Tesla VIN Decoder

Use our Tesla VIN decoder to lookup any Tesla VIN number for free. Instantly confirm the model (S, 3, X, or Y) trim, driving range, electric motor specs, and more. Upgrade to check for records like accidents, thefts, recalls, and more.

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Tesla VIN Decoder Explained

A Tesla VIN decoder analyzes the 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and breaks it down, detailing what each digit means. It reveals details like the year, model, trim level, safety features, and the plant where it was built.

You can also get a full vehicle history report to access important records like past accidents, title issues, mileage, previous owners, maintenance history, open recalls, liens, and more.

Tesla VIN Decoder displaying vehicle history report, VIN details, specifications, and recall records on mobile screens beside a Tesla EV Car.

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Why Decoding a Tesla VIN Number is Crucial

Decoding a Tesla VIN number is essential for both buyers and sellers. It verifies the vehicle’s authenticity, original specifications, and provides insight into its past records. Here’s how it can help:

Verify Vehicle Authenticity

Checking the Tesla VIN confirms that the Tesla’s make, model, and year match the seller’s description. This prevents buying counterfeit, cloned, or mismatched vehicles and gives peace of mind during the transaction. It also helps identify stolen vehicles or fraudulent listings before making a purchase.

Access Detailed Specifications

Decoding the Tesla VIN number reveals detailed information about the Tesla, including trim level, battery type, motor configuration, and optional features. This helps buyers compare models, understand performance, and assess suitability for their needs. Knowing exact specifications also aids in planning upgrades or maintenance tailored to your Tesla.

Check for Recalls

A Tesla VIN check can identify any open recalls, safety notices, or software updates for your Tesla. This ensures that any potential issues are addressed and the vehicle is safe to drive. It also allows you to schedule recall repairs promptly, avoiding future safety or warranty problems.

Review Ownership History

A Tesla VIN decoder provides the vehicle’s ownership history, including previous owners, locations, and the duration of usage. This helps determine usage patterns, maintenance history, and whether the Tesla was ever rented or heavily used. It can also reveal if the vehicle was involved in fleet operations, which may affect long-term wear and value.

Assess Market Value

Knowing the vehicle’s specifications and history helps estimate its fair market value. This allows buyers to negotiate better prices and sellers to set realistic pricing, avoiding overpayment or undervaluing the Tesla. Accurate market valuation also helps with insurance quotes and trade-in negotiations.

Ensure Transparent Transactions

For sellers, providing a VIN check report builds trust with potential buyers by showing a full vehicle history report. For buyers, it ensures confidence that the Tesla is exactly as described, reducing disputes. Transparency enhances the reputation of the seller and smooths the sales process.

What Information Does Our Tesla VIN Decoder Reveal?

Our Tesla VIN number decoder offers two VIN decoding options: the free VIN decoding, which verifies original factory details for accurate matching, and a complete vehicle history check to spot branded titles, liens, set fair prices, and plan for future ownership and maintenance.

Free Tesla VIN Decoder

You can decode any Tesla VIN for free to confirm the year, model, trim, motor, and other details to see if the seller’s description matches what’s provided. You’ll find details such as:

  • Model and year
  • Engine type (Electric motor)
  • Battery type
  • Body style
  • Trim level
  • Assembly plant
  • Country of origin and more.

Paid VIN Decoder for Tesla

A paid Tesla VIN check gives you access to the detailed vehicle history report. This is important when buying or selling because it reveals hidden records you won’t catch in photos or with test drives. Here’s what you’ll find:

  • 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 Tesla Vehicle History Report

Follow these simple steps to access your detailed Tesla VIN check report:

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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.

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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.

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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.

Where can I Find a Tesla VIN Number?

Every Tesla has its own unique VIN number, which differentiates it from all other vehicles. It shows the manufacturer, specifications, and features, and is also used to store records of events throughout its life. Typically, you will find a Tesla VIN number in places such as:

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).
  • Dashboard: Stand outside and look through the windshield on the driver’s side to spot the VIN tag placed on the dashboard.
  • Driver’s Door Area: Inside the door frame, a label shows the VIN code, build date, and other important identification details.
  • Tesla App: Log into your Tesla mobile app and find the VIN in the vehicle settings section.
  • Charging Port: On some Tesla vehicles, a VIN label is located inside the charging port compartment, close to where the connector attaches.
  • Vehicle Documents: Check your vehicle registration and insurance card.

Reading a Tesla VIN: What Do the Numbers Mean?

A Tesla VIN has 17 characters divided into three sections, each revealing key details about the vehicle. For best results, type or scan the VIN exactly as shown into a free VIN decoder, so you don’t mix up characters such as ‘0’ and ‘O’ or ‘1’ and ‘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.

Position 1-3: The World Manufacturer Identifier

The WMI identifies the manufacturer and country of origin. Some of the common combinations for Tesla include:

  • 5YJ, 7SA = Fremont, California
  • SFZ = UK (Roadster 1)
  • XP7 = Germany
  • LRW = China

Position 4–9: The Vehicle Description Section

The VDS  describes the model, body, restraint type, and engine, and includes a calculated check digit (9th character) to validate the accuracy of the VIN.

  • Character 4 shows the Make/line/series, e.g. 
    • S = Tesla Model S
    • X = Tesla Model X
    • 3 = Tesla Model  Y
    • R = Tesla Roadster
  • Character 5 indicates the body type and Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). e.g., 
    • A = 5 Door LHD car (typically Model S)
    • B = 5 Door RHD car (typically Model S)
    • C = 5 Door LHD Large MPV (typically Model X)
    • D = 5 Door RHD Large MPV (typically Model X)
  • Character 6 refers to the restraint system, e.g.,
    • 1 = 2 Front, 3 Rear Seat Belts, Front Airbags, PODS, Side Inflatable Restraints, Knee Airbags (Front)
    • 2 = TBA, pre-2014 cars
    • 3 = 2 Front, 2 Rear Seat Belts, Front Airbags, Side Inflatable Restraints, Knee Airbags (Front)
    • 4 = 2 Front, 3 Rear Seat Belts, Front Airbags, Side Inflatable Restraints, Knee Airbags (Front)
  • Character 7 codes for the charger type, battery type, and fuel type. e.g., 
    • A = 10kw Charger
    • B = 20kw Charger​
    • C = 10kw Charger, with DC Fast Charge
    • D = 20kw Charger, with DC Fast Charge​
  • Character 8 represents the motor/drive unit e.g.
    • .C = Base A/C Motor, Tier 2 Battery (31-40kWh)​
    • G = Base A/C Motor, Tier 4 Battery (51-60 kWh)
    • N = Base A/C Motor, Tier 7 Battery (81-90 kWh)​
    • P = Performance A/C Motor, Tier 7 Battery (81-90 kWh)​
  • Character 9 is the check digit and helps to ensure the authenticity of the VIN.

Characters 10-17: The Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

This section provides information on the model year, assembly plant, and a unique serial number used for production tracking and recall checks

  • Character 10 is the model year, and it alternates between numbers (0-9) and letters. E.g., 
    • C = 2012
    • D = 2013
    • E = 2014
    • F = 2015
  • Character 11 indicates the assembly plant, where the vehicle was built. Some of the factory codes for Tesla include: 
    • 1 = Menlo Park, California
    • 3 = Hethel, UK
    • A = Austin, Texas
    • B = Berlin, Germany.
  • Character 12 represents the start of a sequence and can carry meanings, just like below:
    • P = Performance
    • S = Signature
    • F = Founders
  • Characters 13-17 represent the serial or production number, and include numbers only. E.g. 12345, 67890.

What You Need to Know About Tesla Even if You Don’t Own One?

  • Tesla delivered approximately 1.789 million vehicles globally, a modest 1.1% dip from 2023, while production dropped 4% to about 1.773 million units
  • As of early 2025, Tesla operates approximately 7,000 Supercharger stations worldwide with over 65,800 connectors.
  • Tesla has recalled more than 376,000 vehicles due to a risk of power steering failure, which could make steering significantly harder in a potential crash scenario.
  • Also, over 46,000 Cybertrucks (2024–2025 models) were recalled because of a potentially hazardous exterior panel issue

Explore Other Tesla VIN Search Tools

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Tesla VIN Decoder FAQ

You can see which features came with the Tesla car by checking the Tesla window sticker by VIN. This is a small label that provides detailed information on any car’s features ( interior and exterior), original MSRP, colors, safety ratings, driving range, and more.

Yes. Just enter the Tesla VIN number into our free Tesla VIN decoder to retrieve detailed information on the vehicle’s factory specifications and build details.

Detailed Vehicle History provides the most reliable information on any vehicle, including electric vehicles (EVs). You will find accurate, detailed specs for free, and with just a click, you can upgrade to access the full vehicle history.

Yes, you can use the VIN decoder to see battery size. Just enter the Tesla VIN number and hit “search VIN.”  However, you won’t get any specific sub-model data, e.g., Model Y long range or Model S performance. This data is only available in the Tesla VIN database.

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