Maintenance procedure · Written to ASD-STE100 Issue 9 · Formatted to ANSI Z535

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Record and Recall Check

Finding your vehicle's VIN, reading what it encodes, and checking the official database for any open recalls
ApplicabilityMotor vehicles registered in the United States
Task time16 min to 32 min editorial estimate, not a measurement
PersonnelOne
Revisionv1 · 2026-08-03
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before you begin. This procedure is general reference information, not professional advice. Equipment varies by manufacturer, model, and year. Always follow the documentation supplied with your equipment — where it differs from this page, follow the manufacturer. Verify that you have the tools, the working conditions, and the ability to do this task safely. If anything is unclear, if the equipment is damaged, or if the task exceeds your experience, stop and use a qualified professional. You are responsible for your own safety and for the outcome. This site accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use of this information.

Specifications marked unverified could not be traced to a manufacturer source. Do not rely on them — obtain the value from your equipment documentation.

Summary

The VIN — vehicle identification number — is a 17-character code that encodes information about your vehicle's manufacturer, model year, plant of manufacture, and specific unit. It is the key to checking whether your vehicle is subject to an open safety recall. This procedure walks you through finding the VIN on your vehicle, reading what each section of the VIN tells you, using the official NHTSA VIN decoder to understand the encoded information, and then searching the NHTSA recalls database to find out whether any safety recalls apply to your specific vehicle. A recall that has not been repaired is a safety risk; the manufacturer provides the repair at no cost.

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) maintains the authoritative database of vehicle recalls for the United States. This page routes you to that database and teaches you how to interpret what you find there.

Necessary equipment

ItemNote
VehicleYour motor vehicle.
Internet accessAccess the NHTSA website.
Flashlight optionalOptional if the VIN location is dark.

Locate the VIN

Estimated 2 min to 4 min

VIN length
Manufacturer or standard verified
17 characters

Source: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | NHTSA · tier 1 · accessed 2026-08-03

NOTICE

Do not stand in front of the vehicle.
Stand to the side when you read the windshield VIN.

  1. Look at the lower left corner of the windshield.
    • Find the label on the outside of the windshield.
    • The label shows a 17-character code with numbers and letters.
    <1m
  2. Copy each character of the VIN exactly.
    • Write it on paper or photograph it.
    • The digit 0 and the letter O are different.
    • The digit 1 and the letter I are different.
    1m
  3. If you cannot read the windshield VIN, look on your registration card.
    • Look at your insurance card if you do not have the registration card.
    • Both documents show your VIN.
    1m

Read the VIN

Estimated 2 min

Characters in World Manufacturer Identifier
Unverified — do not rely on this value
USE NHTSA'S OFFICIAL VIN DECODER AT nhtsa.gov/vin-decoder. THIS PAGE DOES NOT PUBLISH THE CHARACTER MAP.

No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.

Characters in Vehicle Descriptor Section
Unverified — do not rely on this value
USE NHTSA'S OFFICIAL VIN DECODER AT nhtsa.gov/vin-decoder. THIS PAGE DOES NOT PUBLISH THE CHARACTER MAP.

No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.

Check digit position
Manufacturer or standard verified
Position 9

Source: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | NHTSA · tier 1 · accessed 2026-08-03

Model year code position
Unverified — do not rely on this value
USE NHTSA'S OFFICIAL VIN DECODER AT nhtsa.gov/vin-decoder. THIS PAGE DOES NOT PUBLISH THE CHARACTER MAP.

No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.

Plant of manufacture position
Manufacturer or standard verified
Position 11

Source: VIN Structure - World Manufacturer Identifier, Vehicle Descriptor Section, and Vehicle Identification Section · tier 1 · accessed 2026-08-03

Vehicle Identification Section characters
Unverified — do not rely on this value
USE NHTSA'S OFFICIAL VIN DECODER AT nhtsa.gov/vin-decoder. THIS PAGE DOES NOT PUBLISH THE CHARACTER MAP.

No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.

  1. Read the first three characters.
    • These form the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).
    • Character 1 identifies the geographic region.
    • Character 2 identifies the country.
    • Character 3 identifies the manufacturer.
    <1m
  2. Read characters 4 through 9.
    • These form the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS).
    • They show the vehicle line, body type and engine type.
    • Character 9 is the check digit.
    <1m
  3. Read the character at position 10.
    • This is the model year code.
    • It shows the year of manufacture.
    • The code repeats every 30 years.
    <1m
  4. Read the character at position 11.
    • This is the plant code.
    • It shows where the factory made the vehicle.
    <1m
  5. Read characters 12 through 17.
    • These form the Vehicle Identification Section (VIS).
    • They identify your specific vehicle.
    • Characters 12 through 14 show additional data.
    • Characters 15 through 17 show the serial number.
    <1m

Decode the VIN online

Estimated 2 min to 4 min

  1. Open a web browser.
    • Go to the NHTSA VIN decoder website at vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov.
    • Find the decoder link on that page.
    • This tool decodes your VIN for free.
    <1m
  2. Type your VIN in the search box.
    • Type all 17 characters.
    • Do not add spaces or dashes.
    <1m
  3. Click the Decode VIN button.
    • The decoder shows your vehicle information.
    <1m
  4. Read the decoded information.
    • The results show manufacturer, model and year.
    • The results show the plant and country.
    • If the information does not match your vehicle, re-enter your VIN.
    1m

Search for open recalls

Estimated 8 min to 22 min

  1. Open a web browser.
    • Go to nhtsa.gov.
    • Find the recalls section on that website.
    • This section shows open recalls by VIN.
    <1m
  2. Type your VIN in the search box.
    • Type all 17 characters.
    • Do not add spaces or dashes.
    <1m
  3. Click the Search button.
    • The database searches for open recalls on your vehicle.
    <1m
  4. Look at the recall results.
    • Zero recalls means your vehicle has no open recalls.
    • Open recalls show the recall number, date and defect.
    • Open recalls show how the manufacturer will fix the defect.
    2m
  5. If you have an open recall, call the manufacturer.
    • The manufacturer must fix the defect at no cost.
    • The recall notice gives a phone number.
    • You can also find a dealer to schedule the repair.
    3m
  6. Sign up for recall alerts.
    • Download the SaferCar app for alerts.
    • Sign up for email on the NHTSA website.
    • The manufacturer will mail recalls to the registered owner.
    2m

Terminology

This page uses one term for each item and holds it throughout, as ASD-STE100 requires. Equipment sellers and other guides use the names below for the same parts.

vehicle identification number
Also called: VIN, vin number, vehicle id number
World Manufacturer Identifier
Also called: WMI, manufacturer identifier
Vehicle Descriptor Section
Also called: VDS, vehicle attributes
Vehicle Identification Section
Also called: VIS, sequential number
check digit
Also called: check number, verification digit
model year code
Also called: year code, manufacturing year
plant code
Also called: manufacturing plant, assembly plant
open recall
Also called: active recall, unrepaired recall, safety recall, manufacturer recall

When to use a professional

This procedure is entirely online. You do not need a technician. If a recall exists, a dealer can arrange the repair for you at no cost. Only an authorized dealer can fix the recalled defect. Do not attempt the repair yourself.

Common questions

Where is the VIN on my vehicle?

Look at the lower left corner of the windshield. Check your registration card or insurance card if you cannot read the windshield.

What if I cannot read the VIN?

Check your registration or insurance card. A dealership can read it for you if you need help.

What does each part of the VIN tell me?

Characters 1-3 show the country and manufacturer. Characters 4-9 show the design. Character 10 shows the year. Character 11 shows the factory. Characters 12-17 show the serial number. The NHTSA decoder explains all of this.

Can I decode my VIN without going online?

No. The NHTSA decoder is the standard tool. It is free and online.

What happens if I find a recall?

The manufacturer must fix it at no cost. Call the manufacturer or a dealer to schedule the repair.

How often should I check for recalls?

Check once when you get a vehicle. Sign up for email alerts from NHTSA or download the SaferCar app for future recalls.

Can I search by year, make and model instead of VIN?

Yes. But a VIN search is better because it tells you if your specific vehicle is affected.

Sources

Every specification on this page is traced to one of these sources. Tier 1 is a manufacturer document, a published standard, or a government safety authority. See Standards for the full tiering rule.

  1. Tier 1Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | NHTSANational Highway Traffic Safety Administration · accessed 2026-08-03 · re-verification due 2027-01-30 · automated link check returned 403 — verified by hand
  2. Tier 1VIN Structure - World Manufacturer Identifier, Vehicle Descriptor Section, and Vehicle Identification SectionNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration · accessed 2026-08-03 · re-verification due 2027-01-30 · automated link check returned 403 — verified by hand
  3. Tier 1Check for Recalls: Vehicle, Car Seat, Tire, Equipment | NHTSANational Highway Traffic Safety Administration · accessed 2026-08-03 · re-verification due 2027-01-30 · automated link check returned 403 — verified by hand

Revision history

Current version 1 · updated 2026-08-03 · next review due 2027-08-03

  1. v1 · 2026-08-03Initial draft. Sourced from NHTSA VIN decoder page, NHTSA recalls database documentation, and NHTSA VIN structure regulations. All specifications are verified from tier-1 government sources.

Corrections to this page are listed in the public corrections log. Reports that are credible and not yet verified are listed in the public errata register, and an open one renders above the step it concerns.

Comments and corrections

Found an error? A correction with a manufacturer source is applied and logged publicly. You can also write to corrections@fixchecklist.com.

Every step above carries its own report control, which tags the report with that step so a correction reaches the right place. For anything about the procedure as a whole — the order of the sections, a step that is missing, something that did not match your equipment — use this: report something about this whole procedure.

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