Free Chevrolet Suburban VIN Decoder

How to decode a Chevrolet Suburban VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Chevrolet Suburban VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial sequence of three letters or numbers in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which signifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of production, and type. For the Chevrolet Suburban, notable WMIs include 1GN and 3GN. The 1GN WMI indicates a model primarily manufactured in Warren, Michigan, United States by General Motors LLC, covering model years from 1987 to 2024 and categorized under Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPV). Similarly, the 3GN WMI also denotes Chevrolet Suburbans made by General Motors LLC in Warren, Michigan, United States, but pertains to those produced between 1995 and 2009. This system, while utilized globally, provides insight into the origins and classification of a vast array of vehicles, including the iconic Chevrolet Suburban.

List of WMI Codes for a Chevrolet Suburban

WMI: 1GN

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2024
• Example VIN: 1GNER16K1HF109710
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 3GN

• Model Years Covered: 1995-2009
• Example VIN: 3GNGK26N7SG117216
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 1G8

• Model Years Covered: 1981, 1983-1986
• Example VIN: 1G8GK26MXBF118310
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 1GC

• Model Years Covered: 1984-1985, 1987, 1989-1991
• Example VIN: 1GCEK16L4EF168994
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 3GC

• Model Years Covered: 1997, 2000-2001
• Example VIN: 3GCFK16R4VG174236
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

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

These characters correspond to components like:

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

Below find the most popular vehicle descriptor codes for a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban:

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 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 Chevrolet Suburban VIN — Year Code

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

Known Chevrolet Suburban Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Chevrolet Suburban

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

What info can a Chevrolet Suburban VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2017, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type: The VIN may detail engine specifications, such as a 5.3 L engine from GM with Spark Ignited Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, and compatibility with Ethanol E85, offering comprehensive insights into the vehicle’‘’s power and performance capabilities.
• Safety Systems: The VIN could possibly indicate the inclusion of various safety systems such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and specific airbag locations, for instance, curtain airbags for all rows and side airbags for the 1st row, potentially ensuring the vehicle’s safety features.
• Fuel Types: By decoding a VIN, one might discover the vehicle’s primary and secondary fuel types, such as Gasoline and Ethanol (E85), showing potential flexibility in fuel usage.
• Drive Type and Transmission: Information on the driving configuration, such as 4WD (4-Wheel Drive), and specific transmission details, like an automatic transmission with 6 speeds, can possibly be revealed, offering insights into the vehicle’s handling and performance.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN decodes to explain the vehicle’s type and body class, distinguishing it, for example, as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Plant Information: The VIN may contain details about the vehicle’s manufacturing, such as the plant location (e.g., Arlington, Texas, United States) and the company name (GMNA), possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s origin.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Chevrolet Suburban