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Lincoln VIN Decoder

A Lincoln VIN number is a unique 17-digit identifier that is assigned to every Lincoln vehicle. When decoded, the VIN can confirm details like the model, trim, engine type, production year, and the assembly plant. Think of this as the “fingerprint” of your Lincoln or a permanent record of your vehicle's identity. Assigned at the factory, no two vehicles share the same sequence.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or servicing a Lincoln, decoding the VIN allows you to know exactly what you’re dealing with.

How to Look Up a Lincoln VIN (Step-by-Step)

Performing a Lincoln VIN lookup is very simple using GoodCar’s Lincoln VIN lookup free decoder:

  1. Find the VIN on your car on the official paperwork
  2. Enter the VIN into GoodCar’s VIN Decoder
  3. Review the instant results with decoded spaces like model, engine, trim, and plant
  4. Access an optional full report to reveal accidents, recalls, and title brands

GoodCar’s Lincoln Decoder is incredibly simple to use, providing a comprehensive view of a vehicle's complete history.

GoodCar’s Lincoln VIN Decoder makes accessing this much-needed information quick and hassle-free. All you need to do is enter the VIN, and GoodCar’s Lincoln VIN Decoder instantly decodes the VIN, providing a comprehensive report on recalls, accidents, and title brands.

What Is a Lincoln VIN?

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a globally standardized code assigned to every car and light truck manufactured after 1981. One of the earliest documented chassis numbers (27771) can be traced back to the 1925 Lincoln Model L Beetle Back Roadster.

This identity number is composed of a combination of numbers and letters to create a unique identifier for your vehicle. Each character in the NHTSA 17-digit, alphanumeric VIN is encoded with a specific piece of information from the manufacturer.

A single Lincoln VIN search can reveal a huge amount of information with specific details on things like:

  • The model and body style (Aviator, Corsair, and Navigator)
  • The trim levels
  • The engine (hybrid, turbo, V6, or V8)
  • The drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD, or 4WD)
  • The safety systems (airbag configuration)
  • Manufacturing plant (China, Illinois, USA, Kentucky, USA, Mexico, and Canada)
  • The unique production sequence number

This information is used by car dealers, insurers, prospective buyers, owners, and fleet managers to gather vital details about the vehicle and verify its true identity. Having this specific information on hand is critically important for a number of reasons.

The Lincoln VIN information can be used to avoid buying scams by confirming that the specs mentioned in the advert are indeed correct. Mechanics and owners need the specific parts information for ordering new parts and carrying out services. Insurers will use the Lincoln VIN number to accurately rate policies, and collectors use the number sequence to verify the originality of vehicles.

Decoding the VIN number on your Lincoln is how you’re going to answer all of your questions.

What Information Does a Lincoln VIN Reveal?

When carrying out a Lincoln VIN number search, you’ll be able to unlock a huge amount of information, such as:

  • Model: Aviator, Corsair, Continental, Navigator, etc
  • Trim level: Standard, Reserve, Black Label
  • Engine: Fuel type, turbocharged, hybrid, and displacement
  • Drivetrain: FWD, AWD, RWD or 4WD
  • Body type: SUV, hybrid, crossover, sedan
  • Model year: This is the exact production year
  • Assembly plant: The location where the Lincoln was built
  • Serial number: This is a unique production sequence number
  • Safety systems: restraint codes and airbags
  • Manufacturer origin: The country where the Lincoln was rolled off the assembly line

The Lincoln VIN Decoder provides instant decoding of verified data tied to the VIN structure, eliminating guesswork. For example, the decoders can be used to search for Lincoln recalls by VIN.

Lincoln VIN Decoder Breakdown by Digit

In 1954, Lincoln began using a nine— and eleven-digit chassis or VIN code, which eventually evolved into a 17-digit code. The Lincoln VIN can be broken down into three main categories: the manufacturer identifier, the vehicle descriptor section, and the vehicle identifier section.

  • Manufacturer identifier section: tells you the manufacturer and country
  • Vehicle descriptor section: Gives details on the model, engine, trim, body, and safety features
  • Vehicle identifier section: Includes the year, serial number, and assembly plant
Manufacture Identifier
  • 1
origin
  • F
country
  • T
type of vehicle
Vehicle descriptor section
  • 8
  • B
Restraint systems
  • T
  • A
Engine size
  • B
body style
 
  • B
checksum
 
  • 8
model year
 
  • U
manufacturing plant
Vehicle identifier section
  • c
  • 3
  • 8
  • 8
  • 9
1st
This digit describes the geographic area or country where the specific vehicle was built
2nd - 3rd
This gives the manufacturer, vehicle type, and model.
4th
This digit describes the restraint components, including: LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) and the front and side-curtain airbags.
5th - 7th
These indicate the model line and series of the vehicle
8th
This digit describes the engine type
9th
This is an NHTSA-mandated VIN digit check developed by the Department of Transportation to validate the VIN structure.
10th
This is the model year of the specific Lincoln vehicle
11th
This digit provides exact details of the plant where the Lincoln was built or assembled, such as China, Illinois, USA, Kentucky, USA, Mexico, and Canada.
12th-17th
These final digits are the production sequence numbers. Sometimes, these numbers can also describe technological add-ons, such as driver assist and advanced cruise control.

Common Lincoln WMIs (Quick Reference)

All Lincoln VINS start with specific WMI codes depending on where and the type of vehicle was built. These codes are used globally to track and identify vehicles, as well as comply with international market regulations. These three characters of the VIN can reveal a lot about the car.

WMI Country/Region Vehicle Type (typical) Notes
1LN USA Passenger car Used for many Lincoln sedans, like the Town Car and Continental.
2LM Canada (Oakville, ON) MPV/SUV Seen on MKX, Nautilus, and other Oakville-built SUVs.
3LN Mexico Passenger car Used on select Lincoln passenger cars built in Mexico.
5LM USA Large SUVs Common on Navigators and other U.S.-built SUVs.

VIN Location on Lincoln Vehicles

Locating the VIN on your Lincoln is straightforward:

  • Look through the windshield on the driver’s side of the dashboard for a non-removable plaque
  • Check the plaque inside the driver’s side door frame
  • The VIN is often stamped into the metal of the engine block, the firewall, and other locations
  • The VIN will always be on the title, registration, and insurance papers

How to Look Up a Lincoln VIN (Step-by-Step)

Performing a Lincoln VIN lookup is very simple using GoodCar’s Lincoln VIN lookup free decoder:

  1. Find the VIN on your car on the official paperwork
  2. Enter the VIN into GoodCar’s VIN Decoder
  3. Review the instant results with decoded spaces like model, engine, trim, and plant
  4. Access an optional full report to reveal accidents, recalls, and title brands

GoodCar’s Lincoln Decoder is incredibly simple to use, providing a comprehensive view of a vehicle's complete history.

Window Sticker / Build Sheet via VIN (Optional)

In some cases, the Lincoln VIN can sometimes be used to retrieve the original factory window sticker or build sheet. This information can be particularly useful for MSRP verification by examining the original sticker price and identifying the equipment the car came with when new.

While not every VIN will return this data, when available, it provides a comprehensive snapshot of a vehicle's history.

Popular Lincoln Models

Whether you’re purchasing a Lincoln or getting it serviced, decoding the VIN across Lincoln’s lineup is very useful.

Model Class Notable Notes (for VIN context)
Navigator Full-size SUV These impressive concept cars have undergone changes in trim and engine codes from year to year. The VIN can be used to compare trims like the Black Label versus the Reserve.
Aviator Midsize SUV The Aviator is a sporty mid-size with hybrid variants that impact drivetrain codes, as standard models have different codes.
Nautilus Midsize SUV The Nautilus is a refreshed version of the 2019 MKX. The VIN will show this rename for the year.
Corsair Compact SUV The trim and engine options often change from year to year, so using the VIN can confirm these details.
Continental Luxury Sedan Introduced in 1939, the Continental has undergone numerous upgrades over the years. VIN decoding confirms the engine size, trim levels, and package specifications.

Lincoln Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

Looking up Lincoln recalls by VIN is more than just about specs. It’s about safety and long-term ownership. Why does this matter?

Ignoring a recall could mean driving a vehicle with a defect that affects its safety, performance, or emissions. By checking the VIN, you’ll know whether your Lincoln is due for corrective work.

A Lincoln recall lookup can check for open recalls due to the manufacturer-issued fixes that need to be addressed. Reviewing Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) can keep you informed of known issues and service recommendations. This is particularly useful if you’re looking to purchase a vehicle. Being informed about known issues can help you decide whether to address them or consider a different vehicle.

Why Use GoodCar’s Lincoln VIN Decoder?

GoodCar’s VIN Decoder isn’t just like another VIN checker. It’s designed to deliver instant results for accuracy and peace of mind with ease. Decode a VIN to instantly verify model, trim, engine, and plant data. Take a more in-depth look into a vehicle's history with optional full reports that include useful data on recalls, accidents, and title brands.

With reliable data, GoodCar’s tool makes it easy to avoid scams, such as odometer fraud. Branded title records should be a significant concern for prospective owners. Did you know that a vehicle can have over 50 separate title brands! GoodCar’s tool can identify all the separate title bands of a vehicle.

Maintenance and insurance tasks are supported by GoodCar’s tool, ensuring you get the right parts for your Lincoln, and helping streamline insurance applications with verified details.

Whether you’re shopping for a new or used Lincoln, servicing your Navigator, or double-checking your Continental’s build sheet, GoodCar’s Lincoln VIN check makes it simple.

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