ARTICLE: Find your car's date of manufacture (VIN)

[wildon]

How do you know that your dealer isn't selling you a 6 month old car, under the guise of a new one? Or worse still, a car that's over a year old?

Knowing when your car was manufactured is critical; after all, when you have paid good money for a brand new car, shouldn't you be getting just that? Automotive manufactures around the world use a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that can be decoded to reveal the Month & Year of production. Each car has a unique VIN that is usually stamped somewhere within the engine bay, or around the passenger compartment.

Team-BHP shows you how to decode the VIN of your car. Simply scroll down to the manufacturer-specific posts and follow the instructions therein.

NOTE : An excel sheet containing the location of engine / chassis numbers (on various vehicles) is attached to the bottom of this post.

Manufacturer: Tata Motors

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning with MAT...)

Decode:

10th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture
12th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 10th VIN character is A, then it represents the Year - 2010
If your 12th VIN character is G, then it represents the Month - July

Month Codes:

A = JAN
B = FEB
C = MAR
D = APR
E = MAY
F = JUN
G = JUL
H = AUG
J = SEP
K = OCT
N = NOV
P = DEC

Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
V = 2027
W = 2028
X = 2029
Y = 2030

P.S. The letters "I", "O" and "Q" are never used in a VIN.

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Chevrolet

All models except Trailblazer

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning with MA6...)

Decode:

7th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture
9th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture

Month Codes:

A = JAN
B = FEB
C = MAR
D = APR
E = MAY
F = JUN
G = JUL
H = AUG
J = SEP
K = OCT
L = NOV
M = DEC

Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
V = 2027
W = 2028
X = 2029
Y = 2030

Reference photo attached in post #584.

Additionally, you can find a separate placard near the front left door, right bottom (near seat) that has 2 characters representing MONTH and YEAR. For e.g GB = July 2011.

Full credit goes to fellow members Ghostrider, Torquedo, keyur and Poitive for the findings.

Trailblazer

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning with MMM...)

Decode:

4th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture
9th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture

Month Codes:

A = JAN
B = FEB
C = MAR
D = APR
F = MAY
G = JUN
H = JUL
K = AUG
M = SEP
N = OCT
P = NOV
R = DEC

Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
U = 2027
V = 2028
W = 2029
X = 2030

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Honda

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning with MAK...)

Decode:

9th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture
10th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 9th VIN character is G, then it represents the Month - July
If your 10th VIN character is A, then it represents the Year - 2010

Month Codes:

A = JAN
B = FEB
C = MAR
D = APR
E = MAY
F = JUN
G = JUL
H = AUG
J = SEP
K = OCT
L = NOV
M = DEC

Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
V = 2027
W = 2028
X = 2029
Y = 2030

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Mahindra

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning with MA1...)

Decode:

10th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture
12th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 10th VIN character is A, then it represents the Year - 2010
If your 12th VIN character is G, then it represents the Month - July

Month Codes:

A = JAN
B = FEB
C = MAR
D = APR
E = MAY
F = JUN
G = JUL
H = AUG
J = SEP
K = OCT
L = NOV
M = DEC

Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
V = 2027
W = 2028
X = 2029
Y = 2030

EDIT : Here's some more info from Spike. Thanks!

Originally Posted by SPIKE ARRESTOR

The VIN code for mahindra vehicles consists of 17 digits, which is divided mainly into 3 sections.
first section containing 3 digits which give details of Manufacturer code.
second section containing 6 digits which give details of general characteristics of the vehicle
third section containing 8 digits which give details of particular vehicle identification. Now the details of all the 17 digits
Digit 1- Continent code ( M means Asia)
Digit 2- Country code (A means India)
Digit 3- Manufacturers code for MnM (1 means Mahindra)
Digit 4,5-Vehicle code for RHD,LHD
Digit 6- 4WD or 2WD (4 means 4WD and 2 means 2WD)
Digit 7,8- Engine code (Different codes for MDI and NEF)
Digit9- Transmission code (N for NGT 530R and L for NGT530)
Digit 10- Year code (2 for 2001, 3 for 2002 and so on)
Digit 11- Plant location (1 for Kandivali, 2 for Nasik, 3 for Zaheerabad)
Digit 12- Month code (A for January, B for Feb and so on)
Digit 13-17- Vehicle Serial No.

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning with MA7...)

Decode:

10th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture
11th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 10th VIN character is A, then it represents the Year - 2010
If your 11th VIN character is G, then it represents the Month - July

Month Codes:

A = JAN
B = FEB
C = MAR
D = APR
E = MAY
F = JUN
G = JUL
H = AUG
J = SEP
K = OCT
L = NOV
M = DEC

Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
V = 2027
W = 2028
X = 2029
Y = 2030

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Hyundai

VIN / Chassis Number Characters: 19 (beginning with MAL...)

Decode:

10th character represents the Model YEAR
19th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 10th VIN character is A, then it represents the Model Year - 2010
If your 19th VIN character is G, then it represents the Month of Manufacture - July

Month Codes:

A = JAN
B = FEB
C = MAR
D = APR
E = MAY
F = JUN
G = JUL
H = AUG
J = SEP
K = OCT
L = NOV
M = DEC

Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
V = 2027
W = 2028
X = 2029
Y = 2030

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Fiat

VIN Characters: 20 (beginning with MCA...)

Decode:

18th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture
19th & 20th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 18th VIN character is G, then it represents the Month - July
If your 19th & 20th VIN character is NZ, then it represents the Year - 2010

Month Codes:

A = JAN
B = FEB
C = MAR
D = APR
E = MAY
F = JUN
G = JUL
H = AUG
J = SEP
K = OCT
L = NOV
M = DEC

Year Codes:

8Z = 2030
7Z = 2029
6Z = 2028
5Z = 2027
4Z = 2026
3Z = 2025
2Z = 2024
1Z = 2023
AZ = 2022
BZ = 2021
CZ = 2020
DZ = 2019
EZ = 2018
FZ = 2017
GZ = 2016
HZ = 2015
JZ = 2014
KZ = 2013
LZ = 2012
MZ = 2011
NZ = 2010
QZ & PZ = 2009

2013 Model Year - Grande Punto Engine Codes:

11816D - 1.2-8V-CF4-ACTIVE
11845D - 1.2-8V-CF4-DYNAMIC
11855F - 1.4-16V-CF4-EMOTION
11814E - 1.3-JTD-75CV-CF4-ACTIVE
11845E - 1.3-JTD-75CV-CF4-DYNAMIC
11855E - 1.3-JTD-75CV-CF4- EMOTION
11854D - 1.3-JTD-90CV CF4-EMOTION

2013 Model Year - Linea Engine Codes:

110EDG - 1.4-16V-CF4-ACTIVE
110GDG - 1.4-16V-CF4-DYNAMIC
110GD2 - 1.4-16VTURBO-CF4-T-JET
110HD2 - 1.4-16VTURBO-CF4-EMOTION
110EDB - 1.3-JTD-90CV-CF4-ACTIVE
110GDB - 1.3-JTD-90CV-CF4- DYNAMIC
110HDB - 1.3-JTD-90CV-CF4-EMOTION

Fiat LINEA Engine Codes - New Variants

110ED2 - 3V-1.4-16VTURBO-CF4-ACTIVE
110KDG - 3V-1.4-16V-CF4-CLASSIC BAS
110D16 - 3V-1.4-16V-CF3-DYNAMIC PACK D1
11071G - 3V-1.4-16V-CF4-EMOTION PACK E1
110KDB - 1.3-JTD-75CV-CF4-CLASSIC BAS
110LDB - 1.3-JTD-75CV-CF4-CLASSIC MID

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Skoda

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning with TMB...)

Decode:

6th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture
10th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 6th VIN character is G, then it represents the Month - July
If your 10th VIN character is A, then it represents the Year - 2010

Month Codes:

A = JAN
B = FEB
C = MAR
D = APR
E = MAY
F = JUN
G = JUL
H = AUG
J = SEP
K = OCT
L = NOV
M = DEC

Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
V = 2027
W = 2028
X = 2029
Y = 2030

Note: Here's a link to a worldwide VIN decoder for VW / Skoda / Audi cars. Try it out, thanks to BHPian dkaile for sharing.

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Volkswagen

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning with WVW...)

EDIT : From 2015 - beginning with MEX

Decode:

4th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture
5th & 6th combined character represents Production Year
10th character represents the Model Year

An Example:

If your 4th VIN character is C, then it represents the Month - March
If your 5th & 6th Combined character is 12 then it represents the production year 2012
If your 10th VIN character is C, then it represents the Model Year - 2012

Month Codes:

A = JAN
B = FEB
C = MAR
D = APR
E = MAY
F = JUN
G = JUL
H = AUG
J = SEP
K = OCT
L = NOV
M = DEC

Year Codes:

10 = 2010
11 = 2011
12 = 2012
13 = 2013
14 = 2014
15 = 2015
16 = 2016
17 = 2017
18 = 2018
19 = 2019
20 = 2020
21 = 2021
22 = 2022
23 = 2023
24 = 2024
25 = 2025
26 = 2026
27 = 2027
28 = 2028
29 = 2029
30 = 2030

Model Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019

Note: Here's a link to a worldwide VIN decoder for VW / Skoda / Audi cars. Try it out, thanks to BHPian dkaile for sharing.

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Toyota

VIN Characters: 22 (beginning with MBJ...)

Decode:

19th & 20th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture
21st & 22nd character represents the YEAR of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 19th & 20th VIN characters are 0 & 5, then it represents the Month - May
If your 21st & 22nd VIN characters are 0 & 8, then it represents the Year - 2008

Month Codes:

01 = JAN
02 = FEB
03 = MAR
04 = APR
05 = MAY
06 = JUN
07 = JUL
08 = AUG
09 = SEP
10 = OCT
11 = NOV
12 = DEC

Year Codes:

10 = 2010
11 = 2011
12 = 2012
13 = 2013
14 = 2014
15 = 2015
16 = 2016
17 = 2017
18 = 2018
19 = 2019
20 = 2020
21 = 2021
22 = 2022
23 = 2023
24 = 2024
25 = 2025
26 = 2026
27 = 2027
28 = 2028
29 = 2029
30 = 2030

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Maruti

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning mostly with MA3...)

Decode:

11th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture
10th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 11th VIN character is H, then it represents the Month - August
If your 10th VIN character is F, then it represents the Year - 2015

Month Codes:

A = JAN
B = FEB
C = MAR
D = APR
E = MAY
F = JUN
G = JUL
H = AUG
J = SEP
K = OCT
L = NOV
M = DEC

Year Codes:

Y=2030
X=2029
W=2028
V=2027
T=2026
S=2025
R=2024
P=2023
N=2022
M=2021
L=2020
K=2019
J=2018
H=2017
G=2016
F=2015
E=2014
D=2013
C=2012
B=2011
A=2010
9=2009
8=2008
7=2007
6=2006
5=2005



Alternately

Some cars have 00 as the 10th and 11th characters. In such cases, two more characters are added to the 17 after a star.

VIN Characters: 19 (beginning mostly with MA3...)

Decode:

18th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture
19th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 18th VIN character is E, then it represents the Month - May
If your 19th VIN character is J, then it represents the Year - 2018



For older cars

VIN Characters: 21 (beginning mostly with MA3...)

Decode:

20th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture
21st character represents the YEAR of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 20th VIN character is L, then it represents the Month - November
If your 21st VIN character is 6, then it represents the Year - 2006

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Nissan / Datsun

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning mostly with "MDH")

Decode:

10th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture
11th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 10th VIN character is C, then it represents the Year 2012
If your 11th VIN character is 3, then it represents the Month of March

Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
V = 2027
W = 2028
X = 2029
Y = 2030

Month Codes:

1 = January
2 = February
3 = March
4 = April
5 = May
6 = June
7 = July
8 = August
9 = September
A = October
B = November
C = December

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Renault

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning mostly with "MEE")

Decode:

10th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture
11th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 10th VIN character is C, then it represents the Year 2012
If your 11th VIN character is 3, then it represents the Month of March

Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
V = 2027
W = 2028
X = 2029
Y = 2030

Month Codes:

1 = January
2 = February
3 = March
4 = April
5 = May
6 = June
7 = July
8 = August
9 = September
A = October
B = November
C = December

[wildon]

Manufacturer: Ford

VIN Characters: 17 (beginning mostly with MAJ...)

Ford India uses a pattern which repeats every 4 years. That means the 2005-2008 pattern repeats for 2009-2012 (and so on).

Decode: (Use the chart below for reference)

11th character represents the YEAR of Manufacture
12th character represents the MONTH of Manufacture

An Example:

If your 11th VIN character is 7, then it represents the Year - 2007
If your 12th VIN character is K, then it represents the Month - February

Year Codes:

A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
V = 2027
W = 2028
X = 2029
Y = 2030



Please also check out Arunphilip's excellent post here.

[Stratos]

Hey Wildon, Thank You for all the input on VINs. We have just moved your posts to this separate thread so that members can easily refer to the posts above in order to decode the VINs of their cars.