Free VOLKSWAGEN VIN Lookup & Decoder

Understanding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is crucial when considering the purchase of a Volkswagen. A VIN decoder can provide detailed insights about the vehicle’s manufacture details, history, and any potential issues. It’s a critical tool for ensuring that the car you're interested in is both authentic and in the expected condition, helping to avoid costly surprises down the line.

Quick Facts about VOLKSWAGEN

Founded in:1937

Annual Sales:6,279,000 vehicles

Best Selling Model:Volkswagen Golf

Market Capitalization:Approximately $95 billion

Largest Market:🇨🇳 China

Country of Origin:🇩🇪 Germany

Volkswagen, one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers, is celebrated for its engineering excellence and a wide range of vehicles catering to diverse preferences. Established in Germany, Volkswagen has a rich history of innovation, including the iconic Beetle and the Golf. Today, the brand is known for its commitment to quality, safety, and advancing automotive technology, with popular models like the Passat, Tiguan, and Jetta leading sales globally.

How to Decode VOLKSWAGEN VIN

VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique code that serves to identify and differentiate vehicles. Below you will see a table with a complete breakdown how to decode VIN numbers.

Position	Code	Description
1	4	Indicates the country where the vehicle was manufactured (1 - United States)
2-3	HG	Identifies the vehicle manufacturer (F - Ford Inc.)
4-8	CM826	Specifies the vehicle's brand, engine size, and type
9	3	Vehicle Security Code
10	2	Indicates the model year of the vehicle
11	A	Denotes the plant where the vehicle was assembled
12-17	005243	Serial number of the vehicle

Critical Reasons to Check Volkswagen's VIN

Recall and Compliance Verification

With annual sales of 6,279,000 vehicles, checking the VIN is essential to determine if a Volkswagen was part of the 10% to 15% affected by recalls, ensuring compliance and safety.

Verification of Maintenance History

Fraud Prevention

A VIN check helps identify if the Volkswagen has been involved in any fraudulent activities, such as theft or cloning, safeguarding your investment.

VOLKSWAGEN VIN Guide

Country of Origin

The initial digit of the VIN indicates the country of manufacture for the vehicle.

Code	Country
1, 4, 5	USA
2	Canada
3	Mexico
9	Brazil
S-Z	Europe

Manufacturer

The second digit identifies the manufacturer, which varies by region for Volkswagen vehicles.

Code	Manufacturer
V	Volkswagen
B	Volkswagen Brazil

Gray Market Indicator

If the fourth, fifth, and sixth digits are marked 'ZZZ', it indicates that the vehicle is a gray market import outside North America.

Safety Restraint System

The fourth digit specifies the type of safety restraint systems installed in the vehicle.

Code	Equipment
E, J, K	Front airbags only
H, L	Both front and side airbags

Model and Trim Identification

Digits five and six are used by Volkswagen to indicate specific body and trim details, which change frequently. Use our online VIN decoder for detailed information.

Model Codes

The seventh and eighth digits represent specific Volkswagen models.

Code	Model
1C	New Beetle
1Y	New Beetle Cabriolet (convertible)
1T	Touran
3C	6-8th generation Passat and CC
AU	7th Generation Golf
7L	1st Generation Touareg
7P	2nd Generation Touareg

Check Digit

The ninth digit is a check digit, calculated to validate the VIN.

Model Year Encoding

The tenth digit of the VIN designates the model year using a mix of numbers and letters.

Code	Year
E	1984
F	1985
G	1986
H	1987
J	1988
K	1989
L	1990
M	1991
N	1992
P	1993
R	1994
S	1995
T	1996
V	1997
W	1998
X	1999
Y	2000
A	2010
B	2011
C	2012
D	2013
E	2014
F	2015
G	2016
H	2017
J	2018
K	2019
L	2020
M	2021
N	2022
P	2023

Manufacturing Locations

The eleventh digit reveals the specific Volkswagen manufacturing plant, varying by location worldwide.

Code	Plant
C	Chattanooga, Tennessee
V	Westmoreland, Pennsylvania
M	Puebla, Mexico
A	Ingolstadt, Germany
E	Emden, Germany
H	Hanover, Germany
K	Osnabrück, Germany
N	Neckarsulm, Germany
P	Mosel, Germany
S	Salzgitter, Germany
W	Wolfsburg, Germany
8	Dresden, Germany
F	Resende, Brazil
D	Bratislava, Slovakia
G	Graz, Austria

Serial Number

The final six digits comprise the vehicle's unique serial number, used to ensure that no two vehicles share the same VIN.

VOLKSWAGEN VIN Decoder Examples

Here are a few examples of VOLKSWAGEN VIN numbers, and how decoding them can reveal basic information. You can also uncover a wealth of detailed information, including previous sales photos, odometer reports, salvage status, recalls, and much more in the detailed BADVIN vehicle history reports.

3VWDZ7AJ5BM088404 — 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (Black, Automatic, Gasoline, 2.5L I5 FI DOHC 20V NF4, Front Wheel Drive, 5 Cyl)

3VWAX7AJ4AM124655 — 2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (Black, Automatic, Gasoline, 2.5L I5 FI DOHC 20V NF4, Front Wheel Drive, 5 Cyl)

3VW267AJ7GM235135 — 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (White, Automatic, Gasoline, 1.4L I4 FI DOHC 16V NF4, Front Wheel Drive, 4 Cyl)

3VWDP7AJ5DM429518 — 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (Gray, Automatic, Gasoline, 2.5L I5 FI DOHC 20V NF4, Front Wheel Drive, 5 Cyl)

3VW2K7AJ2BM390888 — 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (Sedan, Black, Black, Automatic, 2.0 L, Gasoline, FWD, 4 Cyl)

1VWAS7A39EC043139 — 2014 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (Black, Automatic, Gasoline, 1.8L I4 FI DOHC 16V NF4, Front Wheel Drive, 4 Cyl)

3VWLL7AJ4EM307368 — 2014 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (Black, Automatic, Diesel, 2.0L I4 FI 16V NF4, Front Wheel Drive, 4 Cyl)

WVWDA71K78W086259 — 2008 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT (Blue, Automatic, Gasoline, 2.5L I5 FI DOHC 20V F4, Front Wheel Drive, 5 Cyl)

WVGBV7AX6AW513780 — 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN TIGUAN SE (4DR SPOR, WHITE, AUTOMATIC, 2.0L 4, All wheel drive, GAS)

WVWAK73C28E246737 — 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (White, Automatic, Gasoline, 2.0L I4 FI DOHC 16V F4, Front Wheel Drive, 4 Cyl)

Try Your VIN Now

Example: WP1AA2A29ELA96597

Testimonials from our customers

I use the VIN decoder to check cars I'm importing from the US to Japan. Way easier than deciphering auction sheets and gives me the accurate specs I need.

Noah Parker

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Used the BadVin VIN decoder to quickly verify the specs on a classic Camaro I was thinking of buying. Way easier than digging through old manuals and gave me the confidence to go through with the purchase.

Samuel Silva

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Overall I like the vin decoder from bad vin. gives you all the key specs & trim details. Only complaint is it didnt have info on a few older cars I looked up, like an 87 CRX. but for most vehicles its quite handy

Travis

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thought i was buyin the full report but only got the decoder instead. contacted support to try n get refund but no response yet been 3 days alredy. decoder works ok but really wanted the full report.

Jayden

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Read other 207 reviews →

Frequently asked questions

Does a VIN decoder provide information about the vehicle's color?

Most VIN decoders do not provide color information as this is not typically encoded in the VIN; color information is usually obtained from vehicle registration documents or manufacturer records.

Can a VIN decoder verify the authenticity of VOLKSWAGEN parts?

A VIN decoder can help verify the authenticity of VOLKSWAGEN parts by matching them with the vehicle's original specifications listed under its VIN.

How does a VIN decoder reveal the vehicle's trim level?

A VIN decoder reveals the vehicle's trim level by decoding specific characters of the VIN that relate to the vehicle's series and equipment levels.

Can a VIN decoder tell if a VOLKSWAGEN is equipped with certain safety technologies?

Yes, a VIN decoder can often determine if specific safety technologies are equipped on a VOLKSWAGEN based on the trim and optional equipment codes within the VIN.

How often should I check my vehicle's VIN for updated information?

Regularly checking your vehicle's VIN for updated information, such as recall or service updates, is advisable, especially after announcements of new safety issues.

Is there a way to determine a vehicle's maintenance history through VIN decoding?

VIN decoding does not directly reveal maintenance history; however, it can identify the vehicle model and year, which you can use to access maintenance records through service databases with the VIN.

How accurate is the fuel type information provided by a VIN decoder for VOLKSWAGEN vehicles?

VIN decoders are generally accurate in providing fuel type information for VOLKSWAGEN vehicles as this is a standard detail encoded in the VIN.

Can VIN decoding help in verifying the warranty status of a VOLKSWAGEN?

While a VIN decoder can provide the model year that can suggest warranty status, verifying the actual warranty status usually requires direct contact with the manufacturer or dealer.

What can a VIN tell me about the body style of a VOLKSWAGEN?

The VIN can provide information about the body style of a VOLKSWAGEN, such as whether it is a sedan, coupe, or SUV, based on specific characters in the VIN sequence.

How can I use a VIN decoder to find compatible parts for a VOLKSWAGEN vehicle?

A VIN decoder can help you find compatible parts for a VOLKSWAGEN vehicle by identifying the exact model, engine type, and other specifications crucial for parts compatibility.