How to decode a 2008 Jeep Patriot VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Jeep Patriot VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes that identify the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, providing key information about where and by whom it was made. For the 2008 Jeep Patriot, the WMIs at the beginning of its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) specify the make and the type of vehicle. There are two specific WMIs for the 2008 Jeep Patriot, “1J8” and “1J4,” both indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by FCA US LLC, classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), and made in Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States. These identifiers are crucial for vehicle registration, identification, and recall purposes. The WMIs provide a standardized way to decode the origin and manufacturer details of the vehicle, ensuring that each vehicle can be distinctly traced back to its roots.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 Jeep Patriot

WMI: 1J8

Model Years Covered: 2007-2009
Example VIN: 1J8FT48W08D518253
Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Auburn Hills
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States WMI: 1J4
Model Years Covered: 2008-2011
Example VIN: 1J4FF28WX8D500128
Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Auburn Hills
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2008 Jeep Patriot 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 2008 Jeep Patriot:

Known VDS for a 2008 Jeep Patriot
FT48W	FF48W	FF28W	FT28W	FT280	FF28T

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 2008 Jeep Patriot 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 2008 Jeep Patriot VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
8	2008

11th Character in the 2008 Jeep Patriot VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 Jeep Patriot Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
D	Belvidere	Illinois	United States	Belvidere Assembly	1J8FT48W08D518253

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Jeep Patriot

The final 6 characters in a 2008 Jeep Patriot’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2008 Jeep Patriot’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2008 Jeep Patriot is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

On the dashboard, specifically on the driver’s side of your Jeep Patriot, you should find the VIN visible through the windshield at the corner where it meets the dash.
Look at the driver’s side door frame, as the VIN can commonly be found on a label or a sticker in the area where the door latches when it is closed.
Check under the hood; there might be a VIN plate located on the engine block, which is a common spot in many vehicles including the 2008 Jeep Patriot.
Inspect the rear wheel well; sometimes the VIN is placed above the tire on the frame.
Examine the front frame, often within the engine bay, as there’s a chance the VIN is stamped onto the frame or firewall of the Jeep Patriot.
Some vehicles also have the VIN located underneath the spare tire in the trunk or cargo area, so it may be worth checking there as well.

What info can a 2008 Jeep Patriot VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, with the 2008 Patriot being manufactured over a decade ago, potentially impacting its historical significance and value.
Vehicle Make: The make is identified as Patriot, indicating the brand of the vehicle and aiding in its recognition within the automotive market.
Engine Specifications: Details such as a 2.4L displacement, an in-line engine configuration with 4 cylinders, and a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train provide insights into the size and design of the vehicle’s engine, impacting its performance and power delivery.
Drivetrain: The VIN specifies a 4-wheel drive (4WD) system, providing hints about the power distribution to the wheels and potentially influencing the vehicle’s handling characteristics.
Safety Features: Front airbags for both driver and passenger in the 1st row are mentioned, indicating certain safety features provided for occupants, which could have an impact on the vehicle’s safety rating.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which plays a significant role in understanding its fuel compatibility and efficiency.
Body Type and Capacity: Classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, this reveals the vehicle’s design and potential usage in terms of passenger or cargo capacity, shaping its utility and versatility.
Manufacturing Details: Information such as the assembly plant being located in Belvidere, Illinois, United States, offers insights into the vehicle’s origin and potential manufacturing quality.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Jeep Patriot

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Destination Market	U.S., Canada, Mexico, Other Export Market (BUX)
Displacement (CC)	2400.0
Displacement (CI)	146.45698582735
Displacement (L)	2.4
Doors	4
Drive Type	FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Model	Patriot
Model Year	2008
Other Engine Info	Engine Info: 16Value Dual VVT Sales Code: ED3
Plant City	Belvidere
Plant Company Name	Belvidere assembly
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Illinois
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	MK
Steering Location	Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Trim	Base
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1J8FT28W*8D
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	1J8FT28W08D518645