How to Read a VIN Number Like a Pro
From understanding the VIN number breakdown to uncovering a vehicle’s history,...
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Looking for the VIN?
Here is there you’ll find it:
Since 1981, every vehicle identification number has followed ISO Institute standards. This 17-character sequence interprets your vehicle's history, specifications, and records. Using a VIN decoder helps buyers verify authenticity, check recalls, and understand vehicle attributes before making purchase decisions.
The process takes just minutes with our free online tool.
Your vehicle identification number appears in several standard locations for security purposes.
| Key Risk | Impact on Buyers | Mitigation Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Theft Risk | The vehicle is stolen every 37 seconds in 2024 nationwide. | Verify VIN against NICB theft database. Install tracking/immobilizer systems. |
| Unrepaired Safety Recalls | Thousands of models still carry open recalls that reduce safety and resale. | Run VIN through NHTSA recall lookup. Ensure repairs are completed at GM dealers. |
| Depreciation Over Time | Older cars lose ~60% of their market value after 10 years of use. | Use VIN history to confirm condition. Buy at fair market price to offset losses. |
| Odometer Rollback Fraud | Roughly 10% of used cars show odometer inconsistencies. | Cross-check mileage across NMVTIS, service records, and EpicVIN timeline report. |
| Hidden Flood or Salvage History | ~910 cars listed on salvage auctions today, many without disclosure. | Decode VIN via NMVTIS and EpicVIN. Request detailed photos and auction history. |
Risk Reduction: Risk mitigation: Always verify VIN through EpicVIN and NMVTIS reports. Compare mileage and repair history. Require service records and photos before purchase.
| Issue | Affected Models, Symptoms, Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Transmission slipping | 2004–2008 G6 (80k–120k mi); V6 transmission slips or hard shifts. ≈ $1,800–$2,500 repair |
| Ignition switch failure | 2003–2006 Grand Am (90k–130k mi); engine stalls intermittently. ≈ $300 parts & labor |
| Water pump leakage | 1997–2005 Bonneville (100k–150k mi); coolant loss, overheating. ≈ $400 replacement |
Each character in your vehicle's unique sequence tells a specific story.
There is some other information that Pontiac owners and buyers should note:
VINs rarely use "Z" - this letter was reserved for high-performance editions like GTO Judge.
Here's how our VIN decoder interprets a sample sequence (1G2AJ15H897282421):
| Symbols | Sample | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | The United States as the country of origin |
| 2 | G | General Motors as a manufacturer |
| 3 | 2 | Passenger car vehicle type |
| 4-8 | AJ15H | Sedan body style, engine type, restraint system, Grand Am model line, and trim level |
| 9 | 8 | Check digit for validation |
| 10 | 9 | 2009 model year |
| 11 | 7 | Lansing assembly plant |
| 12-17 | 282421 | Individual vehicle serial number |
Year 2005
Make Pontiac
Model Sunfire
Fuel Type Gasoline
Engine 2.2L In-Line L61
Made in MEXICO
A complete VIN decoding reveals comprehensive vehicle data and history.
EpicVIN lets you compare VIN history timelines side-by-side - 30% faster decisions for consumers.— Alex Black, CMO, EpicVIN
Check some common locations. These are the dashboard near the windshield, driver's door jamb, engine block, or registration documents.
Yes, codes in characters 4-8 indicate police package and fleet series designations.
The VIN shows basic trim level; paint codes require the factory build sheet or RPO documentation.
"2G" indicates Canadian assembly, typically the Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec facility, for certain model years and series.
Yes. Insurers use VIN data to determine ratings, theft risk, and repair costs for accurate premium calculations.
Fleet vehicles often show consecutive serial numbers and specific trim/package codes within the digit sequence.
Yes. Use the NHTSA VIN lookup to view recall information and campaign participation for the vehicle.
Transmission type appears in the VDS (positions 4-8), indicating manual or automatic configurations for that model.
Compare the VIN stamped on the engine block with the dashboard VIN; matching sequences confirm originality. The first digit indicates country of origin. Contact manufacturer support if further verification is needed.
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