Free Volkswagen VIN Decoder & Lookup

Free Volkswagen VIN Decoder! 🚗 See specs, build sheet, recalls basic history—no sign-up. 🛡️✅ Need accidents, mileage, title? Upgrade in one click.

Where to find the VIN?

Looking for the VIN?

Here is there you’ll find it:

  • On the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield
  • Inside the driver’s side door near the latch
  • On the owners insurance card or other docs
Looking for the VIN
• No VIN?
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  1. Home
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Author avatar by Robert P Allred
5 min read

Why Choose EpicVIN's Volkswagen VIN Decoder?

  1. 379,178 Volkswagen vehicles sold in 2024 – every new VIN indexed by EpicVin.
  2. VW brand deliveries in North America rose 18.4% in 2024 to ~592,300 units – the statistics approved by EpicVIN.
  3. Official NMVTIS feeds – titles, liens, and mileage straight from government records.
  4. Free VIN decoder – pay only for the full history report.

What is a Volkswagen VIN and Why Decode It?

Every vehicle identification number serves as a unique fingerprint for your particular vehicle. In 1981, the ISO Institute standardized this 17-character code worldwide. Our VIN decoder unlocks essential specs, safety recalls, and manufacturer details instantly for any VW model.

How to Decode a Volkswagen VIN Number?

Our free VIN decoder simplifies the VIN number lookup process for any VW vehicle.

Find the VIN
Enter the VIN
Click "Decode VIN free"
Review the Results

Find the VIN

Locate the sequence in the corresponding location.

Enter the VIN

Input the sequence into our VIN decoder tool.

Click "Decode VIN free"

Press decode to access basic specifications, recalls, and manufacturer details instantly.

Review the Results

Examine the results and consider using a full report for detailed accident records and car title information.

Popular Volkswagen Models for VIN Check

How to Find a Volkswagen VIN?

How to Find a VIN?

Your vehicle identification number appears in several key locations on every VW model.

  • Dashboard: Near the windshield, visible through the driver's side windshield at the base.
  • Driver's door jamb: Check the door frame sticker for chassis number details.
  • Engine compartment: Located on various engine components/firewall.
  • Registration documents: The title, insurance, and registration plate materials.

Used Volkswagen Key Risk Statistics in the USA (2024–2025)

Key Risk Impact on Buyers Mitigation Steps
Theft Risk 1 in 200 VWs stolen annually (NICB estimate) VIN-scan + double check title and theft records
Unrepaired Safety Recalls ~10% of VWs sold used had open NHTSA recalls Search VIN on NHTSA; ensure dealer clears
Depreciation Over Time VW depreciates ~40% in the first 5 years Compare VIN value trends before buying
Odometer Rollback Fraud ~5% of used VWs show suspect mileage Use the NMVTIS mileage history by VIN
Hidden Flood or Salvage History ~2% of VWs in auctions have undisclosed damage Inspect photos tied to VIN; request report

Minimizing risk requires thorough VIN check procedures: Always verify vehicle history, including NMVTIS market reports and auction photos, before any car purchase.

Top-3 Common Failures in Used Volkswagen Vehicles

Issue Affected Models, Symptoms, Average Repair Cost
TDI Diesel EGR clogging 2009-2015 Jetta/Passat (~80k-120k mi); rough idle, failed smog; ~$1,000
DSG Transmission Mechatronic failure 2012-2018 Golf/Tiguan (~60k-90k mi); shifting jerks, limp mode; ~$2,500
High-voltage battery degradation (EV) ID.4 (2021-2023, ~40k-60k mi); reduced range, heating issues; ~$4,000-6,000

How to Read a Volkswagen VIN Number

VIN Description

Each character in your vehicle's unique sequence tells a specific story.

  • WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier - Positions 1-3) : Vehicle manufacturer and country of origin.
  • VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section - Positions 4-9) : Body style, engine size, specific details, and check digit based on a mathematical formula for VIN validation.
  • VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section - Positions 10-17) : Model year designation, assembly plant code showing production place, and serial number unique to each vehicle.

There are some other details that Volkswagen owners and buyers should know:

  • The 11th character - the assembly plant: e.g., "T" for Chattanooga, TN.
  • VW's VIN position 8 can denote the engine type, such as "A" for 1.4 L turbo.
  • A "Z" in position 7 sometimes reflects zero-emission battery electric ID vehicles.
  • VIN structure is the same for electric and ICE models: a consistent 17-character format.
  • A VIN decoder can reveal build sheet options like "R line," "GTI," and "SEL Premium."

Here's how our Volkswagen VIN decoder interprets a sample VIN (WVWAR71K67W147708):

Symbols Sample What It Reveals
1 W Germany as the country of origin
2 V Volkswagen as a manufacturer
3 W Passenger car vehicle type
4-8 AR71K Body, engine code, model line, and trim level
9 6 Check digit for validation
10 7 2007 model year
11 W Build plant location
12-17 147708 Individual vehicle serial number

What Information Can You Get from a Volkswagen VIN Number?

Results for VIN Decoding for
VIN# 1VWBP7A37CC026228

2012 VOLKSWAGEN Passat

BLOCKCHAIN Confirmed Data Approved NMVTIS Data Provider
2012 VOLKSWAGEN Passat

  • Odometer

    No problems

  • Safety Recalls

    12 record

  • Accidents

    1 problem

  • Last mileage

    222,184 km

  • Auction Sales

    1 sale found

  • Owners

    2+ owners found
  • Year

    Year 2012

  • Make

    Make Volkswagen

  • Model

    Model Passat

  • Fuel Type

    Fuel Type Gasoline

  • Engine

    Engine 2.5L

  • Made in

    Made in USA

Our comprehensive lookup tool extracts detailed data from every chassis number sequence.

  • Model year & trim level – Identifies S, SE, SEL, and R-Line variants across different model styles.
  • Engine and drivetrain specs – Shows TSI, TDI, hybrid systems, FWD/AWD setup with specific motor codes.
  • Body style & platform – Specifies sedan, hatchback, SUV, or MQB architecture, determining vehicle type.
  • Build plant & country – Lists Chattanooga, Germany, and Mexico assembly plants where the manufacturer produced the vehicle.
  • Market destination – Indicates U.S., Canada, Europe, or Australia regions for original sale.
  • Paint & exterior codes – Shows factory color options and upholstery materials from the build sheet.
  • Safety equipment – Details airbag setup, driver assistance packages for security systems.
  • Production sequence – Verifies manufacturing date and prevents cloning using unique digits.
Daily DMV-refreshed fleet data means our U.S. VW registration count is always live. Alex Black, CMO, EpicVIN

Useful Resources for Volkswagen and Safety

Get Your Complete Volkswagen Vehicle History Today

Don't let hidden problems cost you thousands. Our results include accident history, mileage verification, title issues, auction photos, and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check the dashboard near the windshield. Also, review the driver's door jamb, engine compartment, or registration documents for the necessary digits.

The first three characters identify the world manufacturer: "WVW" indicates German production, while "3VW" shows Mexico assembly from build plant locations.

Engine code appears in position 8: specific digits reveal TSI gasoline turbo or TDI diesel, determining your powerplant type.

Visit the NHTSA recall lookup page, submitting your complete VIN: the tool will identify any open safety recalls for your model year.

Compare the dashboard VIN with your title documents: all 17 characters must match exactly to verify ownership data.

Review mileage progression across title transfers and auction records: inconsistent readings or backwards movement indicate potential fraud from the seller.

Positions 4-8 encode trim and equipment: our decoder translates these characters into specific Beetle, Golf features like panoramic sunroof.

Basic VIN won't reveal all options: upgrade to a detailed specs report for complete factory equipment, including sunroof and exterior features.

Position 8 contains engine code determining displacement: "A" typically represents 1.4L, while other codes indicate different sizes for motorcycle or car engines.

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