Free Volkswagen VIN Decoder

How to decode a Volkswagen VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Volkswagen VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes used to identify the manufacturer of a particular vehicle, its country of origin, and vehicle type, amongst other details. For example, Volkswagen has various WMIs such as WVW for passenger cars made in Wolfsburg, Germany, 1V2 for multipurpose passenger vehicles produced by Volkswagen Group of America in Virginia, USA, and 3VW for passenger cars from Volkswagen de Mexico. Additionally, WVG represents multipurpose vehicles manufactured in Wolfsburg, Germany, showcasing the global footprint of Volkswagen’s manufacturing capabilities. These identifiers not only highlight Volkswagen’s diverse range of vehicles but also underscore the multinational nature of its manufacturing operations. By understanding WMIs, one can glean important information about a vehicle’s origin, type, and manufacturer at a glance.

List of WMI Codes for a Volkswagen

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

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 Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen VIN — Year Code

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

Known Volkswagen Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Volkswagen

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

What info can a Volkswagen VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN may provide insights into the vehicle’s model year, indicating the age and potential historical value of the vehicle. The model year for this vehicle is not provided.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN can specify the body class, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure. For the Atlas Cross Sport 4Motion, this may indicate a Sport Utility Vehicle with a specified number of doors. Specific information about the body class and doors for this vehicle is not provided.
• Drive Type: The drive type can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration. The drive type for this vehicle is not specified.
• Engine Type: The VIN encodes key engine specifications, including manufacturer, model, displacement, and horsepower. For the example vehicle, it features a 3.6-liter engine made by Volkswagen producing 276 hp, which may have an impact on its performance.
• Fuel Efficiency: The primary fuel type a vehicle uses is identifiable, with this example vehicle utilizing gasoline.
• Transmission Specifications: Details about the transmission, including the type and number of speeds, can be disclosed. This vehicle boasts an 8-speed automatic transmission, which may influence its driving experience.
• Safety Features: The VIN may indicate standard or optional advanced safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking, enhancing the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
• Plant Location: Information regarding the manufacturing location, including city and country, can provide insights into the vehicle’s origin and production standards. This vehicle was assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States.
• Vehicle Type: The VIN decodes to specify the vehicle’s type and body class, indicating the example is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle with a Sport Utility Vehicle body.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Volkswagen