How to Read a VIN#
The Vehicle Identifaction Number provides information useful in the maintenance of your car. The Car Care Clinic continuously monitors bulletins posted daily by manufacturers and other sources. Issues are usually identified with specific makes, models and locations of origin.
It's fun to know how to decipher the VIN. What does it tell about your car?
| VIN 1: Country of Origin | |
|---|---|
| 1 = USA | K = Korea |
| 2 = Canada | S = England |
| 3 = Mexico | T = Germany |
| 4 = USA | V = France |
| 5 = USA | W = Germany |
| 6 = Australia | Y = Finland, Sweden |
| 9 = Mexico | Z = Italy |
| J = Japan | |
| VIN 2 Vehicle Manufacturer/Make | |
| 1 = Chevrolet (Chevy) | C = Chrysler |
| 2 = Pontiac | D = Mercedes Benz |
| 3 = Oldsmobile | F = Ford |
| 4 = Buick | G = General Motors |
| 5 = Pontiac | H = Honda |
| 6 = Cadillac | L = Lincoln |
| 7 = GM Canada | M = Mercury |
| 8 = Saturn | N = Nissan |
| A = Audi | P = Plymouth |
| A = Jaguar | T = Toyota |
| B = BMW | V = Volvo |
| B = Dodge | |
| VIN 3: Vehicle type or manufacturing division | |
| VIN 4-8: Vehicle information (engine size, body style, fuel type, model, etc.) |
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| VIN 9: VIN Check Digit Verifies the accuracy of the vehicle identification number description. |
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| VIN 10: Model year | |
| J = 1988 | Y = 2000 |
| K = 1989 | 1 = 2001 |
| L = 1990 | 2 = 2002 |
| M = 1991 | 3 = 2003 |
| N = 1992 | 4 = 2004 |
| P = 1993 | 5 = 2005 |
| R = 1994 | 6 = 2006 |
| S = 1995 | 7 = 2007 |
| T = 1996 | 8 = 2008 |
| V = 1997 | 9 = 2009 |
| W = 1998 | A = 2010 |
| X = 1999 | B = 2011 |