- What you'll get from Chevrolet VIN check?
- Chevrolet Vehicle History Risk Factors
- Characters 1-3 of a Chevrolet VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Chevrolet
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Chevrolet VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Chevrolet VIN.
- 10th Character in the Chevrolet VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Chevrolet VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Chevrolet Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Chevrolet
- How to find a Chevrolet's VIN?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Chevrolet
What you’ll get from Chevrolet VIN check?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2020, offering insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Engine Type: From the VIN, it may be inferred that the vehicle is equipped with a 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine with spark-ignited direct injection and turbocharging, providing insights into performance and efficiency.
- Safety Features: The VIN may indicate the presence of standard and optional safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Curtain Air Bag available for all rows, illustrating the vehicle’s commitment to passenger safety.
- Drive Type and Fuel Type: Details like front-wheel drive (FWD) and primary use of gasoline as fuel, can help understand the vehicle’s driving dynamics and operational costs.
- Body Class and Number of Doors: The VIN can identify the vehicle’s body as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering insights into its design and utility.
- Manufacturing Information: It can disclose manufacturing specifics such as being built in Kansas City, United States, by Fairfax assembly, adding to the vehicle’s historical and production background.
- Advanced Technology and Options: The VIN may indicate the availability of advanced technology and options like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), signaling the vehicle’s level of sophistication and comfort features.
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Chevrolet Vehicle History Risk Factors
Chevrolet’s reliability is model-dependent — the Silverado and Suburban are among the most durable vehicles in their segments, while some car-based models have more checkered histories. A Bumper check on a used Chevrolet is particularly valuable for the following:
AFM/DoD lifter failures on 5.3L V8 engines (2007–2021 Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban). GM’s Active Fuel Management system, which deactivates cylinders at highway speeds, caused widespread lifter and camshaft failures in this engine generation. The repair cost ($2,000–$5,000) makes this one of the most expensive used-vehicle surprises in any segment. Service records showing lifter replacement or an AFM delete kit are significant items to verify before purchase.
Ignition switch recall (2005–2014 multiple models). GM’s ignition switch recall — one of the most significant safety-related recalls in automotive history — affected Malibus, Cobalts, and several other models. Affected switches could move out of the “run” position while driving, cutting power to safety systems including airbags. Verify recall compliance on any Chevrolet from this era.
Transmission shudder on 8-speed automatic (2015–2019 Silverado, Colorado). GM’s 8L90 and 8L45 eight-speed automatics generated extensive owner complaints and TSBs related to torque converter shudder, especially at low speeds. This is well-documented and frequently appears in service records.
Rust on older Silverado and Colorado frames. Like other full-size trucks, older Chevrolet pickups from rust-belt states can have significant frame deterioration. A registration and ownership history in the Bumper report is your first indicator — a truck that’s spent decades in Minnesota or Michigan is a different proposition than one from Arizona.
A Bumper VIN check shows accident history, title brands, flood damage, and odometer records for this specific vehicle.
How to decode a Chevrolet VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Chevrolet VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a crucial element of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For Chevrolet vehicles, WMIs such as 1GC for trucks and 1G1 for passenger cars manufactured by General Motors LLC in Warren, Michigan, USA, exemplify how these codes provide specific insights. Codes like 2GC and 3GC also denote trucks, signifying the diversity within Chevrolet’s vehicle offerings. The span of model years covered by these WMIs, ranging from 1981 to 2024, reveals the long history and consistency of vehicle production under these identifiers. This system ensures that each Chevrolet vehicle can be accurately traced to its origins, reinforcing the importance of the WMI in global vehicle identification and classification.
List of WMI Codes for a Chevrolet
| WMI | Manufacturer Name | Vehicle Type | City | State or Province | Country | Model Years Covered | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1GC | General Motors LLC | Truck | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1981-2024 | 1GCCM15Z0GB229694 |
| 1GN | General Motors LLC | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1987-2024 | 1GNDM15Z1HB251152 |
| 3GN | General Motors LLC | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1995-2024 | 3GNGC23G12G172165 |
| KL1 | General Motors LLC | Passenger Car | Warren | Michigan | United States | 2004-2011 | KL1TD62604B139343 |
| 3G1 | General Motors LLC | Passenger Car | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1996-2004, 2009-2011, 2015-2019 | 3G1TV55E99L120775 |
| 1G1 | General Motors LLC | Passenger Car | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1981-2024 | 1G1LV14W1JY670073 |
| 1G8 | General Motors LLC | Passenger Car | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1981-1986 | 1G8DC18HXBF108046 |
| 2GC | General Motors LLC | Truck | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1981-1986, 1988-2009, 2018-2019, 2022-2024 | 2GCEK14D0B1175939 |
| 2G1 | General Motors LLC | Passenger Car | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1981-1986, 1990-2020 | 2G1FP22S0P2110967 |
| 2C1 | General Motors LLC | Passenger Car | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1998-2001, 2010 | 2C1FC1EV4A9133652 |
| 6G1 | General Motors LLC | Passenger Car | Warren | Michigan | United States | 2011-2013 | 6G1MK5T20BL532626 |
| 6G3 | General Motors LLC | Passenger Car | Warren | Michigan | United States | 2014-2017 | 6G3NS5U30EL931091 |
| 4G1 | General Motors LLC | Passenger Car | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1996-2000 | 4G1JF32T7TB101130 |
| 3N6 | Nissan Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. | Truck | C.P. | Mexico | 2015-2018 | 3N63M0YN0FK692325 | |
| 3GC | General Motors LLC | Truck | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1985-1987, 1997, 2000-2001, 2006-2024 | 3GCCW80Z1FS906443 |
| 2CN | General Motors LLC | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1995-2011 | 2CNDL23F056019467 |
| 2GN | General Motors LLC | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1990, 1992, 2011-2022 | 2GNALFEC0B1149492 |
| 2G8 | General Motors LLC | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Warren | Michigan | United States | 1983, 1985 | 2G8DG15H9D4103454 |
| 1Y1 | New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. | Passenger Car | Fremont | California | United States | 1986-1988, 1998-2002 | 1Y1SK5481WZ438316 |
| J8Z | Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan | Truck | Shinagawa-Ku | Tokyo | Japan | 1981 | J8ZCL14N0B8220770 |
| KL7 | General Motors LLC | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Warren | Michigan | United States | 2012, 2014-2024 | KL77P2EM2CK519154 |
| KL8 | General Motors LLC | Passenger Car | Warren | Michigan | United States | 2013-2022 | KL8CC6S90DC504578 |
| LSG | General Motors LLC | Passenger Car | Warren | Michigan | United States | 2019 | LSGCJKSB0KY000819 |
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Chevrolet VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Chevrolet’s Vehicle Descriptor Section encodes body style, restraint system, engine type, and series level across its Silverado, Equinox, Malibu, and Tahoe lineups. On Silverados, the VDS is particularly useful for confirming cab style (regular, double, or crew cab), bed length, and engine variant — important because a 5.3L V8 Silverado and a 4.3L V6 from the same model year can look identical from the exterior. For the Equinox and Traverse, the VDS distinguishes between engine variants that differ significantly in fuel economy, towing capacity, and long-term reliability profiles. When comparing two Chevrolets with similar prices, always cross-reference VDS characters to confirm you’re comparing equivalent specifications.
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 Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| R | 2024 |
| P | 2023 |
| N | 2022 |
| M | 2021 |
| L | 2020 |
| K | 2019 |
| J | 2018 |
| H | 2017 |
| G | 2016 |
| F | 2015 |
| E | 2014 |
| D | 2013 |
| C | 2012 |
| B | 2011 |
| A | 2010 |
| 9 | 2009 |
| 8 | 2008 |
| 7 | 2007 |
| 6 | 2006 |
| 5 | 2005 |
| 4 | 2004 |
| 3 | 2003 |
| 2 | 2002 |
| 1 | 2001 |
| Y | 2000 |
| X | 1999 |
| W | 1998 |
| V | 1997 |
| T | 1996 |
| S | 1995 |
| R | 1994 |
| P | 1993 |
| N | 1992 |
| M | 1991 |
| L | 1990 |
| K | 1989 |
| J | 1988 |
| H | 1987 |
| G | 1986 |
| F | 1985 |
| E | 1984 |
| D | 1983 |
| C | 1982 |
| B | 1981 |
11th Character in the Chevrolet VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Chevrolet Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Pontiac | Michigan | United States | Na-Truck Platform | 1GNCS18RXH0125493 |
| 1 | Oshawa Truck | Ontario | Canada | Na-Canada-Truck | 2GCEK14D0B1175939 |
| 2 | Moraine | Ohio | United States | Na-Truck Platform | 1GNDT13Z1M2121971 |
| 3 | Detroit | Michigan | United States | Na-Truck Platform | 1GCHP32T3B3307655 |
| 4 | Orion | Michigan | United States | 1G1FZ6S00P4100871 | |
| 5 | Bowling Green | Kentucky | United States | 1G1AY8760B5100037 | |
| 6 | Oklahoma City | Oklahoma | United States | Oklahoma City Assembly | 1G1AW19R5G6158215 |
| 7 | Lordstown | Ohio | United States | Lordstown Assembly | 1G1AE67P1E7212585 |
| 8 | Shreveport | Louisiana | United States | Na-Truck Platform | 1GNCT18R1H8134906 |
| 9 | Oshawa | Ontario | Canada | Oshawa Plant #1 | 2G1FA1EV0A9116784 |
| A | Lakewood Heights | Georgia | United States | Lakewood Assembly | 1G1BL81Y8HA167157 |
| B | Baltimore | Maryland | United States | Baltimore Assembly (Na-Truck Platform) | 1GCCM15Z0GB229694 |
| C | Lansing - South Plant | Michigan | United States | Na-Lad | 1G1FP23T8NC158317 |
| D | Doraville | Georgia | United States | Doraville Assembly (C-P-C) | 1GCCW80K1BD439537 |
| E | Linden | New Jersey | United States | Linden Assembly | 1G1LV11W2JE515196 |
| F | Flint | Michigan | United States | Na-Truck Platform | 1GNEV18K0HF145641 |
| G | Silao | Guanajuato | Mexico | 3GNGC23G12G172165 | |
| H | Flint | Michigan | United States | 1G1AL69H0EH141577 | |
| J | Janesville | Wisconsin | United States | Na-Truck Platform | 1GNEK18K0NJ316485 |
| K | Linden | New Jersey | United States | Gm Truck Group | 1GNCS18W6SK252761 |
| L | Elizabeth | South Australia | Australia | Holden | 3G1TV55E99L120775 |
| M | Lansing - North Plant | Michigan | United States | Na-Gm Corp | 1G1JC1240TM112384 |
| N | Norwood | Ohio | United States | 1G1AP87H0BN118414 | |
| P | Pontiac | Michigan | United States | Pontiac Assembly | 1G1GZ11G0HP105008 |
| R | Arlington | Texas | United States | Na-Mcd | 1G1BN51H3JR147642 |
| S | Ramos Arizpe | Mexico | 3GNKBKRS0KS531415 | ||
| T | Sleepy Hollow | New York | United States | Tarrytown Assembly | 1G1XX08X1FT109692 |
| U | Detroit Hamtramck | Michigan | United States | Gmna | 1G1145SL0EU100122 |
| W | Ypsilanti Twp | Michigan | United States | Willow Run Assembly | 1G1BN53E1MW108556 |
| X | Kansas City | Kansas | United States | Fairfax Assembly | 1G1AN69H1CX114983 |
| Y | Wilmington | Delaware | United States | Na-Lad | 1G1LV14W1JY670073 |
| Z | Fremont | California | United States | 1GCGC23M7BZ133692 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Chevrolet
The final 6 characters in a Chevrolet’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Decode a Chevrolet VIN
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a Chevrolet’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Chevrolet is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Silverado. The VIN is often viewable through the windshield on a small plate.
- Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Silverado. You might find the VIN on a label or sticker where the door closes.
- Look under the hood; the VIN can sometimes be found on the engine block of your Chevrolet.
- Examine the rear wheel well above the tire; occasionally, the Chevrolet’s VIN is placed in this less-common location.
- Review your Chevrolet’s insurance or vehicle registration documents; the VIN will be listed there.
Don’t have your Chevrolet’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Chevrolet
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Optional |
| Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) | Optional |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
| Auto-Reverse System for Windows and Sunroofs | Standard |
| Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) / Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) | Standard |
| Axles | 2 |
| Backup Camera | Standard |
| Base Price ($) | 33320 |
| Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Optional |
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) | Optional |
| Curtain Air Bag Locations | All Rows |
| Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
| Displacement (CC) | 2000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 122.0474881894 |
| Displacement (L) | 2 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Model | LTG - Spark Ignited Direct injection, Variable Valve Timing, ALUM DOHC, DCVCP TURBO, E0-E100, ALUM |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | Optional |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Keyless Ignition | Standard |
| Knee Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Optional |
| Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) | Optional |
| Model | Malibu |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Number of Seat Rows | 2 |
| Number of Seats | 5 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| Parking Assist | Optional |
| Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) | Optional |
| Plant City | Kansas City |
| Plant Company Name | Fairfax assembly |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Kansas |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Optional |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching | Standard |
| Series | Premier |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd Rows |
| Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Traction Control | Standard |
| Transmission Speeds | 9 |
| Trim | 2LZ |
| Turbo | Yes |
| Valve Train Design | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1G1ZE5SX*LF |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 111.40 |
| Wheel Size Front (inches) | 19 |
| Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 19 |
| Windows | 4 |
| Sample VIN | 1G1ZE5SX0LF001420 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the VIN on a Chevrolet?
On most Chevrolet vehicles, the VIN is located on the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield from outside the car. It’s also on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb, and on your insurance card, title, and registration documents.
How do I check a Chevrolet's history for free?
Enter the Chevrolet’s 17-digit VIN into Bumper’s free VIN check at bumper.com. The free check shows factory specs and open NHTSA recalls. For the full history including accident records, title brands, theft status, and ownership history, run a full Bumper report.
What do Chevrolet VIN numbers start with?
Chevrolet VIN's start with 1GC, 1GN, 3GN, KL1, 3G1, 1G1, 1G8, 2GC, 2G1, 2C1, 6G1, 6G3, 4G1, 3GC, 2CN, 2GN, 2G8, KL7, KL8, and LSG for vehicles manufactured by General Motors LLC in United States, 3N6 for vehicles manufactured by Nissan Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico, 1Y1 for vehicles manufactured by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. in United States, J8Z for vehicles manufactured by Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan in Japan. The first three characters of any VIN identify the manufacturer. The full WMI table on this page lists all known codes for the Chevrolet.
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