Ford VIN decoder

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

Example: 1FM5K8GC9PGB32850

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Each Ford vehicle is assigned a unique 17-digit code called a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This code is located on the car and is used by various organizations to identify and track a specific vehicle.

You can use a Ford VIN decoder to learn more about the encoded data, including details about the make and model of the vehicle, its production history, and other features. By using this tool, you can gain a better understanding of your specific Ford. Fun fact: Ford is an American automaker founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and is known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.

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John - out author and car expert

By John Devn

our car expert

2 minutes read

Updated 2023-04-04

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Where to find Ford VIN number

The VIN serves as a unique marker to differentiate one motor vehicle from another and can be found in several locations, such as:

  • On the driver's side of the dashboard, near the base of the windshield and visible from outside through the glass.
  • On the location where the driver-side door jamb attaches to the vehicle's frame when closed.
  • In publications related to cars, such as the owner's manual.
  • On documents such as the title, registration, and insurance records, which can be kept at home, in the glove box, or in the trunk.
  • On the engine block, which is usually visible near the front of the engine.
  • On the frame or chassis of the vehicle.
  • On the transmission. It's worth noting that if a motor vehicle history report is available for the car, the VIN may also be listed on it. This report details information about the ownership, maintenance, and accident history of the vehicle.
Where to find Ford VIN number
Chart option of VIN number

Chart option of VIN number

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), also known as the manufacturer code, is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a Ford vehicle. It typically consists of the first three characters found in a VIN and helps determine the country of origin, manufacturer, and type of vehicle. Here are some examples of WMI codes for Ford vehicles:

WMI code Manufacturer Location Type Date
1F0 Ford Motor Company USA Van's 2007-03-19
1F1 Ford Motor Company USA Ford MPV - limousine 2007-03-19
1F6 Detroit Chassis LLC USA Ford Basic (stripped) Chassis 1899-12-31
1F7 MSX International Detroit, MI, USA Ford passenger car 2007-03-19
1F8 American Transport Corp. USA BUS CHASSIS - INCOMPLETE VEHICLE 2007-07-09
1FA Ford Motor Company USA Ford passenger car 2007-03-19
1FB Ford Motor Company USA Ford Bus 1899-12-31
1FC Ford Motor Company USA Ford Basic (stripped) chassis 1899-12-31
1FD Ford Motor Company USA Ford incomplete vehicle 1899-12-31
1FM Ford Motor Company USA Ford MPV 2007-03-19
1FT Ford Motor Company USA Ford truck (completed vehicle) 1899-12-31
1ZV Ford Motor Company USA Ford Mustang 2007-03-19
1ZW Auto Alliance International USA - 2007-03-19
2FA Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. CAN Ford passenger car 2007-03-19
2FD Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. CAN Ford incomplete vehicle 1899-12-31
2FM Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. CAN Ford MPV 2007-03-19
2FT Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. CAN Ford truck (completed vehicle) 2007-03-19
3FA Ford Motor Company (Mexico) MEX Ford passenger car 2007-02-20
3FB Ford Motor Company SA MEX - 2007-07-09
3FC Ford Motor Co SA de CV MEX Complete vehicles 2016-05

The Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) is a segment of the VIN that provides specific information about the vehicle's model, body style, engine type, and transmission. It typically consists of six to seven characters, which can be used to determine the vehicle's original configuration and detect any modifications.

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

What you can know from VIN decoder tool

A VIN decoder tool can provide the following information:

  • 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 door count
  • The vehicle's manufacturing location
  • 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 "1FMEU15H9NLA91320" belongs to a 1992 Ford Bronco XLT Nite.

  • The 1st character (1) indicates the country of origin, which in this case is the United States
  • The 2nd character (F) indicates the manufacturer, which in this case is Ford
  • The 3rd-8th characters (MEU15H) identify the model, which in this case is the Ford Bronco XLT Nite
  • The 9th character (9) is the check digit, used to ensure the accuracy of the VIN
  • The 10th character (N) identifies the model year, which in this case is 1992
  • The 11th character (L) identifies the manufacturer's plant code, which in this case is Wayne, Michigan
  • The 12th-17th characters (A91320) identify the production number, which is used to identify the specific vehicle within the production run.

Using this breakdown of the VIN, we can determine that this is a 1992 Ford Bronco XLT Nite Sport Utility, manufactured in Wayne, Michigan by Ford Motor Company.

What you can know from VIN history

Additional details regarding a car's past can be obtained in a vehicle history report, or VHR, such as:

  • The prior ownership and registration
  • The accident and damage reports
  • The service and maintenance records
  • The safety recalls and problems
  • The salvage or scrap status
  • The flood or fire damage reports
  • The lemon history
  • The total loss records
  • The emissions test findings
  • The title and registration information
  • The plate numbers
  • The insurance claims and reports
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Buying a used Ford? Reliability, problems & recalls

Reliability. Ford ranked 13th out of 22 brands in the Consumer Reports 2024 reliability survey with 44 points, rated 'average.' RepairPal gives Ford a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 21st out of 32 brands. Reliability varies sharply by model: F-Series trucks and Mustang score better than average, while EcoBoost-powered crossovers and dual-clutch-equipped compact cars score worse. All Japanese brands in the survey outranked Ford. Source: fordauthority.com

Resale value. The F-150 depreciates approximately 37.9% over five years according to iSeeCars, slightly above the full-size pickup segment average of 36.6% but well below the all-vehicle average of 41.5%, making it a comparatively strong value-holder. Passenger cars and crossovers (Fusion, Focus, Edge) depreciate more steeply. The Explorer loses roughly 57% of its value after five years per CarEdge data. Source: iseecars.com

Theft risk. The Ford F-150 Series ranked 9th on the NICB's 2023 most-stolen vehicles list with 15,852 thefts reported. Unlike Kia and Hyundai models that topped the 2023 list due to software vulnerabilities… Source: nicb.org

Most-reported problems on used Fords

  • PowerShift (DPS6) dual-clutch transmission
  • 1.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion into cylinder bores causing rough running, white exhaust smoke, and potential engine failure
  • 1.6L EcoBoost cylinder head cracking
  • 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral while in motion due to software fault
  • 6R80 6-speed automatic transmission unintended downshift to second gear at highway speed due to Transmission Range Sensor degradation, risking wheel lockup and loss of control
  • Explorer exhaust/fume odor entering cabin

Notable safety recalls (NHTSA)

  • 22V188 — Transmission software fault causes the 10R80 automatic to falsely detect low fluid pressure and unexpectedly shift into neutral…
  • 24V031 — Exterior A-pillar trim clips not fully engaged due to improper assembly or prior repairs, allowing the trim to detach and create…
  • 17V209 — Localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause it to crack, resulting in a pressurized oil leak that can ignite an…

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

Models of Ford

There are several conceivable reasons why a VIN or license plate may not be available, including:

  • It's possible that the VIN was misplaced or that paint or another substance covered the license plate.
  • The VIN may have been purposely removed by the car's owner or someone attempting to conceal the identification of the vehicle.

  • Contact the car manufacturer for information on how to obtain the VIN or if they have records of it.
  • If possible, contact the original dealership for records of the VIN or assistance in obtaining it.

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

NHTSA logo

NHTSA

SaferCar logo

SafeCar

NMVTIS logo

NMVTIS