Vin Numbers

[snowteller]

I have a weird question, not trying to be funny just seeing something.......

Are Vin numbers different in different markets? for example would the vin number from a Fj40 in the US be different from a FJ40 from Costa Rica, El Salvador or some other country?

I ask because old Vw vin numbers where the same format no matter what part of the world they were in.

Sorry typing on a phone.

 

[Living in the Past]

On the FJ40 Toyota and all other auto makers selling vehicles in the US were required to have seventeen digit VIN starting with the 81 models. They continued with their regular VIN numbers (shorter) in most markets. But those imported to the US had extra numbers/letters added to the VIN plates under the hood and driver's A pillar to make it seventeen digits. The frame still had the shorter number VIN. Those being imported from others markets will probably only have the short VIN. I know Australia had a second plate on the firewall under the hood that was required there. Could be other countries that had special requirements.

 

[corbs]

Don't know about other countries but I know my JDM 80 only has 12 digits (13 if you count a dash).