How to decode a 2012 Ford Mustang VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Ford Mustang VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) serves as the initial section of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely distinguishing the vehicle’s maker, its type, and the country of manufacture. For the 2012 Ford Mustang, the WMI is “1ZV”, indicating that the car was produced by Auto Alliance International, USA, specifically intended for use as a passenger car. This particular WMI reveals that the manufacturing location is in the United States, more precisely within Washington, D.C. Given this information, anyone can discern the vehicle’s origins and its primary classification, enhancing the understanding of its background and manufacturing specifics without needing to reference the vehicle directly. The WMI, therefore, acts as a crucial identifier for automotive enthusiasts, mechanics, and regulatory bodies alike.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Ford Mustang

WMI: 1ZV

Model Years Covered: 2005-2014
Example VIN: 1ZVBP8KS0C5137994
Manufacturer Name: Auto Alliance International, USA
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Wasington
State or Province: DC
Country: United States

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

Known VDS for a 2012 Ford Mustang
BP8KS	BP8FF	BP8EM	BP8CU	BP8JS	BP8CF	BP8AM

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 Mustang 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 Mustang VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
C	2012

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

Known 2012 Ford Mustang Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
5	Flat Rock	Michigan	United States	Auto Alliance International	1ZVBP8KS0C5137994

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Ford Mustang

The final 6 characters in a 2012 Ford Mustang’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 Mustang’s VIN?

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

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of the Ford Mustang, near where the windshield meets the dash—often visible from outside the vehicle.
Examine the door post on the driver’s side, where the door latches when closed. There is usually a sticker or plate with the VIN on the 2012 Ford Mustang.
Inspect the engine block, as the VIN is often stamped onto a part of the engine in a Ford Mustang.
Check your vehicle’s registration documents, insurance card, or title (also known as pink slip), where the VIN of your Ford Mustang should be listed.
Review the maintenance records because any reputable service will record the VIN of your Ford Mustang when performing maintenance or repairs.
If equipped, look at the Vehicle Certification Label (VCL), which is usually found on the rear face of the driver’s door or the edge of the door itself, for the VIN of your Mustang.

What info can a 2012 Ford Mustang VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year 2012. This provides insights into the age and potential technological features of the car.
Engine Specifications: The VIN mentions a V-shaped engine configuration with a displacement of 5.4L producing 550 horsepower, possibly characteristic of Ford engines.
Body Class and Size: The body class identified is a Coupe with 2 doors, hinting at a compact and sporty design, typical of the Mustang series.
Safety Features: Safety features include front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row and side airbags, indicating a focus on occupant protection in case of a collision.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which could be crucial for prospective buyers interested in fuel efficiency and operational costs.
Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was assembled in Flat Rock, Michigan, at the Auto Alliance International plant, providing insights into its geographical manufacturing origins.
Vehicle Type and Series: Classified as a Passenger Car under the Shelby Coupe series, this Mustang showcases a high-performance and specialized model within Ford’s lineup.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Ford Mustang

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Convertible/Cabriolet
Displacement (CC)	5400.0
Displacement (CI)	329.52821811155
Displacement (L)	5.4
Doors	2
Engine Brake (hp) From	550
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	Ford
Engine Model	Ford
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
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	Mustang
Model Year	2012
Other Engine Info	4V, Displacement is 5.4L 4V.
Plant City	Flat Rock
Plant Company Name	Auto Alliance International
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Michigan
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Shelby Convertible
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	1ZVBP8KS*C5
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	1ZVBP8KS0C5137994