Free Chevrolet Malibu Classic VIN Decoder

How to decode a Chevrolet Malibu Classic VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Chevrolet Malibu Classic VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial sequence of three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), indicating the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For the Chevrolet Malibu-Classic, the WMI 1G1 signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. This WMI is associated with passenger cars and covers the model years 2004-2005. The WMI is a crucial component of the VIN, offering important details about the vehicle’s background and specifications, serving as an essential tool for tracking, registration, and identification purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a Chevrolet Malibu Classic

WMI: 1G1

• Model Years Covered: 2004-2005
• Example VIN: 1G1ND52F04M523759
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Chevrolet Malibu Classic 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 Chevrolet Malibu Classic:

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 Chevrolet Malibu Classic 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 Chevrolet Malibu Classic VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Chevrolet Malibu Classic VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Chevrolet Malibu Classic Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Chevrolet Malibu Classic

The final 6 characters in a Chevrolet Malibu Classic’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a Chevrolet Malibu Classic VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, potentially indicating that it is from around the year 2005, offering insights into the age and historical value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: Information such as the make and model, in this case, a Chevrolet Malibu Classic with a 2.2 L engine developed by GM, can typically be deciphered from the VIN, providing basic vehicle details.
• Engine Details: The VIN might detail engine specifics including a 2.2-liter displacement, an In-Line engine configuration, and an engine model L61, possibly indicating the powertrain’s design and performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, can be determined from the VIN, offering potential insights into the vehicle’s operational requirements and efficiency.
• Safety Features: Standard safety features for the model, like the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, could be revealed through the VIN.
• Plant Information: Manufacturing details such as the plant country (United States) and plant city (Lansing - North Plant) may be included in the VIN, offering potential clues to the vehicle’s origin and assembly location.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can possibly indicate the vehicle’s body class and size, potentially illustrating it as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s design and intended use.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Chevrolet Malibu Classic