Free Volkswagen VIN Decoder & Lookup

Decode your Vehicle Identification Number for free

Try a sample VIN
  • Official data from NHTSA
  • Most recent recalls
  • Most recent complaints
Successfully Decoded
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VIN
Make
Model
Year
Drive Type
Style/Body
Engine
Manufactured in
Age
Manufactured By -
Plant Company Name -
Vehicle Type -
Series -
Body Class -
Doors -
Front Airbag Location -
Seat Belts Type -
Engine Displacement (CI) -
Engine Displacement (CC) -
Fuel Type -
Engine Number of Cylinders -
Additional Vehicle Info
Most Recent Recalls
Most Recent Complaints
*NOT specific to this particular vehicle. Submitted by other owners of this model.
Source: official gov. database of complaints

What is a VIN Number?

When a motor vehicle is manufactured, it is assigned a unique code known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This 17-character string, which excludes the letters Q, I, and O to prevent confusion with 0 and 1, provides details about the vehicle's manufacturer, model, year, and production site, all in one sequence without spaces. Driving-tests.org pulls straight from government data.

How many characters:
17 (digits and capital letters)
Where to find:
Dashboard on the driver's side
First digit stands for:
Country of manufacturer

How to Locate Your Volkswagen's VIN

Locating your Volkswagen's VIN is simple. Here are the common places to check:

  • Passenger Cars: Look at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. The VIN is visible from outside the vehicle. You can also find it on the driver's side door frame, where the door latches when it is closed.
  • SUVs: Similar to passenger cars, the VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard and door frame. Additionally, check the inside of the rear wheel arch and the chassis underneath the car.

If you still can't find the VIN on your Volkswagen, check these locations:

  • Vehicle registration documents.
  • Insurance policy documents.
  • Owner's manual.

How to Check a Specific Number

Enter your Volkswagen's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the field above to receive an instant report on its manufacturer, brand, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant, and model year. The information is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from the data submitted by the manufacturers. The VIN Decoder is intended for use with Volkswagen vehicles manufactured since 1981. Whether you own a Golf, Passat, Tiguan, or any other Volkswagen model, this tool is the best way to get a detailed build sheet or chart specific to your vehicle. If your Volkswagen was made before 1981, the VIN may be a shorter sequence of characters.

How to Read the Different Components

Curious about what each character in your Volkswagen's VIN stands for? Here's a breakdown:

How to decode a Vehicle Identification (VIN) number

Model Year Character Codes

The table below shows the model year character codes used in Volkswagen VINs. These codes help you determine the exact year of manufacture for your vehicle.

  • Example: A Volkswagen Golf with a VIN of WVWZZZ1JZYW000001 has a model year character of "Y," indicating it was manufactured in 2000.
  • Example: A Volkswagen Passat with a VIN of WVWZZZ3BZAE123456 has a model year character of "A," indicating it was manufactured in 2010.
Brand Code Year Code Year Code Year Code Year
Volkswagen A 1980 L 1990 Y 2000 A 2010
Volkswagen B 1981 M 1991 1 2001 B 2011
Volkswagen C 1982 N 1992 2 2002 C 2012
Volkswagen D 1983 P 1993 3 2003 D 2013
Volkswagen E 1984 R 1994 4 2004 E 2014
Volkswagen F 1985 S 1995 5 2005 F 2015
Volkswagen G 1986 T 1996 6 2006 G 2016
Volkswagen H 1987 V 1997 7 2007 H 2017
Volkswagen J 1988 W 1998 8 2008 J 2018
Volkswagen K 1989 X 1999 9 2009 K 2019

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The table below shows the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes used in Volkswagen VINs. These codes help you determine the country of origin for your vehicle. Understanding these codes can provide insights into the manufacturing and origin of your Volkswagen vehicle.

Brand-Specific WMIs:

  • WVW - WV2 = Germany
  • 3VW - 3VV = Mexico

Historical Context:

Volkswagen, a German automaker, has a rich history of manufacturing vehicles primarily in Germany. Over the years, Volkswagen has expanded its production to other countries, including Mexico and the United States, to cater to a global market and meet regional demands efficiently.

Production Volume:

Volkswagen's primary production remains in Germany, with significant volumes also produced in Mexico and the United States. This diversification allows Volkswagen to leverage regional expertise and resources.

Trivia:

  • The Volkswagen Beetle, one of the most iconic cars in history, was primarily manufactured in Germany and Mexico.
  • Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, USA, is known for producing the Passat and Atlas models.
WMI Region Notes
WVW - WV2 Europe Volkswagen (Germany)
3VW - 3VV North America Volkswagen (Mexico)
1VW - 1V1 North America Volkswagen (USA)
9BW South America Volkswagen (Brazil)
8AW South America Volkswagen (Argentina)
JNV Asia Volkswagen (China)
KLM Asia Volkswagen (Malaysia)
WV1 Europe Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (Germany)
VS7 Europe Volkswagen (Spain)
WVG Europe Volkswagen (Slovakia)

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