Free Tesla Model S VIN Decoder

How to decode a Tesla Model S VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Tesla Model S VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier, or WMI, is a unique three-letter code that forms the first part of every Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It reveals crucial information about the vehicle, such as the country of origin, the manufacturer, and the type of vehicle. For the Tesla Model S, the WMI is 5YJ, indicating that the vehicle is manufactured by Tesla, Inc. in the United States. This code is standardized across the automotive industry to ensure that every vehicle can be universally identified and distinguished from others.

List of WMI Codes for a Tesla Model S

WMI: 5YJ

• Model Years Covered: 2012-2023
• Example VIN: 5YJSA1CN0CFP03056
• Manufacturer Name: Tesla, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Austin
• State or Province: Texas
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Tesla Model S 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 Tesla Model S:

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 Tesla Model S 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 Tesla Model S VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Tesla Model S VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Tesla Model S Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Tesla Model S

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

What info can a Tesla Model S VIN reveal?

• Manufacturing Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles manufacturing year, offering insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Plant City: The VIN provides information about the city where the vehicle was assembled, which can give an idea of its production location.
• Vehicle Type: The VIN indicates whether the vehicle is a passenger car or another type of vehicle, offering insights into its primary use.
• Number of Doors: The VIN can indicate the number of doors on the vehicle, providing details about its design and functionality.
• Transmission Type: The VIN may reveal whether the vehicle has an automatic or manual transmission, giving hints about its driving experience.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can provide information about the primary fuel type of the vehicle, offering insights into its fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Standard safety features for the model can be inferred from the VIN, providing an understanding of its basic safety capabilities.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Tesla Model S