Check a VIN

Ford VIN decoder

Decode any Ford VIN for free: model year, engine, trim and specs, plus the known problems and recalls for that Ford model year.

Where to find the VIN

  • On the driver's side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield
  • On the sticker inside the driver's door jamb
  • On the title, registration and insurance card
  • On many service records and on the engine block

Most complained-about Ford models

Ford VIN questions

What is a VIN?

A VIN (vehicle identification number) is a 17-character code that identifies a single vehicle. Every car sold in the US since 1981 has one, and no two cars share the same VIN.

What does each part of a VIN mean?

Characters 1 to 3 identify the manufacturer and country. Characters 4 to 8 describe the model, body and engine. Character 9 is a check digit, character 10 is the model year, character 11 is the assembly plant and the last six are the serial number.

Is this VIN decoder free?

Yes. Decoding a VIN and seeing the known problems and recalls for that model year is free and does not require an account.

Does a VIN decoder show accident history?

No. Decoding shows how the car was built. Accidents, title problems, odometer readings and previous owners come from a vehicle history report.

Why does my VIN show an error?

VINs never use the letters I, O or Q, which are easily confused with 1 and 0. Check those characters first. Cars built before 1981 and some imported vehicles use shorter or non-standard VINs.

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