Ford VIN Decoder

List of Ford Models

• Bronco
• Crown Victoria
• Edge
• Escape
• Excursion
• Expedition
• Explorer
• F-150
• Fiesta
• Flex
• Focus
• Fusion
• Maverick
• Mustang
• Ranger
• Recreational Vehicle
• Thunderbird
• Transit

Ford VIN Number Lookup

Why should you look up your Ford’s VIN? This factory-issued number is an important inspection tool, allowing you to verify the history of a vehicle before you buy it. This code can tell you the year of manufacture, where the vehicle was built, its trim level, and its original equipment. Inconsistencies can reveal engine swaps and other changes that indicate the vehicle isn’t original. You can also use it to check the vehicle’s history through the DMV and third party record agencies. Unlike a license, the VIN stays with the vehicle, letting you search through records going back to its date of manufacture.

Where to Search for the VIN?

You can find the VIN on 1968 and later Fords in these locations:

• On one of the body pillars, usually next to the driver’s side door sill
• On the dashboard, next to the lower driver’s side corner of the windshield

The location of the VIN on 1967 and earlier vehicles isn’t standardized. Look in the following locations for a plate with the number printed on it:

• On the pillars on the driver’s side of the car
• In the glove box
• On the right side dash panel
• On the frame between the firewall and the steering box
• On some older cars, the VIN is called the “warranty number”.

There are two ways to find the VIN electronically. If you use the FordPass program, you can find the VIN for your vehicle in the program’s app. To get the VIN, log into the app, select the vehicle, and select “Vehicle Details”. Scroll down and select “Vehicle Details” again. You should now see the VIN.

If your vehicle has Sync 3 or later, you can look up the VIN in your infotainment system. Press “Settings”, then “General” and finally “About SYNC”. Ford started offering Sync 3 for the 2016 model year. It is also offered as an upgrade for earlier vehicles.

Still can’t find the VIN? It’s also printed on some vehicle documentation, including insurance policies, lease agreements and vehicle registrations.

Comprehensive VIN Decoder Guide

Here’s a breakdown of what all the digits mean in this number.

Digits 1-3

This is the World Manufacturer Identifier. The first digit is the country, the second digit is the manufacturer, and the third digit identifies groups of plants.

Digit 4

This digit is the body type:

Digits 5, 6 and 7

These digits identify equipment specific to the model. This is usually enough information to determine the engine and cylinder head installed at the factory, as well as the trim level. Some VINs use the 7^thdigit for equipment information, while others use it for manufacturing location.

Digits 7 and 8: Assembly Plant

This is the location where the vehicle was assembled.

7^thand 8^thdigit:

8^thdigit only:

Digit 9: Model Code

This code identifies the model of vehicle. Since it only uses letters, each letter may represent several models. Here are some examples from Ford’s European offerings:

Digit 10

This is the check digit, which helps reduce errors during data entry. It’s always the same as digit 4.

Digit 11: Year of Manufacture

This code alternates between numbers andletters. Some letters, like “O”, are skipped to avoid confusion with similar-shaped characters.

Digit 12: Month of Manufacture

Ford uses four letters for each month, rotating through them every four years. These letters are in order for the 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 model years.

Digit 13 to 17: Production Number

This serial number is unique to the vehicle. Production numbers are reused, but the same number is never used on two vehicles with the same date code.