AGH30 · AGH35 · GGH30 · GGH35
Toyota Alphard 30 series and Vellfire import check
AGH30 is the factory model code for the Toyota Alphard 30 series, also sold in Japan as the Vellfire, built for the Japanese market from 2015 to 2023. Other versions carry AGH35, GGH30 and GGH35. Every genuine car has a chassis (frame) number that starts with its code, such as AGH30-. That number is the one thing that links its Japanese history to its UK records.
AGH30 at a glance
- Model code
- AGH30
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Alphard (30 series)
- Also sold as
- Vellfire
- Body
- MPV
- Built
- 2015 to 2023
- Engine
- 2AR-FE (2493 cc naturally aspirated petrol)
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Japanese trims
- X, S, S A Package, SC, Executive Lounge
- Chassis number format
- AGH30-nnnnnnn
From our own model library, compiled from public sources and not yet checked against a second source. UK records sometimes drop the hyphen or the leading zeros of the serial; our check allows for that.
Reading the AGH30 chassis code
- AGH is the 2.5 four-cylinder and GGH the 3.5 V6. 30 is front-wheel drive and 35 four-wheel drive. The hybrid is AYH30.
- Toyota’s model type adds a body letter that the chassis number leaves out: the auction sheet may say DBA-AGH30W, but the chassis number reads AGH30-0123456.
| Code | What it is | Engine | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGH30 | Alphard (30 series) | 2AR-FE | 2015–2023 |
| AGH35 | 2.5, four-wheel drive | 2AR-FE | 2015–2023 |
| GGH30 | 3.5 V6 | 2GR-FE / 2GR-FKS | 2015–2023 |
| GGH35 | 3.5 V6, four-wheel drive | 2GR-FE / 2GR-FKS | 2015–2023 |
Have a chassis number? The chassis decoder reads it for you.
Is it a genuine AGH30?
Alphard and Vellfire share every 30-series chassis code. A hybrid must be AYH30: one advertised as a hybrid on an AGH or GGH chassis isn’t one.
Known problems to check on an AGH30
- Power sliding door and tailgate motor faults
- Japanese-market radio and sat-nav need a band expander or replacement in the UK
- Check every seat motor and the rear air conditioning
These are common issues for the model, not facts about any particular car. Ask the seller about each one.
Before you buy
- Ask whether the speedometer has been converted to mph, and when, so the MOT mileages make sense
- Check the second-row captain’s chairs recline and their footrests work
The AGH30 on a Japanese auction sheet
- Alphard and Vellfire share chassis codes, so the sheet’s model name tells you which it is: アルファード (Alphard) or ヴェルファイア (Vellfire).
- Executive Lounge and SC grades sell for more; check the grade line matches the advert.
Most imports were bought at a Japanese auction, and the inspector’s sheet records the grade, mileage and every mark on the body. Ask the seller for it, then run it through our auction sheet translator to read it in English and check the chassis number and mileage against the UK record.
Recalls in Japan for the AGH30 family
Japan publishes every recall with the chassis numbers it covers. Run a recall check with the car’s chassis number to see whether any apply to it.
MOT record in the UK
Toyota Alphard
- 27% of 22,431 first MOT tests failed in 2024 and 2025, 24% lower than the UK average for cars of the same age.
- Most common advisory: Tread depth: worn close to legal limit or worn on edge (15% of tests).
- Most common failure: Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (3.1% of tests).
From DVSA’s anonymised MOT data, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Kilometres, miles and the first UK MOT
An AGH30 sold new in Japan has a speedometer in kilometres. When it is imported, the speedometer is either converted to miles or left in km, and the first UK MOT should record whichever the dial shows. Mistakes here are common, and they’re where mileage problems hide.
We put the Japanese auction mileage and every UK MOT reading on one timeline and check the crossing: whether the readings agree after converting, whether the km figure was written down as miles, and whether the first UK reading is lower than the car had already done in Japan. See an illustrative example.
Questions
What is the chassis code for the Toyota Alphard 30 series?
AGH30, with AGH35, GGH30 and GGH35 for other engines or drive layouts. A Japanese-market Toyota Alphard 30 series has a frame number that starts with its code, then a hyphen and a serial number. You’ll find it on the V5C and on a plate in the engine bay.
Which years was the AGH30 built?
From 2015 to 2023, with the 2AR-FE (2493 cc naturally aspirated petrol) engine and FWD layout.
What should I check when buying an AGH30?
Power sliding door and tailgate motor faults. Japanese-market radio and sat-nav need a band expander or replacement in the UK. Check every seat motor and the rear air conditioning. Ask whether the speedometer has been converted to mph, and when, so the MOT mileages make sense. Check the second-row captain’s chairs recline and their footrests work. Also check that the Japanese auction mileage lines up with the first UK MOT, because km and miles are easily mixed up.
Is the Vellfire the same as the Toyota Alphard 30 series?
Yes, under the skin. Japanese makers sold some models under more than one name through different dealer chains. They share chassis codes, so the code can’t tell them apart: the model name on the auction sheet and the badges can.