Free Ford VIN Decoder

How to decode a Ford VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Ford VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are a crucial part of a vehicle’s unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), constituting the first three characters that identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and type. For example, the WMI ‘1FT’ indicates trucks manufactured by Ford Motor Company in the United States, specifically in Dearborn, Michigan. Similarly, ‘3FA’ is used for passenger cars made by Ford in Mexico, while ‘2FA’ marks passenger cars by Ford in Canada. Ford’s global footprint is further evidenced by WMIs like ‘MAJ’ for multipurpose vehicles made in India and ‘NM0’ for trucks from Turkey. These codes provide vital information for tracking, registration, and recalling vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a Ford

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Ford 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 Ford:

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 Ford 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 Ford VIN — Year Code

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

Known Ford Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Ford

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

What info can a Ford VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2018, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type and Horsepower: A VIN can specify the engine type, such as the 3.5L GTDI V-shaped engine with 365 horsepower for the Explorer, indicating the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: Advanced safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control and front airbag locations, may be encoded in the VIN, illustrating the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
• Fuel Efficiency: The type of fuel a vehicle primarily uses, such as gasoline for the Explorer, can impact its running costs and environmental footprint, providing crucial information for eco-conscious drivers.
• Drive Type and Transmission: Insights into the drive type, like the Explorer’s 4-wheel drive, and transmission style, such as the 6-speed automatic transmission, can offer information about the vehicle’s handling and efficiency under various conditions.
• Body Class and Seating Capacity: The VIN can detail the body class and capacity, showing the Explorer being categorized as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with seating for up to 7 passengers, highlighting its suitability for families or group travel.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Features such as blind spot warning and lane keeping assistance standard on the Explorer underscore the vehicle’s advanced technologies to improve driving safety and convenience.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Ford