How to decode a 2013 Buick Encore VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2013 Buick Encore VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique identifiers assigned to every automobile manufacturer. The first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) constitute the WMI, revealing the vehicle’s manufacturer, its country of origin, and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, vehicles with WMIs that begin with “KL4” are manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. They are classified as Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs), designed for various passenger and cargo needs. This designation is employed in models such as the 2013 Buick Encore, indicating its manufacturing lineage and primary vehicle characteristics.

List of WMI Codes for a 2013 Buick Encore

WMI: KL4

Model Years Covered: 2013-2022
Example VIN: KL4CJCSB0DB019579
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 2013 Buick Encore 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 2013 Buick Encore:

Known VDS for a 2013 Buick Encore
CJCSB	CJDSB	CJFSB	CJGSB	CJBSB	CJASB	CJHSB	CJESB

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 2013 Buick Encore 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 2013 Buick Encore VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
D	2013

11th Character in the 2013 Buick Encore VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2013 Buick Encore Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
B	Bupyeong		South Korea	Gm Korea	KL4CJCSB0DB019579

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2013 Buick Encore

The final 6 characters in a 2013 Buick Encore’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?

TRY BUMPER

How to find a 2013 Buick Encore’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2013 Buick Encore is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Inspect the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your 2013 Buick Encore. The VIN should be visible through the windshield.
Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Buick Encore. There should be a label or a sticker that includes the VIN where the door latches when closed.
Check the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card, as the VIN for your 2013 Buick Encore will be listed on these documents.
Examine the engine block of your Buick Encore, as the VIN might also be stamped onto the engine itself.

What info can a 2013 Buick Encore VIN reveal?

Model Year and Make: The VIN may reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2013 and the make as the Encore, providing insights into the age and brand, which are crucial for identification and potential valuation purposes.
Engine Details: The VIN may include information such as a 1.4L displacement with a turbocharged inline engine configuration and utilizing a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system, potentially highlighting specific performance characteristics.
Fuel Type: It can be inferred that the vehicle is primarily powered by gasoline but also supports Ethanol (E85), offering insights into fuel flexibility and potential efficiency.
Safety Features: The VIN may indicate comprehensive safety measures incorporated into the vehicle design, with airbags located in all rows, including curtain, front, and knee airbags.
Body Class and Drive Type: The VIN can specify the body class as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, indicating the vehicle’s adaptability and intended usage on various terrains.
Plant Information: Manufacturing details such as the plant city Bupyeong, plant company name GM Korea, and the country South Korea may provide insights into the vehicle’s origin, potentially affecting perceptions of quality and resale value.
Additional Features: The data specifies the presence of a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), manual seat belts, and a gross vehicle weight rating, potentially underlining the vehicle’s operational safety and regulatory classification.

Don’t have your 2013 Buick Encore’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

Search License Plate

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2013 Buick Encore

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Curtain Air Bag Locations	All Rows
Displacement (CC)	1400.0
Displacement (CI)	85.43324173262
Displacement (L)	1.4
Doors	4
Drive Type	AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Model	LUV
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Fuel Type - Secondary	Ethanol (E85)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Knee Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Model	Encore
Model Year	2013
Other Engine Info	Engine Gas, TURBO HO, E85 Max
Plant City	Bupyeong
Plant Company Name	GM Korea
Plant Country	South Korea
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	AWD
Side Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd Rows
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Turbo	Yes
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	KL4CJESB*DB
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	KL4CJESB0DB017035