Isuzu Stylus VIN Decoder

Decode any Isuzu Stylus VIN free — model year, assembly plant, engine and body codes, then recalls and owner complaints for the same car.

NHTSA · ISO 3779 · 27 models · Updated Nov 3, 2026
Quick answer

Most Isuzu Stylus VINs open with JAB (Japan, 1991–1992) or J87 (Canada, 1991). Position 11, the plant, reads 7; a 1992 Stylus carries N in position 10. Decoding one also brings up 1 recall campaign and 17 owner complaints from NHTSA.

How to read a Isuzu Stylus VIN

Every Isuzu Stylus VIN follows the same 17-character layout:

FIG.01·Isuzu Stylus VIN structure
PositionSectionWhat it tells you
1–3WMIWorld Manufacturer Identifier — country, manufacturer and vehicle type.
4–8VDSVehicle Descriptor Section — body style, engine, restraint system, series.
9Check digitA calculated digit that validates the whole VIN. Wrong digit = wrong VIN.
10Model yearOne character for the model year. Letters skip I, O, Q, U and Z.
11PlantThe assembly plant that built the car.
12–17SerialSequential production number of this exact vehicle.
ROWS 6·SOURCE ISO 3779 / NHTSA vPIC

Isuzu Stylus VIN prefixes, and when each one was used

The Isuzu Stylus VINs on record carry 2 different prefixes. The main one is JAB (Japan, 1991–1992), then J87 (Canada, 1991–1991):

FIG.02·Isuzu Stylus VIN prefixes by year
VIN starts withYears seenBuilt inVehicle typeVINs on record
JAB1991–1992JapanPassenger Car16
J871991–1991CanadaPassenger Car1
ROWS 2·SOURCE NHTSA vPIC · NHTSA complaint VINs

Counted from 17 dated Isuzu Stylus VINs attached to NHTSA complaints, each code checked against the NHTSA manufacturer registry.

Model-year codes for the Isuzu Stylus

Position 10 carries the model year, skipping I, O, Q, U and Z. The alphabet comes round every 30 years, which the Isuzu Stylus has not yet outlived: its 6 years still map one-to-one. All 6 model years of the Isuzu Stylus, 1987 to 1992, with the character each one carries:

FIG.03·Isuzu Stylus VIN model-year codes
Model yearVIN character (position 10)Same character as
1992N—
1991M—
1990L—
1989K—
1988J—
1987H—
ROWS 6·SOURCE ISO 3779

What a decoded Isuzu Stylus VIN gets you

Behind a Isuzu Stylus VIN: 17 owner complaints and every recall campaign NHTSA has on record:

FIG.05·Isuzu Stylus data available by VIN
DataFor this modelSource
Recall campaigns1 campaignsNHTSA
Owner complaints17 filedNHTSA
Fuel economy29 mpg combined (avg)EPA
Model years covered6 yearsForCar catalog
ROWS 4·SOURCE NHTSA · EPA · ForCar

Where to find the VIN on a Isuzu Stylus

Four places on a Isuzu Stylus carry it, and all four must read the same — a mismatch is where fraud shows itself first.

FIG.06·Isuzu Stylus VIN locations
WhereHow to see itWhy it matters
Dashboard, driver sideThrough the windshield, bottom cornerEasiest to check before you touch anything
Driver door jambOpen the door, sticker on the pillarAlso lists tire pressures and build date
Under the hoodFirewall or strut tower plateSurvives a windshield replacement
Title and insurancePaper documentsMust match the car — a mismatch means fraud or a swapped panel
ROWS 4·SOURCE ForCar
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Frequently asked questions

Is this Isuzu Stylus VIN decoder free?

Yes, with no account. Besides the year, plant and build characters it shows 1 recall campaign and 17 owner complaints NHTSA holds on the Isuzu Stylus.

Why does my Stylus VIN start differently from another Stylus?

Because the Isuzu Stylus was built under several maker codes, by plant and period. Across the Isuzu Stylus VINs on record we see 2 of them: JAB (1991–1992), J87 (1991–1991). Each is genuine for its years.

What year is my Stylus by its VIN?

Read position 10: a 1992 Stylus carries N, a 1991 Stylus carries M, a 1990 Stylus carries L.

Where was my Stylus built?

Position 11 names the plant. Across 17 dated Isuzu Stylus VINs it reads 7 100%.

What if the VIN on the dashboard doesn't match the door jamb?

On a Isuzu Stylus check the prefix first: most genuine ones open with JAB or J87. A plate that starts with anything else, or disagrees with the other copies of the number, needs documents checked before any money changes hands.

VIN structure per ISO 3779 and NHTSA vPIC. Plant, body and engine characters observed across 0 decoded VINs on ForCar; recalls and complaints from NHTSA. Last updated Nov 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
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