Free 1996 Volkswagen Golf VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Volkswagen Golf VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Volkswagen Golf VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle and forms the first segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). In the case of the 1996 Volkswagen Golf, the WMI “3VW” indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV. This code tells us the vehicle is a passenger car made in Mexico, specifically in Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb. The use of WMI is crucial for accurately identifying vehicles globally, providing essential details about the manufacturer and the type of vehicle. It serves as a standardized method for vehicle identification, facilitating vehicle tracking, registration, and recall processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Volkswagen Golf

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1989-1991, 1996-1999, 2015-2021
• Example VIN: 3VWFA81H5TM086897
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb
• State or Province:
• Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1996 Volkswagen Golf 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 1996 Volkswagen Golf:

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 1996 Volkswagen Golf 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 1996 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Volkswagen Golf Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Volkswagen Golf

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Volkswagen Golf’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Volkswagen Golf’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1996 Volkswagen Golf VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN could potentially suggest that the vehicle is a 1996 Volkswagen Golf, offering a likely indication of the vehicle’s age and potential market value.
• Engine Details: The VIN may provide information about the engine, such as it being made by Volkswagen, having a displacement of 1,984 cc (or 1.984 liters), and operating with 4 cylinders and an engine brake horsepower starting from 115.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN might indicate that the vehicle is classified as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 4 doors, potentially offering insights into the body style and size.
• Fuel and Emissions: The VIN potentially reveals the vehicle’s primary fuel type, possibly being Gasoline, and hints at its emissions certification, providing some information about its environmental impact and efficiency.
• Safety Features: It’s possible that the VIN specifies the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, potentially indicating key safety features.
• Production Details: The VIN may disclose a production location in Puebla, Mexico, suggesting the geographic origin of the vehicle, which could be valuable for understanding manufacturing influences on vehicle design and specifications.
• Vehicle Type and Weight Class: The VIN could characterize the vehicle as a Passenger Car in the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Class 1, signifying a vehicle weight of 6,000 lb or less, possibly providing insights into its use and regulatory classification.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Volkswagen Golf