RAM VIN decoder

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

Example: 3C6UR5LJ5JG143197

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Referred to as a Vehicle Identification Number, each Ram vehicle is assigned a unique 17-digit identification code (VIN). This code, consisting of characters and digits, can be found on the actual vehicle. It is used by various businesses, including Ram, car dealerships, and insurance companies, to identify and track a specific vehicle. By utilizing a RAM VIN decoder, you can learn more about the information encoded in the VIN of your Ram, such as the brand and model of the vehicle, its production history, and other details. Doing so will help you better understand your specific Ram. Fun fact: Ram is a brand of trucks and commercial vehicles that was established in 1909 as the Dodge Brothers Company and is now a division of the American car company FCA US LLC.

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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 RAM VIN number

Location of the VIN number
A unique code called the vehicle identification number (VIN) is used to identify a specific car. It can be found in various places, including:

  • On the driver's side dashboard, towards the bottom of the windshield. It should be visible from the outside through the windshield.
  • On the engine block: The engine block, usually located near the front of the engine, may have the VIN stamped on it.
  • On the frame or chassis: The vehicle's frame or chassis may bear the VIN imprint.
  • On the transmission: The vehicle's transmission may also display the VIN.
  • The VIN will be included in any vehicle history report for the car if one is available. This report goes into detail about the ownership, maintenance, and accidents involving the vehicle.
  • In vehicle-related material, such as the owner's manual, the VIN is often listed.
  • In other documents, such as the title, registration, and insurance paperwork: These documents may be kept at home, in the glove box, or in the trunk.
Where to find RAM VIN number
Chart option of VIN number

Chart option of VIN number

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), also known as WMI, is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. It usually represents the first three characters of the VIN and helps identify the country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. For Ram vehicles, the WMI code is "1C" as the first characters of the VIN indicate that the vehicle was manufactured by Chrysler in the United States.

The Vehicle Description Section (VDS) is a section of the VIN that provides specific information about the vehicle model, body design, propulsion system, and transmission. It typically consists of six to seven characters, which can be used to identify the vehicle's original configuration and check for any alterations.

The Vehicle Identification Section (VIS) is another part of the VIN that provides specific information about the vehicle, such as the model, body design, propulsion system, and transmission. The VIS typically consists of six to eight characters, which can be used to identify the vehicle's features, place of assembly, production sequence, and model year.

What you can know from VIN decoder tool

A VIN decoder tool can provide various information about a vehicle, such as:

  • 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 vehicle manufacturing
  • The safety equipment and features
  • The production date and sequence number
  • The color and interior trim of the vehicle
  • The 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 "3D7UT2HL4BG560451" belongs to a 2011 Ram 2500 (Laramie Longhorn Edition) Pickup truck.

  • The 1st character (3) indicates the country of origin, in this case, it is Mexico
  • The 2nd character (D) indicates the manufacturer, in this case, it is Chrysler
  • The 3rd character (7) identifies the vehicle type or manufacturing division, in this case, it is Ram
  • The 4th-8th characters (UT2HL) identify the model, in this case, it is Ram 2500
  • The 9th character (4) is a check digit used to ensure the accuracy of the VIN
  • The 10th character (B) identifies the model year, in this case, it is 2011
  • The 11th character (G) identifies the manufacturer's plant code, in this case, it is Saltillo, Mexico
  • The 12th-17th characters (560451) identify the production number, used to identify the specific vehicle within the production run

Using this breakdown of the VIN, we can determine that this is a 2011 Ram 2500 (Laramie Longhorn Edition) Pickup truck with Displacement CC: 6700.0. It was manufactured in Saltillo, Mexico by Chrysler de Mexico Toluca.

What you can know from VIN history

Alternatively referred to as a VHR, a vehicle history report can provide supplementary information about a vehicle's past, such as:

  • Accounts of damage, repairs, and accidents
  • Logs of services and maintenance
  • Flaws, safety alerts, and recalls
  • Mileage readings and history of rollbacks
  • Fire or flood damage; salvage or scrap status
  • Lemon history
  • Records of total loss
  • Test results for emissions
  • Data of the title and registration
  • License plate numbers
  • Insurance claims and reports
  • Rollback histories and odometer readings
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Buying a used Ram? Reliability, problems & recalls

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

Reliability. The Ram 1500 ranks 1st of 17 full-size trucks for reliability, with average repair costs of $691 a year, and won a top new-truck quality award in 2024. Some 2019–2022 models scored below average in owner surveys. Source: repairpal.com

Resale value. A 5-year-old Ram 1500 keeps about 62.2% of its original value, ranking #2 among full-size trucks. Heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 models hold value even better, keeping 77–83% after 5 years. Source: iseecars.com

Theft risk. Ram pickups are a major theft target — recent Ram 1500 crew cabs are stolen at over five times the average rate, putting them in the top 20 most-stolen vehicles. Check the vehicle history for theft… Source: iihs.org

Most-reported problems on used Rams

  • Engine ticking and failure (Hemi V8)
  • Fire risk (EcoDiesel models)
  • Engine stalling (EcoDiesel models)
  • Touchscreen glitches (Uconnect system)
  • Transmission problems
  • Tailgate latch problem

Notable safety recalls (NHTSA)

  • Diesel engine fire recall (2014–2019) — On Ram 1500 diesels, a coolant leak can cause a fire inside the engine; dealers replace the faulty part.
  • Engine stall recall (2014–2020) — Ram 1500 diesels can stall while driving without warning; dealers update the software to fix it.
  • Tailgate recall (2019–2022) — Affects about 1.2 million Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks; the tailgate can open while driving; dealers realign 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)

  • About 292,000 2018–2026 Ram ProMaster vans can catch fire from a cooling fan fault, and NHTSA said not to drive them until a fix is ready. Source: static.nhtsa.gov
  • The Ram 1500 keeps 62.2% of its value after five years, ranked #2 among full-size trucks, with a typical 5-year-old truck costing about $36,000. Source: iseecars.com
  • A 2023 Ram 1500 is the best-value used year, selling for about 54% of its original price, with about 50% total value loss over five years. Source: caredge.com

What buyers are asking right now

Is the engine ticking noise a dealbreaker on a used Ram 1500?
Not automatically — many of these engines run past 150,000 miles without trouble. A tick at startup that fades once warm is often a small exhaust fix, so just keep oil changes on schedule.
Does a used Ram 1500 hold its value well?
Yes — it keeps 62.2% of its value after five years, second-best among full-size trucks. Buying a 2-year-old truck saves you about $29,000 versus new.
What open recalls should I check before buying a used Ram?
Two big ones: tailgates that can pop open on 2019–2022 pickups, and a fire risk on 2018–2026 ProMaster vans. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm both were fixed.

Models of RAM

This could occur for a number of reasons, including:

  • The VIN may have been purposely removed by the owner or someone attempting to conceal the identification of the car
  • The plate may have been damaged or covered up, such as by painting over it, or the VIN may have been lost

The following steps can be taken if you discover that the VIN of a vehicle is missing:

  • Reach out to the vehicle's manufacturer. They could provide guidance on how to retrieve the VIN or have records of it.
  • Contact the dealership where the vehicle was bought, if known. They may have records of the VIN or be able to assist in obtaining it.

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

NHTSA logo

NHTSA

SaferCar logo

SafeCar

NMVTIS logo

NMVTIS