Volkswagen VIN Decoder

Use our Volkswagen VIN decoder to read any VIN. Enter the VW VIN number to verify engine, transmission, and trim level. Upgrade for a full vehicle history report. The tool decodes  17-digit and pre-1980 VIN numbers within seconds.

10% OFF
question-mark Why do we need your phone number?
Why do we need your phone number?
We'll send your vehicle report or sticker link via text for easy access.
Our support team may contact you if we find issues with your report or sticker.
Your data is never shared with third parties.
Get 10% off your purchases by providing your phone number.

What is a Volkswagen VIN Decoder?

A Volkswagen VIN decoder reads the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number and analyzes each section to show the year, make, model line, body, engine, restraint system, and more. This gives you an overview of the factory build details.

The VW VIN decoder also allows you to run a Volkswagen VIN check to retrieve the vehicle history report, including reports on accidents, title issues, mileage checks, service records, recalls, theft, lien, ownership record, and more.

Volkswagen VIN Decoder displaying vehicle history report, VIN details, specifications, and recall records on mobile screens beside a Volkswagen Golf.

Explore our app now!

How the Volkswagen VIN Decoder Helps Buyers and Sellers

A Volkswagen VIN tells the car’s story. Decoding it before you buy or sell helps avoid surprises, confirms details, protects your money, and saves you time. Here is how it can help you:

Avoid Theft and Title Trouble

Running a VIN check helps detect stolen cars, title problems, or unpaid loans. This protects you from legal risks, delays, or rejection during registration or insurance. Without using the Volkswagen VIN number decoder, you may face expensive issues after buying the car.

Confirm Identity and Features

A Volkswagen VIN lookup helps you stay safe from scams by making sure the Volkswagen matches its details. Check the model, year, trim, engine, and options to confirm the listing is accurate. A quick VIN lookup saves you from surprises later.

Check Owners and Service Records

By looking up the VW VIN number, you learn how many people owned the car and how it was cared for. Well-maintained Volkswagens with full service history usually sell quicker and for more money. Records also show if the car was neglected or abused.

Spot Hidden Damage

A VW VIN check can help detect accidents, floods, fires, or airbag deployment. These issues may cost a lot, lower resale value, or affect safety and warranty. Knowing these and many issues early helps you avoid risky vehicles.

Catch Odometer Issues

A Volkswagen VIN decoder confirms mileage through records and inspections. Odometer readings that don’t align may mean rollbacks or part swaps, which significantly affect value, service schedules, and future repairs. This gives peace of mind when buying used cars.

Negotiate Smarter

Having the facts gives you the edge at the negotiation table. Having access to verified vehicle information and records lets you adjust the price based on the car’s condition, records, and upcoming maintenance needs. This ensures you only pay what the car is worth.

What You Will Get by Decoding a Volkswagen VIN Number

A Volkswagen VIN decoder gives you two layers of insight: factory specifications for matching, and a deeper history search for risk checking, pricing, and long-term ownership planning.

Free Volkswagen VIN Decoder

Use a free VIN check to confirm model and engine, matching the seller’s description to the reality in the report, or verifying parts compatibility before service. Here, you will see details like:

  • Model and year
  • Engine type
  • Transmission
  • Drivetrain 
  • Body style
  • Trim level
  • Assembly plant
  • Country of origin and more.

Volkswagen Paid VIN Decoder

Paying a small fee for  Volkswagen VIN decoding provides the complete vehicle history report. It’s crucial for buying or selling because it shows events and trends you’ll not find in photos, seller’s descriptions, physical inspections, or short test drives. Here is what to expect:

  • Ownership history
  • Vehicle usage type (personal or commercial purposes)
  • Accident and damage records
  • Title status and brand history
  • Odometer readings
  • Theft records
  • Recalls information
  • Service and repair history
  • Sales history
  • Auction records and photos

How to get a Volkswagen Vehicle History Report?

Getting a Volkswagen history report is easy and straightforward. Simply follow these steps:

Search Icon

Step 1: Enter the VIN

Type or copy the 17-digit VIN into the search form above. Our VIN decoder also works for classic cars made before 1981, and with 5–14 digit VIN numbers.

Report Icon

Step 2: Decode and Preview

Click the “Search VIN” button to decode the VIN. You’ll see a preview with the car’s basic details like the year, make, model, engine, and transmission.

Check Icon

Step 3: Access Your Report

Complete payment and click “Access Records” to get the full report in seconds. View online or download as a PDF for easy sharing or printing.

Volkswagen VIN Number Location

A Volkswagen’s VIN number is a unique code assigned to every Volkswagen vehicle. It identifies the manufacturer, specs, vehicle features, and helps stack up records of events across its lifetime.  Common Volkswagen VIN locations include:

Infographics showing how you can find a VIN number on a car pointing you can find a VIN in such places: Under the hood(Front of engine block on most gasoline cars), Driver's side interior dash(Most common), Front end of frame(Older cars), Driver's side door pillar(Inside).
  • Check the driver’s side lower corner of the windshield (visible from outside).
  • On the driver’s door frame.
  • On the engine bay frame.
  • Behind the spare tire.
  • In the passenger footwell;
  • On the vehicle registration or insurance card.

How to Read a Volkswagen VIN Number

A typical  Volkswagen 17-digit VIN has three sections that identify specific information about the car. We recommend you copy or scan the VIN directly into our VW VIN decoder for best results; avoid mixing “0” for “O” or “1” for “I”.

Infographics showing how to read a VIN number to obtain Vehicle Descriptions which identifies Model, Engine, Body, Style, etc. and Vehicle Identification, Plant Country, Region/Maker, Country and World Manufacturer Identifier.

The WMI (positions 1–3)

The World Manufacturer Identifier identifies the manufacturer and country of origin. Some of the common WMIs for VW are:

  • WVW  =  Volkswagen Cars
  • WVG  = Volkswagen SUVs (Gelande)
  • WV1  = Volkswagen Commercials
  • WV2  = Volkswagen Bus, Van
  • WV3  = Volkswagen Trucks
  • VWV  = Volkswagen Spain
  • AAV  = Volkswagen South Africa
  • 1VW  = Volkswagen USA (cars)
  • 1V1  = Volkswagen USA (commercials)

The VDS (positions 4–9)

The Vehicle Descriptor section describes body style (4th), engine (5th), restraint system (6th), and model (7th – 8th), and includes a calculated check digit (9th) to prevent transcription errors.

For the VW models, some of the common characters include the following:

  • 16= Jetta
  • 1C= New Beetle
  • 1G = Golf/Jetta
  • 1H = Golf/Jetta
  • 31 = Passat
  • 3A = Passat

The VIS (positions 10–17)

The Vehicle Identifier Section reveals model year (10th), assembly plant (11th), and a unique serial number (12th-17th), which is used for production tracking, recall lookups, warranty claims, imports, and parts ordering.

  • 10th character (model year): The model year alternates between numbers and letters. The VIN to year chart can be used to identify all the possible characters here. Some numbers and letters include: 
    • 1 = 2001
    • 2 = 2002
    • 3 = 2003
    • A = 2010
    • B = 2011
    • C =2012
  • 11th character (Assembly plant): Volkswagen has a lot of factories across the world, including African countries like Nigeria and South Africa. Some characters include:
    • A  = Ingolstadt, Germany
    • B  = Brussels, Belgium
    • C  = Chattanooga, USA
    • L  = Lagos, Nigeria
    • U  = Uitenhage, South Africa
  • 12th – 17th characters (serial number): This indicates the serial or production number, and is unique for every Volkswagen with similar plant location, year, make and model, and trim.

Some Interesting Facts About Volkswagen

  • In 2024, Volkswagen delivered about 4.8 million vehicles worldwide, with SUVs making up 47% of total sales. Fully electric vehicle deliveries fell 3.4% in 2024 to 744,800 units worldwide
  • In Q2 2025, Volkswagen’s electric vehicle deliveries jumped 38% globally and 73% in Europe.  In H1 2025, BEV deliveries rose 47% year-over-year, reaching 465,500 units globally.
  • In Germany, Volkswagen was the top-selling brand in 2024, capturing 19.1% of the market.

Explore Other Volkswagen VIN Search Tools

Beyond decoding and history, Volkswagen owners and buyers can benefit from the tools below to research options, warranty coverage, and parts.

Volkswagen Window Sticker

Get detailed information on original features, MSRP, options, fuel economy and more.

Volkswagen Recall Check

Know about any open safety recalls and the details of the recall in seconds. Drive with peace of mind.

Classic Volkswagen VIN Decoder

Lookup any Volkswagen VIN number with a 5-14 digit VIN. Check specs, factory info, and history.

License Plate Lookup

If you don’t have the VW VIN, easily lookup any Ram details and history by entering the US plate.

List of Popular Volkswagen Models

Decode VIN Numbers for other Makes

Frequently Asked Questions about Volkswagen VIN Decoder

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to vehicles during manufacturing. Serving as a unique identifier, it provides crucial information about the vehicle’s history, including manufacturer details, model, and production year.

To lookup a VW specifications by VIN number, use our free VIN decoder to access the complete factory details and information.

It’s easy. Just enter the VIN number into our VIN decoder free tool to confirm the year and other important information like the model, engine, trim, and more.

To find any VW options by VIN, simply enter the Volkswagen VIN number into our window sticker by VIN lookup tool. This helps confirm the factory specs, colors, MSRP, standard/optional equipment, fuel economy, and so on.

Blogs

Popup Image
Hey, before you leave take discount! 15% OFF

Don't leave the history behind on your vehicle

Check for accidents, title issues, repairs, and more.