Free Tool

Japanese Chassis Code Decoder

Decode a Japanese model code's emissions-era prefix and look up common chassis codes like JZX100 or NZE141 against a curated reference list.

Enter a model code

Reference list, not exhaustive. This covers a curated set of commonly exported chassis codes and the standardized emissions-era prefix. Always verify the actual model and spec against the auction sheet and export certificate.

Decoded result

Emissions-era prefix
DBA — New Long-Term compliant (gasoline), ~2004-2018
The most common prefix seen on 2007-2017 Japanese-market gasoline vehicles.
Chassis code lookup
NZE141 — Toyota Corolla (2006-2013), 1ZZ-FE / 4ZZ-FE engine

Common chassis code reference

Click any row to load it above.

Code Model Years Engine
AE86Toyota Corolla / Sprinter Trueno / Levin1983-19874A-GE
AE111Toyota Corolla / Sprinter Trueno / Levin1995-20004A-GE (silver top)
JZX90Toyota Chaser / Cresta / Mark II1992-19961JZ-GTE / 1JZ-GE
JZX100Toyota Chaser / Cresta / Mark II1996-20011JZ-GTE / 1JZ-GE
JZX110Toyota Mark II / Verossa2000-20041JZ-GTE / 1JZ-FSE
JZA80Toyota Supra1993-20022JZ-GTE / 2JZ-GE
JZS161Toyota Aristo1997-20042JZ-GTE
SW20Toyota MR21989-19993S-GE / 3S-GTE
ZN6Toyota 862012-2020FA20
NZE141Toyota Corolla2006-20131ZZ-FE / 4ZZ-FE
ZVW30Toyota Prius2009-20152ZR-FXE (hybrid)
GRS180Toyota Crown (Athlete/Royal)2003-20083GR-FSE
BNR32Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)1989-1994RB26DETT
BCNR33Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33)1995-1998RB26DETT
BNR34Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)1999-2002RB26DETT
ER34Nissan Skyline (non-GT-R)1998-2002RB25DET
S13Nissan Silvia / 180SX1988-1993SR20DET
S14Nissan Silvia1993-1998SR20DET
S15Nissan Silvia1999-2002SR20DET
FD3SMazda RX-71991-200213B-REW (rotary)
NA6CEMazda MX-5 / Eunos Roadster1989-1997B6ZE / BP-ZE
DC2Honda Integra Type R1995-2001B18C
EK9Honda Civic Type R1997-2000B16B
GDBSubaru Impreza WRX STI2000-2007EJ207
GC8Subaru Impreza1992-2000EJ20
CT9AMitsubishi Lancer Evolution (VII-IX)2001-20074G63
CZ4AMitsubishi Lancer Evolution X2007-20164B11

Two different codes, two different jobs

A Japanese model code like DBA-NZE141 packs two genuinely different pieces of information into one string. The prefix (DBA) is a standardized, government-assigned designation tied to which emissions and safety regulation era the vehicle was certified under — it's not manufacturer-specific, and it's exactly the kind of detail that matters when a destination market like New Zealand cares about emissions compliance rather than just calendar age.

The part after the hyphen (NZE141) is the manufacturer's own chassis/platform code, and unlike the prefix, there's no single published universal table for these — each manufacturer maintains its own scheme, and it isn't always public. That's why this tool treats the two halves differently: the prefix gets decoded from a standardized rule, while the chassis code gets looked up against a curated reference list of commonly exported models rather than computed from a formula.

For any purchase decision, the auction sheet and the physical chassis stamping are the authoritative source, not a lookup tool. Use this to get oriented quickly on an unfamiliar code, then confirm against the actual documents before committing.

FAQ

Chassis decoder FAQ

What does the prefix in a Japanese model code like DBA-NZE141 mean?

The prefix before the hyphen indicates which Japanese emissions regulation era the vehicle was certified under - for example DBA and CBA indicate 2004-2018 "New Long-Term" compliant vehicles, DAA indicates a hybrid from the same era, and 3BA/5BA/6AA indicate vehicles certified under the post-2018 revised standards. This matters for compliance in emissions-strict import markets like New Zealand.

Is this chassis decoder a complete database of every Japanese model code?

No. It covers a curated list of commonly exported and well-known chassis codes as a quick reference, plus a decoder for the standardized emissions-era prefix. It is not exhaustive and should not replace verifying a vehicle's actual model and specification against its auction sheet and export certificate.

What's the difference between this and the VIN Decoder?

Japanese domestic-market vehicles are usually identified by a model/chassis code and separate chassis number, not a 17-character VIN. Use this tool for JDM-style codes like DBA-NZE141 or JZX100, and use the VIN Decoder for standard 17-character VINs found on export-spec or North American-market vehicles.