GMC VIN decoder

Free GMC VIN decoder: lookup windows sticker / build sheet options

Example: 1GKS1DKT6MR425622

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Each GMC vehicle is assigned a unique 17-character identifier known as a vehicle identification number, or VIN, which is made up of letters and numbers. This code is used by many entities such as GMC manufacturers, dealerships, and insurance agencies to identify and track a specific vehicle.

By using a VIN decoder for GMC, you can learn more about your vehicle's encoded details, such as its make and model, production history, and other information. This tool can provide a detailed understanding of your unique GMC. Fun fact: GMC, also known as General Motors Truck Company, is a division of General Motors and an American manufacturer of trucks and SUVs that was founded in 1901.

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John - out author and car expert

By John Devn

our car expert

2 minutes read

Updated 2026-06-11

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Where to find GMC VIN number

The unique identification number, which is a specific code, can be found in several locations, such as:

  • On the driver's side of the dashboard, near the windshield base, which is visible from the exterior through the glass.
  • On the frame where the driver-side door hinge is attached to the car when it's closed.
  • In automobile literature, such as the owner's manual.
  • On documents such as the title, registration, and insurance policies, which can be kept at home, in the glove box, or in the trunk.
  • On the engine block, which is often located near the front and may be engraved.
  • On the frame or undercarriage of the vehicle.
  • On the transmission. Note that if a vehicle history report is available for the car, the unique identification number may also be listed on it. This report contains information about the vehicle's ownership, maintenance, and accident history.
Where to find GMC VIN number
Chart option of VIN number

Chart option of VIN number

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which is typically the first three characters in a VIN, is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a GMC vehicle. It helps determine the country of origin, manufacturer, and type of vehicle. Here are some examples of WMI codes for GMC vehicles:

WMI code Manufacturer Designation Location Date
1G6 GM (USA) GM USA USA 2007-03-19
1GY GM (USA) GM USA MPVs USA 2007-03-19
2G6 GM (CAN) GM CAN light trucks CAN 2015-10-30
2GE GM (CAN) GM CAN chassis CAN 2015-09-08
3GG GM (MEX) GM MEX light trucks MEX 2015-09-07
3GY GM (MEX) GM MEX MEX 2007-03-19
XWW ASIA AUTO JSC (KZ) ASIA AUTO JSC KZ SKD build KZ 2012-07-26
YSC GM (S) GM S Cadillac BLS S 2008-07-25

The Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) is a part of the VIN that contains detailed information about the vehicle's model, body style, engine type, and transmission. It typically consists of six to seven characters that can be used to identify the vehicle's original configuration and check for any modifications.

The Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) is another section of the VIN that provides specific information about the vehicle, such as the model, body style, engine type, transmission, and other characteristics. The VIS usually consists of six to eight characters, which can be used to identify the vehicle's factory of manufacture, build sequence, and production year.

What you can know from VIN decoder tool

A VIN decoder tool can provide various information, including:

  • The make, model, and year of the vehicle
  • The engine type and size
  • The transmission type
  • The trim level, options, and packages
  • The vehicle body style and number of doors
  • The location of the vehicle's manufacturing
  • The safety equipment and features
  • The production date and sequence number
  • The vehicle's color and interior trim
  • The vehicle's fuel efficiency and emissions rating
  • The recall and service bulletins
  • The manufacturer's warranty information
  • The registration and title information

Example of free VIN decoding

The VIN number "1GTH5BEA8H1223183" corresponds to a 2017 GMC Canyon Base.

  • The 1st character (1) indicates the country of origin, which in this case is the United States
  • The 2nd character (G) indicates the manufacturer, which in this case is General Motors
  • The 3rd-8th characters (TH5BEA) identify the model, which in this case is the GMC Canyon Base
  • The 9th character (8) is the check digit, which ensures the accuracy of the VIN
  • The 10th character (H) identifies the model year, which in this case is 2017
  • The 11th character (1) identifies the manufacturer's plant code, which in this case is Wentzville, Missouri
  • The 12th-17th characters (223183) identify the production number, which is used to identify the specific vehicle within the production run

Using this VIN breakdown, we can conclude that this is a 2017 GMC Canyon Base Pickup, manufactured in Wentzville, Missouri by General Motors LLC.

What you can know from VIN history

A vehicle history report, also known as a VHR, provides additional information, such as:

  • The details regarding a car's past
  • The previous ownership and registration
  • The incident and repair histories
  • The service and maintenance logs
  • The safety recall and defect notices
  • The odometer readings and rollback histories
  • The salvage or junk status
  • The flood or fire damage reports
  • The lemon history
  • The total loss records
  • The emissions test results
  • The title and registration information
  • The plate numbers
  • The insurance claims and reports
  • The odometer readings and rollback histories
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Buying a used GMC? Reliability, problems & recalls

Updated Jun 11, 2026 · sources: NHTSA, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, iSeeCars

Reliability. GMC ranks 22nd out of 32 brands for reliability, with average repair bills of about $744 a year. Survey results are mixed — one major study rates GMC above average, while another puts it near the bottom of American brands. Source: repairpal.com

Resale value. A used Sierra 1500 keeps about 62% of its value after five years, and heavy-duty Sierras keep about 75% — among the best for pickups. The Yukon keeps about 52% and the Canyon about 66%. Source: iseecars.com

Theft risk. Heavy-duty Sierra pickups are among the most stolen vehicles in America — roughly ten times the average theft rate. If you're buying one, make sure it has an alarm, a tracker, or other anti-theft… Source: iihs.org

Most-reported problems on used GMCs

  • Oil burning (V8 engines)
  • Engine failure (V8 engines)
  • Transmission trouble
  • Weakening brakes
  • Airbag warning-light glitch
  • Dangerous Takata airbags

Notable safety recalls (NHTSA)

  • Engine-failure recall (2021–2024 Sierra and Yukon) — The engine can fail while driving and the truck loses power; dealers inspect and repair or replace the engine.
  • Brake recall (2014–2018 Sierra and Yukon) — Power brakes can weaken over time, making stops take longer; dealers fix it with a free software update.
  • Airbag warning-light recall (2021 Yukon) — The warning light may fail to alert you to airbag problems; a simple software update fixes it.

Confirm open recalls free by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Sources: NHTSA, plus the reliability and resale data linked above.

What’s new (2026)

  • A 2025 recall covers nearly 600,000 GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL trucks from 2021-2024 whose V8 engine can fail while driving. Source: static.nhtsa.gov
  • RepairPal gives GMC a reliability score of 3.0 out of 5, ranking it 22nd out of 32 car brands. Source: repairpal.com
  • The Sierra 1500 keeps 61.8% of its value after five years, better than the full-size truck average of 57.5%, while the Yukon keeps 52.4%. Source: iseecars.com

What buyers are asking right now

Is the V8 engine in the GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
Be careful: a 2025 recall covers nearly 600,000 trucks from 2021-2024 because the engine can fail while driving, and some replacement engines failed too. Trucks built before 2021 or after May 2024 are not covered, so run the VIN first to check.
Do GMC trucks hold their value?
Yes, the Sierra 1500 keeps 61.8% of its value after five years, better than the average full-size truck. The Yukon keeps 52.4% over the same period.
What should I check on a used GMC Sierra or Yukon before buying?
Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov first to check for the engine recall and the diesel transmission recall. Also ask for records showing whether the engine burned oil, listen for ticking noises, and watch for shaking or rough shifting on a test drive.

Models of GMC

There are several reasons why this could be possible, including:

  • The VIN could have been misplaced, and the plate could have been covered with paint or another substance
  • The VIN may have been purposefully erased by the car's owner or someone trying to conceal the car's identification

  • Reach out to the car manufacturer. They may have information on how to obtain the VIN or may have records of it.
  • Whenever feasible, contact the car's original dealership. They may have records of the VIN or can assist in obtaining it.

All information about GMC on this page is based on data from:

NHTSA logo

NHTSA

SaferCar logo

SafeCar

NMVTIS logo

NMVTIS