ToolviaToyota VIN decoder
Toyota builds cars on three continents for the US market, and the VIN is the quickest way to tell where yours came from. A VIN starting with J came from Japan, while 4 and 5 mean the US, 2 means Canada and 3 means Mexico.
Enter the 17-character VIN to see the model, trim, engine and assembly plant, along with recalls and the complaints owners have filed for that model year.
Toyota manufacturer codes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Toyota VIN are its World Manufacturer Identifier. These are the ones you’re most likely to see on vehicles sold in the United States:
| VIN starts with | Meaning |
|---|---|
JT | Toyota vehicles built in Japan (JTD, JTE, JTM and more) |
4T1 | Toyota cars built in Kentucky |
5TD | Toyota SUVs and minivans built in Indiana |
5TF | Toyota trucks built in Texas |
2T1 | Toyota cars built in Canada |
3TM | Toyota trucks built in Mexico |
Not sure what the rest of the characters mean? Our guide to what each digit in a VIN means walks through all 17, and the VIN year chart shows how to read the model year from the 10th character.
How to read a Toyota VIN
Same model, different factories
Popular models are often built in more than one place. A Camry with a VIN starting 4T1 was built in Kentucky, while one starting with JT came from Japan. Neither is better by default, but it’s useful when you’re matching parts or checking a seller’s story.
Trucks and SUVs
5TF is used for trucks built in Texas, like the Tundra, and 3TM for trucks built in Mexico, which includes many Tacomas. 5TD covers SUVs and minivans from Indiana such as the Highlander and Sienna.
Engine and grade
Toyota describes the engine, body and grade in positions 4 through 8. You don’t need to memorise the codes: the decoder reads them and shows the engine size and trim NHTSA has on file.
Before you buy a used Toyota: what to check with the VIN
Once you’ve decoded the VIN, these are the Toyota-specific things worth comparing against the listing.
Hybrid or gas?
Many Toyotas, from the Camry to the RAV4, come in hybrid and gas versions that look almost identical. The Fuel and Electrification rows settle it in a second.
Check the drivetrain on trucks and SUVs
Tacomas, 4Runners and Tundras are sold in two-wheel and four-wheel drive. The Drive type row shows which one the truck was built as.
Note the plant
If you\u2019re choosing between two of the same model, the plant code is a useful detail for parts and service bulletins, which are sometimes specific to where the vehicle was built.
Where to find the VIN on a Toyota
Check the dashboard through the windshield on the driver’s side first, then the label on the driver’s door jamb. The VIN is also printed on the title, registration and insurance card. See all the places to look.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell where my Toyota was made?
Look at the first character of the VIN. J means Japan, 4 or 5 means the United States, 2 means Canada and 3 means Mexico. The decoder also shows the exact plant city.
Can a Toyota VIN tell me the trim level?
In most cases. Decode the VIN above and check the Trim and Series rows in the report.
Where is the VIN on a Toyota?
On the dashboard near the bottom of the windshield on the driver’s side, and on the label in the driver’s door jamb.
Toyota is a trademark of its owner. Toolvia is an independent site and isn’t affiliated with Toyota. Decoded details come from data the manufacturer reports to NHTSA.