How to Decode VIN Numbers

VIN numbers can be used to issue and track recalls, vehicle registration history, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.   It can also provide information to you about the trim level and what parts might fit right - for example, a Ford manufactured in Mexico might take a different O2 sensor than one made in the US.  

You can see the VIN on the dashboard when looking from the outside in through the windshield on the driver's side.  It's also quite often on a sticker in the driver's side doorframe, and is also etched on major parts such as the engine.

Using a sample VIN, here's what those 17 digits can tell you:

1^st character indicates the country of manufacture, e.g.,  U.S.A.(1or4), Canada(2), Mexico(3), Japan(J), Korea(K), England(S), Germany(W), Italy(Z)   4F2YU08131KM65141

2^nd character indicates which company manufactured the vehicle: Audi(A), BMW(B), Buick(4), Cadillac(6), Chevrolet(1), Chrysler(C), Dodge(B), Ford(F), GM Canada(7), General Motors(G), Honda(H), Jaquar(A), Lincoln(L), Mercedes Benz(D), Mercury(M), Nissan(N), Oldsmobile(3), Pontiac(2or5), Plymouth(P), Saturn(8), Toyota(T), VW(V), Volvo(V). 4F2YU08131KM65141

3^rd character- Identifies vehicle type or manufacturing division.  4F2YU08131KM65141

4^th-8^th characters tell you about the vehicle's features, such as platform, body style, engine, and model/trim level. Use of these 5 characters isn't standardized, and each manufacturer uses them differently  4F2YU08131KM65141

9^th character- doesn't provide info to the consumer, but identifies VIN accuracy as check digit.  A mathematical formula based on other characters help determine the validity of the VIN.  4F2YU08131KM65141

10^th character- Identifies the model year. For vehicles manufactured 1980-2001, it will be a letter.  2001 and beyond will be indicated by a number  (U, Z, and 0 aren't used), and in 2010 they'll start over with letter "A".  For example: 1994(R), 1995(S), 1996(T), 1997(V), 1998(W), 1999(X), 2000(Y), 2001(1), 2002(2), 2003(3)  4F2YU08131KM65141

11^th character- Identifies the assembly plant for the vehicle. 4F2YU08131KM65141

12^th to 17^th characters- Identifies the sequence of the vehicle for production
as it rolled of the manufacturers assembly line. 4F2YU08131KM65141

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