How to decode a 2012 Ford Explorer VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Ford Explorer VIN

WMI, short for World Manufacturer Identifier, is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to identify the make and origin of motor vehicles. For the 2012 Ford Explorer, the WMI “1FM” distinctly indicates that it was produced by Ford Motor Company, based in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. This identifier not only sheds light on the manufacturer but also specifies the vehicle type, in this case, indicating a multipurpose passenger vehicle. Specifically crafted for models spanning from 1991 to 2024, the WMI provides a standardized method to recognize various aspects of the vehicle, including its geographical production location. Through this coding system, the automotive industry ensures a uniform identification process for vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Ford Explorer

WMI: 1FM

Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
Example VIN: 1FMHK8F80CGA00466
Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Dearborn
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

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

Known VDS for a 2012 Ford Explorer
HK8F8	HK8D8	HK7D8	HK7B9	HK7F9	HK7D9	HK7F8	HK7B8	HK8B8

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 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
C	2012

11th Character in the 2012 Ford Explorer VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Ford Explorer Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
G	Chicago	Illinois	United States		1FMHK8F80CGA00466

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Ford Explorer

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

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How to find a 2012 Ford Explorer’s VIN?

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

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2012 Ford Explorer. You can usually see the VIN through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb for a sticker or plate with the VIN.
Check the engine block of your Ford Explorer, as the VIN is often stamped onto a part of the engine.
Look for the Vehicle Certification Label which is attached to the rear face of the driver’s door or the door pillar.
Examine the frame of the vehicle as the VIN may be stamped onto the chassis or the frame near the windshield washer container.

What info can a 2012 Ford Explorer VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2012, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 2012 Ford Explorer, this may indicate a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), categorizing it as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle suitable for a variety of needs.
Engine Type: The VIN details include that it has a V-Shaped engine configuration, with a displacement of 3.5 liters or 213.58310433156 cubic inches, and it is manufactured by Ford. This engine offers a power output starting from 290 horsepower, giving an idea of the vehicle’‘’s performance capabilities.
Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN. In the case of the 2012 Ford Explorer, it is a 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) drive type, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
Brake System: The VIN information indicates that this Ford Explorer utilizes a hydraulic brake system, highlighting its capability and safety features related to braking.
Safety Features: Safety features identified through the VIN include front airbags located in the first row for both driver and passenger, as well as side airbags available in the first, second, and third rows, ensuring protection for all occupants, potentially enhancing the vehicle’s safety credentials.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which is a common choice for SUVs, offering convenience in fuel availability and a known fuel economy.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides information that the vehicle was manufactured in Chicago, Illinois, United States, which gives context about its production location, influencing parts availability and service options.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Ford Explorer

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	2000.0
Displacement (CI)	122.04748818946
Displacement (L)	2.0
Doors	4
Drive Type	FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Engine Brake (hp) From	240
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	Ford
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Stoichiometric Gasoline Direct Injection (SGDI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Model	Explorer
Model Year	2012
Plant City	Chicago
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Illinois
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Limited
Side Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd and 3rd Rows
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	1FMHK7F9*CG
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	1FMHK7F90CGA00888