Chevrolet VIN Decoder

    Get the facts on any Chevy in seconds. Use our Chevrolet VIN decoder to uncover specs, engine type, accident records, ownership history, and more.

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    What is a Chevrolet VIN Decoder?

    A Chevrolet VIN Decoder is a smart tool that helps you understand your Chevy’s 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This unique code tells the story of your vehicle—what it is, where it was made, and how it’s built.

    With a Chevy VIN decoder, you can quickly check the specifications and use the same VIN to look up hidden issues like title problems, past accidents, or theft. 

    In Canada, nearly 30% of used cars have at least one issue, such as a branded title, odometer rollback, or major collision damage. So decoding a Chevy VIN is a must-take step before buying.

    Why Decode a Chevrolet VIN?

    Buying a used Chevrolet? Then, decoding the VIN is key to a better deal. It gives you a clear view of what you’re getting before you hand over your cash.

    Here are six benefits of decoding a Chevy VIN:

    Confirm Vehicle Identity

    Verify year, model, engine, and trim to avoid buying the wrong vehicle.

    Spot VIN Tampering

    Protect yourself from fraud by ensuring the VIN hasn't been altered or cloned.

    Check for Title Brands

    Find out if the car has a clean title or is branded as salvage, rebuilt, or flood-damaged.

    Identify Open Recalls

    Learn if the Chevrolet has unresolved recall repairs that could impact safety.

    Trace Ownership History

    See how many owners it’s had and if it was used as a lease, rental, or personal vehicle.

    Review Past Damage

    View accident records, repair history, and insurance claims that could affect its value.

    What Does Our Chevrolet VIN Decoder Reveal?

    Our Chevrolet VIN Decoder gives you two levels of insight: a free VIN decoder for detailed vehicle specifications and a paid VIN check for full vehicle history. Here’s what you can check with a free VIN lookup:

    • Year
    • Make
    • Model
    • Trim
    • Engine specs and size
    • Transmission type
    • Drive type
    • Body type
    • Fuel type
    • Tire pressure info
    • Emissions rating
    • Braking system

    If you need more than just specifications, our paid VIN check delivers a complete vehicle history report, including

    • Vehicle specifications
    • Ownership history
    • Title brands (salvage, rebuilt, etc.)
    • Accident and damage history
    • Vehicle usage (personal, taxi, rental, etc.)
    • Auction records and photos
    • Mileage history and rollback check
    • Lien and loan records
    • Service and maintenance records
    • Sales history
    • Recall information
    • Warranty information

    Chevrolet VIN Number Location

    You can locate your Chevy’s VIN in these places:

    • Driver’s side dashboard (viewed through windshield)
    • Inside driver’s door jamb
    • Vehicle registration papers
    • Insurance documents
    • Title certificate

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    How to Use a Chevrolet VIN Decoder

    Decoding a Chevrolet VIN is easy. Follow these simple steps to use our tool:

    Step 1: Enter the VINType the 17-digit VIN into the form above. Enter your email and phone number. We also support classic car VINs ranging from 5 to 14 digits.

    Step 2: Search VINClick the "Check VIN" button. You'll see basic info like year, model, and engine for free.

    Step 3: Get VIN ReportPay a small fee to view the full history report and get access to hidden records like accidents, thefts, ownership history, and more.

    How to Use  VIN Decoder?

    Case Study: A Last-Minute Save for Jasmine

    Jasmine was thrilled about a used vehicle she saw online. It was affordable and looked family-ready. She paused to run a VIN check before sending the deposit.

    What’s in the report?

    • Three previous accidents
    • Salvage auction listing
    • Structural damage noted
    • Two previous owners and it’s a lease vehicle

    Outcome

    Jasmine avoided buying a water-damaged vehicle that could have led to endless repairs. A quick VIN check made all the difference.

    Find More with Our Chevrolet Window Sticker Service

    Want to know what a Chevy came with from the factory? Our Chevrolet window sticker tool reveals original features, packages, trim, safety ratings, MPG, and more. This tool specifically caters to buyers who want full transparency or sellers who want to prove their vehicle’s value.

    How to Read a Chevrolet VIN Number?

    A Chevrolet VIN is a 17-character code that identifies your specific vehicle. It’s divided into three sections:

    • WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier): Represented by the first 3 digits, and it reveals where and who built the car.
    • VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section) – Digits 4–9: describe vehicle type, engine, and safety systems.
    • VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section) – Digits 10–17: include year, factory, and serial number.
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    Chevrolet VIN Breakdown

    • 1st Character: This indicates where the Chevrolet was manufactured. This helps identify the country of production. For instance, character 2 = Canada.
    • 2nd Character: In Chevrolets, the second character indicates the parent company, General Motors (GM). This is usually represented by the character “G.
    • 3rd Character: In Chevrolets, the third character would be either “1”, “A,” or “Y.”
    • 4th Character: The fourth character identifies the model of the Chevy assigned at the factory. In most Chevrolets, you will find these characters: M = M100 K, M200, T = T100 S, T200, T250.
    • 5th Character: This represents the vehicle’s drivetrain configuration (e.g., whether it’s FWD or AWD). Some of the characters include A = FWD, automatic transmission, and M = RWD, manual transmission.
    • 6th and 7th Character: This indicates the body style or type of vehicle the Chevrolet is. Here are some character 08 = Two-door hatchback, and  69 = Four-door notchback with four windows
    • 8th Character: This provides information about the engine’s specifications. This helps to know the engine’s size, configuration, and sometimes fuel type.
    • 9th Character: This verifies that the VIN is authentic and not a fake string of random characters.
    • 10th Character: This reveals the model year and alternates between numbers and letters. Each letter represents a specific year; ‘W,’ for example, signifies a Chevrolet from the 1998 model year. Etc.
    • 11th Character: This shows the vehicle’s assembly or manufacturing plant, and some of the characters include:: 5 = Bowling Green, KY, and 6 = Ingersol, Ontario.
    • 12th to 17th Characters: These characters make up the unique sequential number of the Chevrolet. This distinguishes it uniquely from other Chevrolets with the same model, trim, etc., manufactured in the same plant.

    What You Need to Know About Chevrolet

    • Chevrolet has been around since 1911, becoming a core part of General Motors.
    • In 2023, Chevy sold over 170,000 vehicles in Canada, led by the Silverado, Equinox, and Blazer.
    • Chevrolet is known for iconic vehicles like the Camaro, Corvette, and Suburban—some of the longest-running nameplates in auto history.
    • Some older Chevy models were recalled due to ignition switch defects—highlighting the need to check recalls.
    • Chevrolet is investing heavily in EVs, launching the Silverado EV and expanding the Bolt EUV lineup for a greener future.

    Find VIN Decoder for other Makes

    • Alfa Romeo
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    • GMC
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    • Mercury
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    • Saab
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    • VW

    FAQ About Chevrolet VIN Decoder