How to decode a 2012 Dodge Challenger VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Dodge Challenger VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the maker and region of manufacture of a vehicle. It’s the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), offering insight into the vehicle’s origins. For the 2012 Dodge Challenger, the WMI “2C3” reveals that it was manufactured by FCA Canada Inc., specifically pointing to a passenger car originating from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The WMI not only helps in recognizing the manufacturer but also aids in tracking and registration purposes, essential for both legal and production lineage inquiries. This system ensures each vehicle can be uniquely identified, reflecting its birthplace and maker.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Dodge Challenger

WMI: 2C3

Model Years Covered: 2012-2023
Example VIN: 2C3CDYCJ0CH100365
Manufacturer Name: FCA Canada Inc.
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Windsor
State or Province: Ontario
Country: Canada

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2012 Dodge Challenger 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 2012 Dodge Challenger:

Known VDS for a 2012 Dodge Challenger
CDYCJ	CDYAG	CDYBT

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 2012 Dodge Challenger 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 2012 Dodge Challenger VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
C	2012

11th Character in the 2012 Dodge Challenger VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Dodge Challenger Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
H	Brampton	Ontario	Canada	Brampton Assembly	2C3CDYCJ0CH100365

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Dodge Challenger

The final 6 characters in a 2012 Dodge Challenger’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Dodge Challenger’s VIN below:

How to find a 2012 Dodge Challenger’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2012 Dodge Challenger is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2012 Dodge Challenger. You can typically see the VIN through the windshield on the lower corner.
Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side, where the door latches when closed. There should be a sticker that has the VIN printed on it for your Dodge Challenger.
Check under the hood; the VIN might also be located on a plate or sticker on the front engine block.
Inspect the trunk area of your Challenger. Sometimes the VIN can be found in the trunk under the spare tire or on the trunk’s lid.
Review your vehicle’s insurance or title documents, as the VIN for your Dodge Challenger will be accurately recorded there.

What info can a 2012 Dodge Challenger VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year to be the year 2012, potentially indicating the age and market value of the vehicle.
Engine Specifications: The vehicle is equipped with a 3.6-liter engine featuring 6 cylinders, possibly providing a horsepower of 283, and the engine is manufactured by Chrysler.
Fuel Type: This vehicle is capable of utilizing Flexible Fuel, suggesting it can possibly operate on a blend of gasoline and ethanol, showcasing its potential as an FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle).
Safety Features: Safety features may include front airbags for the driver and passenger in the first row, along with side airbags available in all rows, offering comprehensive protection for occupants.
Body Class and Drive Type: The VIN categorizes the vehicle as a Coupe with a 2-door configuration, possibly featuring Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), highlighting its potential design and performance characteristics.
Manufacturing Details: The vehicle may have been manufactured in Brampton, Canada, by the Brampton Assembly Plant, potentially reflecting its geographical origin.
Vehicle Type and Series: Identified as a Passenger Car of the Challenger model, base trim, potentially offering a specific design and performance package within its series LC.

Don’t have your 2012 Dodge Challenger’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Dodge Challenger

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Displacement (CC)	3600.0
Displacement (CI)	219.68547874103
Displacement (L)	3.6
Doors	2
Drive Type	RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive
Engine Brake (hp) From	283
Engine Manufacturer	Chrysler
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
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)
Model	Challenger
Model Year	2012
Other Engine Info	Gas/Flex Fuel(50-St.)
Other Restraint System Info	Active Seat Belt at all Seating Position, Frontal airbag at outboard seating position
Plant City	Brampton
Plant Company Name	Brampton assembly
Plant Country	Canada
Plant State	Ontario
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	LC
Side Air Bag Locations	All Rows
Steering Location	Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	Base
Turbo	No
Vehicle Descriptor	2C3CDYAG*CH
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	2C3CDYAG0CH101023