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Volvo VIN Decoder

Every Volvo carries its unique identity in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Regardless of what model Volvo you drive, it will have its own VIN. The 17-character code is your key to unlocking the true identity of your car, allowing you to learn information such as model, trim, engine, year, and plant.

GoodCar's Volvo VIN Decoder is your partner when it comes to unlocking your car's identity quickly and hassle-free. You can instantly decode the VIN to reveal factory details or opt for an optional report that includes recalls, accidents, and title brands.

How to Look Up a Volvo VIN

GoodCar's Volvo VIN lookup is simple and fast to use with just a few steps:

  • Locate the VIN (the dashboard or your official paperwork is the easiest spot)
  • Enter the Volvo VIN into GoodCar's Volvo VIN Decoder
  • Instantly review the decoded information
  • Opt for the optional full report to uncover the accident history, title brands, and recalls

That's all you need to do!

What Is a Volvo VIN?

In the simplest of terms, your Volvo VIN is basically your car's fingerprint. The 17-digit code, also known as an alphanumeric code, is a combination of letters and numbers that each has a unique purpose.

This code is not limited to Volvos, but applies to all vehicles built after 1981. Volvo uses this global standard to embed manufacturing information in the VIN for convenience. But they didn't always use this type of code. Early 1975 VINs on the Volvo 160 and 240 models used shorter codes. It was only in 1981 that the automaker made the switch.

Unlocking the VIN gives owners, potential buyers, and mechanics access to a huge amount of information.

For example, GoodCar will return you with info like where it was manufactured, engine and transmission type, drivetrain, fuel economy, weight, dimensions, and towing capacity. You'll also see warranty coverage, standard and optional safety features, comfort and tech equipment, available colors, and pricing details. In short, it provides a complete snapshot of how the vehicle was built and equipped.

Having this information on hand can be very useful for several reasons. Because Volvo offers drivers so many options in trims, models, and configurations, the car's appearance alone doesn't tell the full story.

Decoding the VIN can help buyers make informed purchases, as it allows them to verify the seller's claims and confirm any known vehicle recalls. When it comes to maintenance, owners and mechanics can use the VIN to obtain the correct parts and specifications. Having a fully decoded VIN takes the guesswork out of learning about a car's true identity.

What Information Does a Volvo VIN Reveal?

Think of a VIN decoder as a snapshot of a car's complete history from the moment it rolled off the assembly line to when it ended up in your garage. The 17-digit code reveals:

  • Model and trims
  • Engine type (gas, hybrid, electric) and displacement
  • Transmission type
  • Drivetrain (FWD, AWD, etc.)
  • Body style (sedan, wagon, SUV, crossover)
  • The model year
  • Assembly plant (factory)
  • Production sequence / serial number
  • Restraint & safety system codes
  • Country of manufacture
  • Emissions, variant codes, and optional equipment codes

Volvo VIN Decoder Breakdown by Digit

Like other modern cars, Volvo's VIN follows the same format by being structured into three main sections for ease of decoding information:

  • Manufacturer identifier section: Information on the manufacturer and country
  • Vehicle descriptor section: Information on the model, engine, trim, body, and safety features
  • Vehicle identifier section: Information on 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
VIN Digit
Meaning
1st
This digit shows the country of origin, which is mostly Sweden.
2nd
This digit gives details on where a specific model was built and assembled.
3rd
This refers to a type of vehicle category, such as a passenger car or truck.
4th - 8th
Think of these digits as the meat of the VIN. It will reveal details like model, body, and engine.
5th
The 5th digit describes the restraint systems, like airbags and side curtains.
6th - 7th
These digits discuss all aspects of the engine and the transmission type.
8th
This digit talks about the body style. For example, it's a two-door, four-door, or five-door hatchback.
9th
The 9th digit, known as the checksum digit, uses a specific algorithm to verify the authenticity of the VIN.
10th
This character gives the model year of a specific Volvo vehicle.
11th
The 11th digit reveals the exact assembly plant where a vehicle came from, like China, the United States, and Sweden.
12th - 17th
The last few digits are known as the vehicle’s serial number or production sequence number. These digits sometimes also represent small automakers.

Common Volvo WMIs (Quick Reference)

In 1981, Volvo adopted the 17-digit code and has maintained its reputation as one of the safest cars in the world. Each Volvo's VIN starts with three important VIN digits that reveal where the car was built, which can be used to comply with international market regulations.

WMI Country/Region Vehicle Type (typical) Notes
YV1 Sweden Passenger car Most Volvo passenger cars are built in Sweden.
YV4 Sweden/Europe SUV / Crossover Used on Volvo's European-built SUVs like the XC90.
LVZ China Passenger car / SUV These are found on Volvos manufactured in China.
VNX United States heavy-duty/ long-haul trucks This is not a common code and only appears on limited U.S. assembly runs for the North American market.

VIN Location on Volvo Vehicles

Your Volvo's VIN can be found in a couple of places, like:

  • The driver's side of the dashboard. The VIN is visible through the windshield
  • The driver's side of the door jamb
  • Stamped onto the metal of the engine's firewall or strut tower
  • On the official paperwork, like the title, insurance, and registration
  • Some early Volvo models will have the VIN printed in the owner's manual

Window Sticker / Build Sheet via VIN (Optional)

In some cases, the Volvo VIN can also provide access to the Volvo's original factory window sticker or build sheet. The information on the sticker provides an exact representation of what the vehicle looked like when it left the factory.

The sticker will include details like:

  • MSRP
  • List of factory-installed options and packages
  • Exterior color, trim, and materials for upholstery
  • The tech, safety, and equipment features

Having this information can be extremely useful for car collectors seeking authenticity.

Popular Volvo Models

Since the Swedish automaker began producing cars back in 1927, there has been a wide variety of options to meet each buyer's unique needs. The Volvo VIN makes it easy to look up the specifics of each model, especially when comparing models.

Model Class Notable Notes (for VIN context)
S60 / S90 Sedan / Luxury These luxury sedans have been around for a while and are available in a variety of trims and engines (T5, T6, B5, T8, recharge electric). The VIN confirms these details.
V60 / V90 Wagon / Estate The VIN is used to verify the different variants, like (Cross Country, wagon, hybrid)
XC40 / XC60 / XC90 SUV / Crossover You can use the VIN to discover the build location, drivetrain, and the hybrid/electric codes
C40 Electric coupe-SUV VIN confirms the battery size and motor configuration.
XC70 Wagon/crossover The VIN can be used to verify the trim and the drivetrain variants.
P1800 Cyan Restomod car This is a rare restored, redesigned, and re-engineered version of the original 1961 car. The VIN identifies its original manufacturer, model year, and production details.This is not a standard production car.

Volvo Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

Decoding your Volvo's VIN will give you a distinct advantage when it comes to safety and service issues. By using GoodCar's Volvo VIN Decoder, you can look up all the open recalls issued by the manufacturer that are still pending repair. This information can help you identify any safety-related defects and issues that require manufacturer intervention.

For example, GoodCar's decoder will warn owners and potential buyers of the upcoming recall in November this year. On November 18, the automaker will recall the 2025 EX90 due to a faulty tailgate that could suddenly fail. In May, over 400,000 vehicles were recalled due to a faulty backup camera that posed a safety risk. The recall notice will have the recall status, IDs, description, safety risk, and further instructions.

There's also an additional option to look up manufacturer-issued advisories or fixes for known problems on the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). Having this information can help potential buyers decide if they're willing to purchase a car with known issues and what the next steps are, so that vehicle reliability is never a problem.

Why Use GoodCar's Volvo VIN Decoder?

GoodCar's Volvo VIN Decoder is the reliable choice if you want to instantly decode results from a tool that is easy to use. Along with instant results, GoodCar's decoder also delivers reliable and official data that you can rely on. This VIN checker can be used to verify specific details, such as model, trim, engine, and plant data at the drop of a hat. Take this one step further by choosing the optional full report that includes data on recalls, accidents, and title brands.

Using GoodCar's decoder is more than just getting a snapshot of your history. It is also how you're going to avoid odometer fraud and purchase a lemon. Odometer fraud is frighteningly common and catches many second-hand buyers off guard. GoodCar provides an up-to-date odometer reading every time the car changes hands or undergoes a major incident. GoodCar's tool can also help buyers spot any potential lemons.

This refers to a vehicle that has an issue that the dealership cannot repair, even after repeated attempts. Purchasing a lemon is a headache waiting to happen!

Whether you're buying new or used, checking the build sheet, or submitting an insurance claim, GoodCar's Volvo VIN check speeds up the process and ensures reliability for peace of mind.

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