Daihatsu's lineup has 6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 7 models (1985–2026) and averages 4.2/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Daihatsu's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Daihatsu — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Daihatsu is a Japanese automotive manufacturer primarily based in Indonesia, known for producing exceptionally small and innovative kei cars. These vehicles are popular among urban dwellers and those seeking fuel-efficient transportation options, particularly in Asia. ForCar.org allows you to decode any DAIHATSU VIN to uncover full vehicle specs, recall history, and detailed information about your specific model.
Buying or selling? See current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Daihatsu models 7
Every Daihatsu model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Daihatsu More models 7
Daihatsu recalls
Across the Daihatsu lineup, ForCar tracks 6 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Daihatsu recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Daihatsu model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Daihatsu Rocky | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Daihatsu Charade | 3.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Daihatsu: Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Daihatsu reliable?
Across rated models, Daihatsu averages a 4.2/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 5 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Daihatsu specializes in kei-class vehicles (sub-660cc engines, sub-3.4-meter length) for Japanese domestic sales, plus compact and small SUV models for Indonesia, Malaysia and other Asian markets. The brand's commercial-vehicle Hijet kei truck dominates Japanese small-business delivery use. Within Toyota Group, Daihatsu serves as the kei-car and emerging-Asian-market specialist while Toyota and Lexus focus on global mid-size and premium segments.
Daihatsu models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Daihatsu model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Daihatsu Charade | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Daihatsu Rocky | 3.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Daihatsu models
The most fuel-efficient Daihatsu models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Daihatsu Charade | Car | |
| 02 | Daihatsu Rocky | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Daihatsu models
NHTSA safety rankings for Daihatsu are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Daihatsu window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Daihatsu's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Daihatsu window stickers →How to read a Daihatsu VIN
Every Daihatsu built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Daihatsu and the country it was built in (real Daihatsu codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- JapanJD1 · JD2
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Daihatsu
Hatsudoki Seizo Co. (Engine Manufacturing Co.) was founded in March 1907 in Osaka by faculty of Osaka Imperial University as Japan's first internal-combustion engine manufacturer. The company renamed itself Daihatsu (a contraction of Osaka and engine manufacturer) in 1951. The 1958 Midget three-wheeled mini-truck launched the brand's small-vehicle expertise, and the 1980 Mira kei car established the four-wheeled kei dominance Daihatsu still holds today. Toyota acquired 51% of Daihatsu in 1998 and full ownership in 2016.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1907 |
| Headquarters | Ikeda, Japan |
| Parent company | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Slogan | "Innovation for Tomorrow" |
| Models tracked | 7 (1985–2026) |
Daihatsu — frequently asked
How do I decode a Daihatsu VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Daihatsu models are there?
ForCar tracks 7 Daihatsu models spanning 1985–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Daihatsu made?
Daihatsu is headquartered in Ikeda, Japan, founded in 1907. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Daihatsu recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Daihatsu model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Daihatsu is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Daihatsu warranty?
New Daihatsu vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Daihatsu dealer.