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Volkswagen VIN Decoder

Free Volkswagen VIN Decoder to check car history and specifications.

What is a Volkswagen VIN Decoder?

Volkswagen VIN decoder is a tool that allows you to reveal the essential information coded in the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Most of the 17 characters in a modern VIN number represent various data, such as make, model, country of origin, and more. Decoding each of them manually takes time, while the Volkswagen VIN decoder can do that in seconds.

How to use the Volkswagen VIN decoder to do a Volkswagen VIN number lookup?

You don’t need to worry about the meaning of each character of a VIN number if you’re using our free Volkswagen VIN decoder. If you have a VIN number ready, here’s how you can do a Volkswagen VIN lookup in a few clicks:

  • Visit carVertical Volkswagen VIN decoder page;
  • Enter the 17-character VIN number where it says “Enter VIN number”;
  • Click the “Decode VIN” button.

And that’s it! In a matter of seconds, the Volkswagen VIN decoder will present you with all the relevant information, including the make, model, body type, and more. You'll also have the option to purchase a comprehensive history report, which uncovers crucial details such as mileage rollbacks, damage, and other historical facts about the car.

Volkswagen VIN number breakdown

The Volkswagen Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is an identity card for every Volkswagen vehicle in the world. This unique 17-digit code helps used vehicle buyers avoid scammers.

Over the lifetime of a car, its VIN number becomes the reference code to log various events and other data about the vehicle. How many times has a particular vehicle been in an accident? Is its odometer reading correct? How many times has it been to the manufacturer’s official workshop? A VIN number lookup can answer all this and more.

How to read Volkswagen VIN number

The letters and numbers of your Volkswagen VIN number are divided into three parts: World Manufacturer Identifier, Vehicle Descriptor Section, and Vehicle Identifier Section.

VIN number breakdown example
VIN number breakdown

Combining them together, they will tell you:

  • The country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. (1-3 digits)
  • Vehicle’s specifications, such as engine size, body style, engine type and gearbox type. (4-9 digits)
  • Assembly plant, model year, and unique serial number. (10-17 digits)

Our free VIN decoder will help you unlock this information.

Volkswagen VIN number location

Volkswagen VIN number location on a car
Volkswagen VIN number location

There are several places where you can find the Volkswagen VIN number. By placing the Volkswagen VIN code in several locations, automobile manufacturers make it harder to forge vehicle identification numbers. Here’s where you’ll find the VW VIN number:

  • At the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side (viewable 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 documents.

What Volkswagen models work with our free VIN decoder?

Our free Volkswagen VIN decoder is good for looking up any VW model built after the current VIN number standard was introduced (in the ’80s).

Volkswagen has always offered car buyers an extensive range of models, including affordable hatchbacks (Polo, Golf), saloons (Jetta, Arteon), estates (Passat), and SUVs (Tiguan, Touareg, etc.). Today, these models are the Volkswagen core range in various parts of the world.

In addition to new VW numbers, our free Volkswagen VIN decoder will also decipher older model VIN plates from cars like the Volkswagen Scirocco, Bora, Caravelle, Corrado, Eos, or Phaeton.

The VW free VIN decoder also works with VW’s electric cars: ID.3, ID.4, or ID.5.

Decode Volkswagen VIN number: what can you learn with the VW VIN number?

Specs and other information encoded in the vehicle identification number is just a small part of what your Volkswagen VIN number can teach you. Some of this basic information is even available for free via our Volkswagen VIN decoder.

However, a paid history report offers a lot more info, including data stored on police, insurance or manufacturers’ databases. A car history report can tell you if the car:

  • Has been stolen or in a serious accident
  • Has outstanding manufacturer recalls or faults
  • Has been subject to odometer fraud
  • Has been repainted

By combining modern technologies with contemporary styling, VW has ensured every model in the range is as good as possible. However, the used vehicle market is full of cars in poor condition. If you’re considering purchasing one, use our free VIN decoder and learn more about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Avoid costly problems by checking a car's history. Just enter the VIN and get a full report.

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