Free Dodge Dakota VIN Decoder

How to decode a Dodge Dakota VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Dodge Dakota VIN

WMIs, or World Manufacturer Identifiers, are the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely signify the vehicle manufacturer, model years, and vehicle type. Taking Dodge Dakota trucks as an example, their WMIs have evolved over time to represent different manufacturing periods and specifications. From 1987 to 2002, the WMI 1B7 was utilized, indicating the trucks produced by FCA US LLC in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. This sequence transitioned to 1D7 for models manufactured between 2003 and 2011, reflecting changes in production specifics or model variations. Similarly, the 1D3 WMI was assigned to a subset of trucks crafted from 2005 to 2009, underscoring the diversity within a single vehicle line through its VIN.

List of WMI Codes for a Dodge Dakota

WMI: 1B7

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2002
• Example VIN: 1B7GR14M0HS396857
• Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Auburn Hills
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 1D7

• Model Years Covered: 2003-2011
• Example VIN: 1D7HL38X03S135636
• Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Auburn Hills
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 1D3

• Model Years Covered: 2005-2009
• Example VIN: 1D3HW52N55S129202
• Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Auburn Hills
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Dodge Dakota 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 2024 Dodge Dakota:

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 Dodge Dakota 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 Dodge Dakota VIN — Year Code

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

Known Dodge Dakota Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Dodge Dakota

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

What info can a Dodge Dakota VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Cab Type: The VIN can specify detailed body specifications, indicating the vehicle as a Pickup with a Cab Type that can vary, offering a clear picture of the vehicle’s size and capacity.
• Drive Type and Engine Information: The VIN may provide information about the drive type, such as 4WD (4-Wheel Drive/4x4), and details about the engine, possibly combining performance insights with mechanical specifications.
• Safety Features: Safety features like front airbags for the 1st row (Driver and Passenger), side airbags for all rows, and details about the seat belt and pretensioner systems may be ascertainable, illustrating the vehicle’s safety equipment.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN might indicate the primary fuel type as Gasoline, which, combined with engine displacement and drive type, could offer clues to the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental footprint.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN could potentially provide insights into the vehicle’s manufacturing origin, noting the plant’s location and the vehicle’s production background.
• Vehicle Identification and Classification: Besides the specific model name and series trim, the VIN categorizes the vehicle under Truck and defines its gross vehicle weight rating, offering a comprehensive overview of the vehicle’s identity and regulatory classification.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Dodge Dakota