Free 2004 Chevrolet Malibu VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer, serving as the initial portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It provides essential details about where the vehicle was made, its brand, and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu has a WMI of “1G1”, indicating that it was manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically within the passenger car segment. This code is pivotal in identifying vehicles, especially when dealing with recalls, registrations, and vehicle history reports. The presence of “1G1” at the beginning of the Malibu’s VIN underscores its American origin and classification as a passenger car.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu

WMI: 1G1

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1983, 1997-2024
• Example VIN: 1G1ZT62804F144034
• 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 2004 Chevrolet Malibu 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 2004 Chevrolet Malibu:

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 2004 Chevrolet Malibu 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 2004 Chevrolet Malibu VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu

The final 6 characters in a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Chevrolet Malibu’s VIN below:

What info can a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2004, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The vehicle features a V-Shaped engine configuration with a displacement of 3.5 liters (213.58310433156 cubic inches or 3498 CC), powered by gasoline. The engine uses Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) for fuel delivery.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN code indicates that the vehicle is classified as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 4 doors, providing insights into the vehicle’s design and functionality.
• Safety Features: The vehicle includes front airbags located in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, alongside side airbags in the same row, emphasizing the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN indicates that the vehicle falls within Class 1, with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), indicating the vehicle’s maximum safe weight.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN reveals that the vehicle was assembled in Kansas City, United States, by the NA-GM Corporation - Fairfax II, providing insight into the vehicle’s production location and oversight entity.
• Additional Features: The VIN and decode report provide details on the vehicle’s engineering and safety mechanisms, such as a manual seat belt type, water cooling system, Chevrolet name plate, and an Overhead Valve (OHV) valve train design.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu