Free 2021 Buick Encore GX VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2021 Buick Encore GX VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2021 Buick Encore GX VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designated to identify the vehicle manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For instance, the 2021 Buick Encore GX has a WMI of “KL4”, indicating that it is manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. The “KL4” prefix also classifies this vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), reflecting its versatile design catered to various passenger and cargo needs. This identifier serves as a unique fingerprint for the vehicle, encompassing significant details about its manufacturing and categorization. Understanding the WMI can provide essential insights into the vehicle’s background and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 2021 Buick Encore GX

WMI: KL4

• Model Years Covered: 2020-2024
• Example VIN: KL4MMGSL0MB036653
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2021 Buick Encore GX VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2021 Buick Encore GX:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2021 Buick Encore GX VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2021 Buick Encore GX VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2021 Buick Encore GX VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2021 Buick Encore GX Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2021 Buick Encore GX

The final 6 characters in a 2021 Buick Encore GX’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2021 Buick Encore GX VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2021, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, in this case, indicating a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a configuration of 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN, in this case, indicating a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Fuel Type and Engine Design: The VIN may specify the fuel type, for example, gasoline, and intricate engine designs, including a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train.
• Safety Features: The VIN highlights standard safety technologies integrated into the vehicle, such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and advanced safety features including Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), emphasizing the focus on safety.
• Transmission and Engine Type: Information about the type of transmission, which in this case is automatic, and engine details such as a 1.3 L engine with an In-Line configuration and turbocharging, can be gleamed from the VIN.
• Airbag and Seat Details: The VIN reveals critical safety information, such as the presence of curtain airbags across all rows and details surrounding seating arrangements, including the number of seat rows and total seats, which amounts to 2 and 5 respectively.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): The VIN may detail optional and standard ADAS features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB), showcasing the vehicle’s commitment to safety and modern driving assistance technologies.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2021 Buick Encore GX