Ford VIN Lookup and Number Decoder

Ford stands as one of the most iconic automotive brands in the world, known for its rich history of innovation and mass production of dependable vehicles. Consistently ranking among the top sellers in the US and globally, Ford’s popularity underscores its ability to meet diverse consumer needs, from rugged trucks and spacious SUVs to efficient sedans.

The Ford VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is crucial for potential buyers and owners alike. This unique code not only provides vital details about the vehicle’s specifications and manufacturing history but also ensures transparency and security in vehicle transactions. Checking the Ford VIN can reveal important information such as the car’s accident history, service records, and previous ownership, making it an indispensable tool for making informed decisions when purchasing or maintaining a Ford vehicle.

List of Ford Models

Here’s a list of popular Ford models, encompassing a range of vehicle types from sedans and SUVs to trucks and commercial vehicles:

Sedans

  • Ford Fiesta
  • Ford Focus
  • Ford Fusion
  • Ford Taurus
  • Ford Mustang (also considered a sports car)

SUVs and Crossovers

  • Ford EcoSport
  • Ford Escape
  • Ford Edge
  • Ford Explorer
  • Ford Expedition

Trucks

  • Ford Ranger
  • Ford F-150
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty
  • Ford F-350 Super Duty
  • Ford F-450 Super Duty

Vans and Commercial Vehicles

  • Ford Transit Connect
  • Ford Transit
  • Ford E-Series

Electric and Hybrid Models

  • Ford Mustang Mach-E (all-electric)
  • Ford F-150 Lightning (all-electric)
  • Ford Escape Hybrid
  • Ford Explorer Hybrid

Where to Search for the Ford VIN?

When you’re trying to locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a Ford vehicle, you can usually find it in several standard places:

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  1. Dashboard on the Driver’s Side: The easiest place to see your Ford’s VIN without opening the car is on the dashboard on the driver’s side. Look through the windshield from outside the vehicle at the area where the dashboard meets the glass.
  2. Driver’s Side Door Frame: Open the driver’s side door and look at the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). Typically, the VIN is located on a sticker or a metal plate in this area.
  3. Engine Block: The VIN is often stamped onto the engine block, which means you’ll need to open the hood to check this spot.
  4. Vehicle Registration and Insurance Documents: If you cannot locate the VIN by inspecting the car, it should be printed on the vehicle registration documents and insurance cards/papers.
  5. Vehicle Title and Service Records: The VIN will also appear on the vehicle’s title and any service records.
Ford VIN Lookup and Number Decoder

Ford VIN Decoder Guide

A Ford VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) decoder guide helps you understand the meaning of each character in the 17-character identification number. Each segment of the VIN provides specific information about the vehicle, from its manufacturing details to its specifications. Here’s how to decode a Ford VIN:

1. Characters 1-3: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

  • 1st Character: Indicates the country where the vehicle was manufactured. For example, “1”, “4”, and “5” are used for the USA.
  • 2nd Character: Represents the manufacturer. For Ford, this is typically “F”.
  • 3rd Character: Indicates the vehicle type or manufacturing division.

2. Characters 4-8: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

  • These characters describe the model, body type, engine type, and series. This section varies by manufacturer and often requires a manufacturer-specific guide to decode fully.

3. Character 9: Check Digit

  • This is a calculated value based on a mathematical formula using the other digits of the VIN to verify the authenticity of the entire number.

4. Character 10: Model Year

  • This character determines the model year of the vehicle. It is coded according to a standardized chart (e.g., “A” for 1980, “B” for 1981, …, “Y” for 2000, restarting at “1” for 2001 through “9” for 2009, and then using letters again starting from “A” for 2010).

5. Character 11: Plant Code

  • This character indicates the plant where the vehicle was manufactured.

6. Characters 12-17: Sequential Production Number

  • These are unique numbers that distinguish each vehicle individually. They typically start at 100001 for each model year at each plant.

Using a VIN Decoder

To decode your Ford VIN, you can use our VIN check tool that automatically interpret each of the characters for you. This tools require you to enter the VIN, and then will provide information about the vehicle, such as the model, vehicle’s history, engine specifications, and the assembly location.

This guide should help you understand and interpret the information encoded in a Ford VIN, providing valuable insights into the vehicle’s identity and history.

Ford VIN Samples

Here are a few sample Ford VINs that illustrate the typical structure and composition. These samples can be used to better understand how to decode or look up information about a Ford vehicle:

  1. 1FADP3F21EL264035
    • 1FA: USA (1), Ford (F), Passenger car (A)
    • DP3F21: Model specifics (e.g., Focus, engine type, trim)
    • E: Check digit
    • L: 2020 Model Year
    • 2: Assembled in Wayne, Michigan
    • 64035: Unique production sequence number
  2. 1FTFW1ET4EKF51234
    • 1FT: USA (1), Ford (F), Truck (T)
    • FW1ET: Model specifics (e.g., F-150, engine type, trim)
    • 4: Check digit
    • E: 2014 Model Year
    • K: Assembled in Kansas City, Missouri
    • F51234: Unique production sequence number
  3. 1FM5K8D85EGC54321
    • 1FM: USA (1), Ford (F), Multi-purpose vehicle (M)
    • 5K8D8: Model specifics (e.g., Explorer, engine type, trim)
    • 5: Check digit
    • E: 2014 Model Year
    • G: Assembled in Chicago, Illinois
    • C54321: Unique production sequence number
  4. 3FAHP0HA5CR267890
    • 3FA: Mexico (3), Ford (F), Passenger car (A)
    • HP0HA: Model specifics (e.g., Fusion, engine type, trim)
    • 5: Check digit
    • C: 2012 Model Year
    • R: Assembled in Hermosillo, Mexico
    • 267890: Unique production sequence number