How a VIN is built
| Segment | Characters | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| WMI | 1-3 | World manufacturer identifier |
| VDS | 4-9 | Vehicle description (model, body, engine), defined by the maker |
| VIS | 10-17 | Vehicle indicator: position 10 = model year, 11 = plant, 12-17 = serial number |
Structure defined by ISO 3779; the United States applies 49 CFR Part 565.
Model year codes
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 1 | 2001 | 2 | 2002 | 3 | 2003 |
| 4 | 2004 | 5 | 2005 | 6 | 2006 |
| 7 | 2007 | 8 | 2008 | 9 | 2009 |
I, O, Q, U and Z are not used in the year code (NHTSA manufacturer handbook), and the sequence repeats roughly every 30 years: 2031 starts at A again.
Three limits
- The rule is defined for VINs that follow ISO 3779; vehicles outside that system may not use position 10 this way - confirm with the model plate or the catalogue.
- Model year is not registration year: cars built and sold across a year boundary are common.
- 30-year cycle: older vehicles need the previous cycle (1980-2000 and 2001-2009).
Using it when ordering
- Ask for the VIN and a photo of the model plate together.
- Record both in the order.
- Use position 10 to narrow the range; use the catalogue to confirm the part.
Send us your chassis number or original part number and we will confirm the reference.