Free Ford VIN Decoder

Where is the Ford VIN Located?

The Ford VIN number has changed a lot over the decades, getting longer and moving around. Nowadays, depending on the model, you can usually find the VIN in several places, and decoding it for free is pretty straightforward.

There are three standard locations for Ford VIN Number:

• • • The Ford VIN is located on the front of the dashboard, driver’s side of the windshield.
    • The VIN is also on the data plate in the driver’s side doorjamb.
    • Vehicle documents provide data usable for a free Ford VIN decoder.

On a Ford Mustang, the Ford VIN was located in several places, depending on the year manufactured:

• • • Pre-1968: VIN on the passenger side where the windshield meets the dashboard.
    • 1968-1973: Partial VIN near the back of the engine block.
    • Post-1969: VIN on the driver’s side where the windshield meets the dashboard.
    • Modern: VIN in the engine compartment, under the driver’s side fender apron.

On a Ford Focus, the VIN can be found in three places:

• • • The Ford VIN is behind the front grille on the locking bonnet catch.
    • It’s stamped on a silver metal plate with two rivets under the air intake, on the nearside of the front slam panel.
    • The VIN is also stamped on the footwell in front of the driver’s seat.

How Do You Decode a Ford VIN?

Each of the 17 digits in a Ford VIN has an assigned value and a corresponding data type to be decoded by a Ford Free VIN Decoder.

World Manufacturer Identifier 

The first three digits (1st, 2nd, 3rd) investigated by Ford VIN searches make up the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which illustrates the manufacturing country, manufacturer, and vehicle type.  

First Character (Region/Country): This character shows where the vehicle was made. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) assigns these characters.

In the succeeding examples, we have codes that represent the WMI of Ford.

Vehicle Descriptor Section 

Digits 4th – 9th make up the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) that is unlocked by Ford VIN Decoder. As the name implies, it provides comprehensive data on easily recognizable features of a vehicle, such as its type, platform, model, and body style.  

• • The fourth digit (4th) illustrates the type of restraint system used (such as seat belts and airbags) or the gross vehicle weight rating. 
  • The fifth through seventh digits (5th – 7th) to be decoded in a Ford VIN signify the model.
  • Meanwhile, the eighth digit (8th) reveals the engine type and other info when checked via Ford VIN Lookup.
  • The ninth digit (9th) in Ford VIN decoding is known as the “check digit” — a secret number assigned by the manufacturer and not released to the public.  It allows law enforcement to validate and authenticate a VIN, preventing the spread of fraudulent VINs.

 Below are some examples of codes that represent certain Ford restraint types.  

 Ford GVWR Codes

Vehicle Identifier Section 

The 10th – 17th digits represent the Ford VIN section called the ‘Vehicle Identifier Section’ (VIS) which deals with the identification and tracking of the vehicle in question. Aside from sequential or serial numbers, some manufacturers may also assign data related to the engine or transmission. 

• • • The tenth and eleventh digits (10th – 11th) represent the model year and factory ID respectively when you Decode a Ford VIN.
    • Finally, the last six digits (12th – 17th) are the unique serial number explicitly assigned to that vehicle, based on the order in which it came off the factory’s assembly line for that year’s model.
      

Model Years

Plant Code

Why do I need a Ford VIN decoder?

A Ford VIN decoder can supply much-needed car report information for a variety of people and entities across the US.

For Used Car Buyers: A Ford VIN decoder provides key information about a used car, such as its age, model, engine size, color, features, and accident history. This helps buyers ensure they are getting the car they expect and understand its past repairs or issues.

For Used Car Sellers: A Ford VIN decoder helps sellers determine their car’s value, set a fair price, and answer buyer questions about the vehicle’s features. It also helps confirm if any recalls or necessary service work have been addressed before selling.

For Insurers: Insurers use Ford VIN decoders to assess risk and determine insurance premiums. Accurate vehicle information helps them offer better coverage options and pricing.

For Law Enforcement: Law enforcement uses Ford VIN decoders to verify ownership of stolen vehicles and track vehicles involved in crimes, aiding in quick identification and recovery.

Online Ford VIN Decoder Sources

VIN decoders gather info from different sources to give you a complete view of a vehicle. They pull together details on specs, history, and current condition.

Here’s where they get their info:

• • NHTSA: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a database with details on recalls, safety ratings, and manufacturer info. VIN decoders use this to show a vehicle’s safety history.
  • DMV Databases: State Departments of Motor Vehicles keep records on vehicle registrations, titles, and sometimes recall information.
  • Car manufacturers keep a ton of info about their vehicles, like specs and production details. VIN decoders use this data to give you the lowdown on a specific car.
  • Dealerships have detailed info too, including service history and warranty coverage. Some VIN lookup tools can even pull the latest service records and updates from dealership databases.
  • Insurance companies might provide details on claims and accidents, which helps piece together a car’s history.
  • Auction houses and car sales platforms also offer insights, like auction records and condition reports, so you can see how the car has fared over time.

Other Resources for Ford Owners and Enthusiasts

Free Ford VIN Check
Ford Recall Check