Vehicle Brands VIN Decoder - 134 Car Brands VIN Lookup

VIN Decoder

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Understanding VIN Structure by Manufacturer

Each vehicle manufacturer has unique World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes in the first 3 characters of the VIN. Learn how to identify any brand by decoding the VIN structure.

VIN Structure Breakdown by Manufacturer - World Manufacturer Identifier Codes for All Brands

Where to Find VIN on Any Vehicle Brand

VIN location varies slightly between manufacturers, but most brands place it in these 4 common locations. Find your vehicle's VIN to decode specifications and history.

Brand VIN Prefixes (WMI Codes)

The first 3 characters of a VIN (World Manufacturer Identifier) reveal the vehicle's manufacturer. Here are common WMI codes for popular brands:

Toyota

4T1, 5TD, JT2, JT3, 2T1

Ford

1F, 1FT, 3FA, 1FM, 2FM

Honda

1HG, 2HG, JHM, SHH, 5FN

Chevrolet

1G1, 1GC, 2G1, KL1, 3GN

BMW

WBA, WBS, WBY, 5UX, WBX

Mercedes-Benz

WDB, WDD, WDC, 4JG, 55S

Nissan

1N4, 3N1, JN1, JN8, 5N1

Jeep

1C4, 1J4, 1J8, 3C4, 2C4

Tesla

5YJ, 7SA, XP7, LRW, SFZ

Hyundai

KM8, 5NP, KMH, MAL, 5NM

Kia

KND, 5XX, KNA, U5Y, 3KP

Subaru

4S3, 4S4, JF1, JF2, 4S6

Mazda

JM1, JM3, 3MZ, 1YV, 4F2

Audi

WAU, WA1, TRU, 8V1, WUE

Volkswagen

WVW, 3VW, 1VW, WV1, 9BW

Lexus

JTH, 2T2, JTJ, JTE, 5TD

RAM

3C6, 1C6, 3D7, 1D7, 2D7

GMC

1GT, 1GK, 2GT, 3GT, 1GD

How to Identify Vehicle Brand from VIN

Follow these simple steps to determine the manufacturer of any vehicle using its VIN number:

Locate First 3 Characters

Find the WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) in positions 1-3 of the VIN. Example: 4T1BK46K89U123456

Match WMI to Brand

Use the table above or our VIN decoder to match the WMI code. 4T1 = Toyota manufactured vehicle

Verify Full Details

Enter complete VIN in our decoder to confirm brand, model, year, and all vehicle specifications

Why Decode VIN by Brand?

Brand-Specific Recalls

Each manufacturer issues unique recall campaigns. Decoding by brand ensures you get accurate recall information for Toyota, Ford, BMW, or any other make.

OEM Parts Compatibility

Original Equipment Manufacturer parts vary by brand. Verify the exact manufacturer to order correct replacement parts and accessories.

Warranty Verification

Manufacturer warranties differ by brand. Confirm the brand to check warranty status, coverage periods, and authorized service centers.

Manufacturing Details

Learn where and when your vehicle was built. Different brands have production plants worldwide - decode VIN to find assembly location.

Brand VIN Decoder FAQ

How do I know which brand my VIN belongs to?

Look at the first 3 characters (WMI code). For example, VINs starting with "1G1" are Chevrolet, "4T1" are Toyota, and "WBA" are BMW. Use our table above or decoder for instant identification.

What is a WMI code?

WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) is the first 3 characters of a VIN that identify the vehicle manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. It's assigned by SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).

Can I decode VIN for any brand?

Yes! Our VIN decoder supports 134+ vehicle brands including all major manufacturers like Toyota, Ford, Honda, BMW, Mercedes, Tesla, and even rare or discontinued brands from around the world.

Do all brands use the same VIN format?

All vehicles manufactured after 1981 use the standardized 17-character VIN format. However, each brand has unique WMI codes and encodes model-specific information differently in positions 4-17.

How to verify VIN matches the brand?

Compare the VIN's first 3 characters with known WMI codes for that brand. Then use our free VIN decoder to confirm the manufacturer name, production year, and model match the vehicle.

Can a brand have multiple WMI codes?

Yes, many brands use different WMI codes for various production plants, vehicle types, or geographic regions. For example, Toyota uses 4T1, 5TD, JT2, and others depending on where the vehicle was manufactured.