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Volkswagen VIN Decoder

ENTER A VIN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT volkswagen VEHICLES

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Volkswagen VIN Decoder

Every Volkswagen carries its own unique identity, which is captured inside the Vehicle Identification Number, commonly referred to as a VIN. This 17-character Alphanumeric string of numbers and letters carries your car’s essential factory specifications and identity. Think of it like your car’s DNA!

GoodCar’s Volkswagen VIN Decoder is the key that unlocks information such as the VW’s model, trim, engine, year, assembly plant, and more. But you can take this investigation even further with the optional in-depth reports on the recalls, accident records, and title status. With GoodCar, you get the full picture instantly.

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

Whatever your reason for needing to decode the VIN, the process is super quick and easy:

  1. Locate the VIN (the driver’s side of the dashboard is the easiest spot)
  2. Type the VIN into GoodCar’s VIN Decoder
  3. Review the instantly decoded information
  4. Take a deeper dive and use the optional full report to uncover the accident history, title brands, and recalls

That’s it! Your VIN is decoded instantly with GoodCar’s free decoder.

What Is a Volkswagen VIN?

In the late 1940s, early Volkswagen Beetles were stamped with a consecutive number engine code that described the engine's output, the number of cylinders, and the type of fuel used. By 1965, this code had evolved into a 10-digit code, and in 1981, the German automaker adopted the ISO standard for a 17-character alphanumeric code, which we recognize today.

Looking at the code, we know it looks like a jumble of letters and numbers, but in reality, each digit contains very specific information about the model, trim, engine, body style, plant, and build sequence. Other information included is:

  • Country or region of manufacture
  • Manufacturer (Volkswagen / VW Group)
  • Vehicle type (passenger car, SUV, commercial, etc.)
  • Model series/platform
  • Engine and powertrain
  • Body style and variant
  • The restraint/safety systems
  • Model year
  • Assembly factory
  • Production (serial) sequence

Because VW makes many models for different markets, two VW vehicles that look alike on the outside might be very different underneath the hood. Accessing that information can help buyers, owners, and mechanics verify specific specs and use the right parts.

What Information Does a Volkswagen VIN Reveal?

Think of a VIN checkup as doing a complete background search on your car’s history, but without the hassle of paperwork. Within seconds, the GoodCar Volkswagen VIN Decoder can reveal large amounts of information like:

  • Model series and trim (Golf, Jetta, Beetle, and Polo)
  • Engine type/displacement/fuel system
  • Transmission type
  • Drivetrain (FWD, AWD, etc.)
  • Body style (sedan, hatchback, wagon, SUV, van, etc.)
  • Model year
  • Assembly plant/factory
  • Production / serial number
  • Safety system/restraint codes
  • Country or region of manufacture
  • Option/variation codes (equipment packages, internal codes)

Volkswagen VIN Decoder Breakdown by Digit

Every VW VIN is broken down into three main categories for ease of understanding: the manufacturer identifier, the vehicle descriptor section, and the vehicle identifier section. This format is used universally.

  • WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier, positions 1–3): Identifies the manufacturer and country/region.
  • VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section, positions 4–9): Encodes the model, body, engine, and safety features.

VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section, positions 10–17): Contains the model year, assembly plant, and serial number.

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 VW vehicle was built, such as Europe, North America, or Asia.
2nd
This digit describes the vehicle’s manufacturer and is sometimes used with characters one and three.
3rd
This digit describes the vehicle type, such as passenger car, SUV, or commercial vehicle.
4th- 8th
This is the meat of the VW VIN. Digits 4-8 will include information like safety restraint systems, such as front airbags, dual front and side airbags
5th- 6th
These two describe the VW body style and trim level.
7th - 8th
These two codes are designated model codes
9th
The 9th digit is a checksum digit that is used to verify the VIN's authenticity
10th
This gives the model year of a specific vehicle and may differ from the build date.
11th
This is the assembly plant code, which reveals the exact manufacturing plant where the vehicle was built. While the majority of VWs are manufactured in Germany, the company also has plants in China, the United States, India, and other locations.
12th - 17th
The last few digits are known as the vehicle’s serial number or production sequence number. These digits may be used to list add-ons in the production process, such as lane assist, electronics, and interior comfort.

Common Volkswagen WMIs (Quick Reference)

The first three digits of the VIN provide clues as to where the vehicle was built and its type. This is useful because all you need to do is glance at the VIN, and you’ve already decoded it quickly.

WMI Country/Region Vehicle Type (typical) Notes
WVW Germany Passenger car This is a very common code because many VWs are built in Germany, like the Jetta and Golf.
WVG Germany SUV / crossover This VIN is used for off-road models.
WV1 Germany/Europe Commercial/light commercial vehicles Used for VW vans and LCVs.
1VW USA Passenger car Used for VW U.S.-assembled models
3VW Mexico Passenger / regional model Used for models produced in Mexico, like the Jetta.
9BW Brazil Passenger cars Used for VWs built in Brazil, like the Golf and Polo.

VIN Location on Volkswagen Vehicles

Locating the VIN on your VW is not hard at all, and there are plenty of places for you to look, like:

  • Dashboard: The VIN will be a metal plate that is clearly visible through the windshield on the driver's side
  • Driver’s door jamb: Search for the manufacturer label near the latch area
  • Engine block: The VIN will be physically stamped on the engine block or strut tower
  • Official documents: The VIN can also be found on the registration, title, and insurance paperwork
  • Owner’s manual: Some older models will have the VIN printed in the owner’s manual or service book.

If you don’t spot the VIN right away, the easiest place to find it is on the driver’s side of the dashboard.

Window Sticker / Build Sheet via VIN (Optional)

Some VW VINs can also be used to obtain information from the original window sticker or build sheet. This information gives you a clear snapshot of what the car looked like when it rolled off the assembly line and includes information like:

  • Original MSRP
  • Factory options and packages
  • Trim and exterior color
  • Original technology and performance features

For car collectors and buyers, having this information can be very useful to verify what the dealership is advertising. It’s important to note that not all VW VINs will yield this detail.

Popular Volkswagen Models

While it’s impossible to give the exact number of models Volkswagen has made, there are well over 40 production models. With so many models to choose from, owners and buyers will use VINs to identify specific makes and models. Here are some of the most common VIN checks on popular models.

Model Class Notable Notes (for VIN context)
Golf / GTI / Golf R Compact / Hatchback The VIN is used to confirm details like generation, engine variant (turbo, performance), and trim differences.
Jetta / Passat / Arteon Sedan / Mid-size The VIN is used to check the powertrain, trim level, and regional version.
Tiguan / Atlas / Touareg SUV / Crossover The VIN is used to decode the drivetrain (AWD/4Motion), engine, and the market version.
Beetle / Polo / Up / small models Compact / City The VIN is used to confirm the European variant codes and niche trims.
VW Commercial / Van (Transporter, Caddy, Amarok) Commercial / Utility The VIN can be used to decode the chassis type, wheelbase, and payload class.

Volkswagen Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

Decoding your VW's VIN is more than just about looking up the specs. It’s about driver safety and choosing a vehicle that lasts the long haul. GoodCar’s Decoder allows you to opt for an in-depth report on the recall history of a car.

The report includes all open recalls, which are manufacturer-issued safety fixes that are still pending repair. Each recall notice will have the recall status, IDs, description, safety risk, and the next steps.

Staying informed about the open recalls can help you make decisions about whether you want to purchase a car that might develop this problem in the future. For example, if you looked up Volkswagen recalls recently, you would learn that the German automaker issued several recalls for 2025 models. The 2024 and 2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles were recalled due to a software error with the rearview camera. Over 60,000 EV SUVs were recalled due to a rollaway risk that increases the risk of a crash.

In addition to accessing open recalls, you can also access the Technical Service Bulletins for advisories about common issues or recommended service updates. Having this kind of information allows owners and buyers to be aware of the potential risks they may encounter.

Why Use GoodCar’s Volkswagen VIN Decoder?

Whether you’re purchasing a new or used car or getting ready to have a service done, GoodCar’s Volkswagen VIN Decoder is your ultimate partner.

Get instant access to specific details, such as model, trim, engine, and plant data, with added peace of mind knowing that the data is accurate and reliable. You can take this search even further with the help of the optional in-depth reports on the recalls, accidents, and title brands.

GoodCar’s Decoder can help owners and buyers avoid odometer scams by identifying discrepancies in mileage reporting. Avoid the headache of purchasing a vehicle with costly issues by having a well-documented title history. Some vehicles can have up to 50 different titles! This is a serious red flag and can help buyers identify whether the vehicle is a lemon (a car that is beyond repair).

It’s not just purchasing a VW that the GoodCar decoder can help with, but also maintenance and insurance tasks. Having industry-leading and official data can make the process of filing an insurance claim easy-peasy.

You can see why GoodCar’s Volkswagen VIN Decoder is the preferred choice!

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