How to decode a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. It forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the vehicle, including its manufacturing location, year, make, and model. For the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, the WMI can be either “3GN” or “1GN”, indicating that it was produced by General Motors LLC in Warren, Michigan, United States. This specific WMI categorizes the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), reflecting its design and utility. By analyzing the WMI, one can glean vital information about the vehicle’s origins and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban

WMI: 3GN

Model Years Covered: 1995-2009
Example VIN: 3GNFK16T03G188649
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States WMI: 1GN
Model Years Covered: 1987-2024
Example VIN: 1GNEC16Z13R282293
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

Engine type
Transmission
Model or trim
Body style
Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban:

Known VDS for a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
FK16T	EC16Z	FK16Z	GK26U	GC26U	EC16T	GC26G	GK26G

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
3	2003

11th Character in the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 Chevrolet Suburban Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
G	Silao	Guanajuato	Mexico		3GNFK16T03G188649
J	Janesville	Wisconsin	United States	Gm Truck Group	1GNEC16Z03J100730
R	Arlington	Texas	United States	Gm Truck Group	1GNEC16Z13R282293

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban

The final 6 characters in a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2003 Chevrolet Suburban is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Suburban. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield on the lower corner.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb for a sticker or plate that will have the VIN for your 2003 Chevrolet Suburban.
Examine the engine block, where the VIN may also be stamped on your Chevrolet Suburban.
Look at the vehicle’s insurance and registration documents, which should list the VIN for your Chevrolet Suburban.
Check beneath the spare tire in the rear cargo area, as some Chevrolet Suburban models might have the VIN located in that area.
Inspect the frame rail of the vehicle chassis, typically accessible from under the vehicle, which may have a VIN stamp on your Chevrolet Suburban.

What info can a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 2003, providing insights into the age and potential technological features of the vehicle at the time of manufacture.
Vehicle Type: Classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, it is designed to serve a variety of functions, which may include passenger carrying, towing, and off-road capabilities.
Body Class: This vehicle is identified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), suggesting a design that accommodates both passenger comfort and utility.
Engine Specifications: With a V-Shaped engine configuration and a displacement of 5.3L or 5300cc, coupled with an 8-cylinder setup, this model, an L59 by GM, is built for power and performance.
Drive Type: The 4WD (4-Wheel Drive/4x4) drive type indicates enhanced off-road and all-weather capabilities, providing traction and control in various driving conditions.
Fuel Type: It operates as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV), which means it can run on more than one type of fuel, including unleaded gasoline or a gasoline-ethanol blend, offering versatility in fuel choice.
Manufacturing Details: Production took place in Janesville, Wisconsin, United States, by GM Truck Group, linking the vehicle to a specific manufacturing heritage and quality standard.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	5300.0
Displacement (CI)	323.42584370208
Displacement (L)	5.3
Drive Type	4x2
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	GM
Engine Model	L59
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Model	Suburban
Model Year	2003
Other Engine Info	Iron
Plant City	Arlington
Plant Company Name	GM Truck Group
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Texas
Series	1500
Series2	wagon Body Type
Trim	1/2 Ton
Vehicle Descriptor	1GNEC16Z*3R
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	1GNEC16Z13R282293