Premium | Leather, Bose audio, a sunroof and heated seats on most models |
| Signature | Top CX-5, CX-9 and CX-90 grade with Nappa leather and real wood trim |
| Turbo | The 2.5 turbo engine on CX-5, CX-9, CX-30, CX-50 and Mazda3 |
| Club and Grand Touring | MX-5 Miata grades. Club adds a limited slip differential and stiffer suspension on manual cars |
RX-7, Miata and Classic Mazda VINs and Chassis Numbers
Mazdas sold in the US from 1981 on use the 17 character VIN, so an FB, FC or FD RX-7 and every Miata decode the normal way, with the model code in characters 4 and 5. Earlier cars, including the first SA22C RX-7s, and Japan market imports use a chassis number instead: a model code followed by a serial. Our decoder can't read those, but the model code at the front tells you which car it is.
For a Miata, the generation code is the key to parts and value. An NA has pop up headlights, an NB has fixed headlights and the NC and ND are later, larger and smaller again.
Known Mazda Problems by Model and Engine
Mazda's reliability is strong overall. These are the issues worth asking about once the VIN tells you what you're looking at.
| Issue | Affects | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary engine wear | RX-8 and RX-7 | Hard hot starts and low compression point to apex seal wear. Ask for a rotary compression test. |
| Short nose crankshaft | Early NA Miatas, around 1990 to 1991 | A wobbling crank pulley. Check the crank keyway. |
| Rear wheel arch rust | Mazda3 and Mazda6 from the mid 2000s | Bubbling paint on the rear arches. |
| Screen ghost touch | Mazda Connect touchscreens, mid to late 2010s | Watch for the screen pressing itself. A replacement screen fixes it. |
| Software recalls | 2024 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 | Run the VIN for open recalls on displays, cameras and driver aids. |
| Airbag control software | 2016 to 2023 MX-5 Miata | Run the VIN and confirm the airbag recall software update is done. |
Mazda VIN Check: Open Recalls and Campaigns
Our decoder lists recall campaigns for the model and year. To check one car, enter the full VIN.
In the US
Use the recall lookup on Mazda's owner site, the MyMazda app or NHTSA. Mazda dealers fix recalls free.
In the UK and Europe
Ask a Mazda dealer or use the national recall checker, like the DVSA service in the UK.
In Australia
Mazda Australia and the government recall site both search by VIN.
Mazda VIN Decoder: All Codes
Every code our Mazda decoder recognizes, from the model codes in characters 4 and 5 to engines and paint.
Mazda model codes
- KE CX-5, first generation
- KF CX-5, second generation, from 2017
- KG CX-8
- KH CX-60
- KJ CX-70
- KK CX-90
- KL CX-80
- TB CX-9, first generation
- TC CX-9, second generation
- DJ Mazda2, 2014 on
- DE Mazda2, earlier generation
- DY Mazda2 and Demio, first generation
- DK CX-3
- DM CX-30
- DR MX-30
- BJ Protegé and 323
- BK Mazda3, first generation
- BL Mazda3, 2010 to 2013
- BM Mazda3, 2014 to 2016
- BN Mazda3, 2017 to 2018
- BP Mazda3, 2019 on
- GG Mazda6, first generation sedan and hatch
- GY Mazda6, first generation wagon
- GH Mazda6, second generation
- GJ Mazda6, third generation
- GL Mazda6, third generation, later years
- NA MX-5 Miata, first generation
- NB MX-5 Miata, second generation
- NC MX-5 Miata, third generation
- ND MX-5 Miata, fourth generation, from 2016
- SA RX-7, first generation, SA22C chassis
- FB RX-7, first generation in the 17 character VIN
- FC RX-7, second generation
- FD RX-7, third generation
- FE RX-8
- CR Mazda5 and Premacy
- CW Mazda5, second generation
- CP Premacy
- CC Biante
- DW Demio, 121 and Festiva Mini Wagon
- DC Verisa
Mazda engine codes
- P5-VP 1.5 Skyactiv-G four, Mazda2 and MX-5
- PE-VPS 2.0 Skyactiv-G four
- PY-VPS 2.5 Skyactiv-G four
- PY-VPTS 2.5 Skyactiv-G turbo four
- HF-VPH 2.0 Skyactiv-X four
- SH-VPTS 2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel four
- T3-VPTS 3.3 e-Skyactiv G turbo straight six, CX-90
- LF 2.0 MZR four, Mazda3 and NC MX-5
- L3 2.3 MZR four, Mazda3 and Mazda6
- FS 2.0 four, Protegé and 626
- KL 2.5 V6, 626 and MX-6
- AJ 3.0 V6, Mazda6
- B6 1.6 four, early NA Miata
- BP 1.8 four, NA and NB Miata
- 12A 1.1 rotary, first generation RX-7
- 13B 1.3 rotary, RX-7
- 13B-REW 1.3 twin turbo rotary, FD RX-7
- 13B-MSP 1.3 Renesis rotary, RX-8
Mazda paint codes
- 46V Soul Red Crystal
- 41V Soul Red Metallic
- 46G Machine Gray
- 47C Polymetal Gray
- 42M Deep Crystal Blue
- 45B Eternal Blue
- 41W Jet Black
- 25D Snowflake White Pearl
- 34K Crystal White Pearl
- A4D Arctic White
- 45P Sonic Silver
- 42S Titanium Flash
- 42A Meteor Gray
Mazda Features, Technology and Terms
The names on Mazda window stickers and in listings, from Skyactiv and i-Activ AWD to Mazda Connect and i-Activsense. These are names rather than codes, so look them up here.
Mazda technology names
- Skyactiv Mazda's engine, gearbox and chassis technology family
- Skyactiv-G Petrol engines
- Skyactiv-X Spark controlled compression ignition petrol engine
- Skyactiv-D Diesel engines
- e-Skyactiv Hybrid and mild hybrid versions
- i-Activ AWD Mazda's predictive all wheel drive
- G-Vectoring Control Adjusts engine torque to smooth cornering
- Kinematic Posture Control MX-5 system that uses the rear brakes in corners
- Cylinder deactivation Shuts two cylinders on the 2.5 under light load
- Renesis The RX-8 rotary engine
- Kodo Mazda's design language
- Jinba Ittai Mazda's horse and rider driving philosophy
Infotainment and comfort
- Mazda Connect Infotainment system with a rotary commander knob
- Bose audio Premium sound on upper grades
- Active Driving Display Mazda's head up display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Navigation
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Power liftgate
- Sunroof
Safety and i-Activsense
- i-Activsense Mazda's driver assistance suite
- Smart Brake Support Automatic emergency braking
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control Adaptive cruise
- Lane Keep Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Driver Attention Alert
- 360 View Monitor Surround camera
Grades and editions
- Sport
- Select
- Preferred
- Premium
- Premium Plus
- Touring
- Grand Touring
- Grand Touring Reserve
- Signature
- Carbon Edition
- Turbo
- Club MX-5 Miata sport grade
- RF MX-5 Miata with a retractable fastback roof
- Kuro Edition
- 100th Anniversary Edition 2020 special edition
Older and Japan market chassis codes
- FA
- GA
- GZ
- HB
- HV
- LA
- MA
- UA
- VA
Paint names
- Rhodium White
- Platinum Quartz
- Zircon Sand
- Ceramic
- Polymetal Gray
- Machine Gray
- Soul Red Crystal
- Deep Crystal Blue
- Velocity Red
- Blue Reflex
- Ceramic Metallic
- Ingot Blue
Mazda VIN Decoder FAQs
Is there a free Mazda VIN check?
Yes. Our decoder checks the model, generation, engine, year, plant and recall records for free.
Does Mazda have a build sheet lookup by VIN?
The original window sticker is the closest thing. A Mazda dealer can usually reprint it from the VIN, with every package and accessory listed.
What do characters 4 and 5 mean in a Mazda VIN?
They're Mazda's model code, like KF for the current CX-5, BP for the current Mazda3 or ND for the current Miata.
How do I decode a Miata VIN?
Miata VINs start JM1NA, JM1NB, JM1NC or JM1ND, one for each generation. Character 10 gives the year. Our decoder splits it out for you.
How do I decode a Mazda CX-5 VIN number?
CX-5 VINs start JM3KE for the first generation and JM3KF for the second. The example on this page is a CX-5, read character by character.
How do I look up a Mazda 6 or Mazda 3 by VIN?
Japanese built ones start JM1, and Mexican built Mazda3s start 3MZ. Characters 4 and 5 give the generation, like GL for a late Mazda6 or BP for a current Mazda3.
How do I decode an RX-7 VIN?
US RX-7s from 1981 on start JM1FB, JM1FC or JM1FD, one for each generation. Earlier cars use an SA22C chassis number instead.
Is a Mazda chassis number different from a VIN?
On cars built for the US and most export markets, yes. Japan market Mazdas use a chassis number made of a model code and a serial instead.
Where do I find my Mazda paint code?
On the label in the driver door opening. It's a three character code, like 46V for Soul Red Crystal.
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.
What Is Your Mazda Worth With Its Options?
A Signature or a Turbo is worth noticeably more than a base grade, and Soul Red paint costs extra new. See what your Mazda's spec adds up to.
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