Volkswagen VIN Decoder
Decode any Volkswagen VIN free — model, year, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant — then check Volkswagen recalls. Data straight from NHTSA, no signup.
About Volkswagen VINs
Volkswagen VINs vary by plant — WVW (Germany), 3VW (Mexico), 1VW (Chattanooga, USA) — for otherwise identical models.
Volkswagen (Germany) vehicles use the standard 17-character VIN from 1981 onward. Paste yours above to read exactly what it encodes for your specific unit.
Popular Volkswagen models
Volkswagen recall lookup
Check open NHTSA safety recalls for a Volkswagen by model and year.
Free, from NHTSA. To confirm whether one specific vehicle’s recall is still unrepaired, use the VIN-level tool at NHTSA.gov.
Volkswagen VIN — FAQ
How do I decode a Volkswagen VIN for free?
Enter your Volkswagen’s 17-character VIN in the tool above. It returns the model, year, body style, engine and assembly plant decoded from NHTSA’s public database — no signup or payment.
Where is the VIN on a Volkswagen?
On most Volkswagen vehicles, check the base of the windshield (driver’s side), the driver’s door jamb, and your registration and insurance documents.
Can I check Volkswagen recalls by VIN?
You can check open Volkswagen recalls by model and year with the recall lookup on this page. To confirm whether a specific Volkswagen still has an unrepaired recall, use the VIN-level tool at NHTSA.gov.
Does the decoder show Volkswagen trim and options?
Sometimes. NHTSA data includes trim for some Volkswagen models but not all, and it does not include full option packages — those require the window sticker or a paid build sheet.
Decode other makes
New to VINs? Read how to decode a VIN or decoder vs. history report.