Free 2003 Dodge Dakota VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2003 Dodge Dakota VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Dodge Dakota VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial set of three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the 2003 Dodge Dakota, the WMI is “1D7,” indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by FCA US LLC, formerly known as Chrysler Group LLC. Each character of the WMI has its specific meaning: “1” representing the country (United States), “D” identifying the manufacturer (Dodge), and “7” indicating the vehicle type (Truck). This coding is part of a standardized system used globally to classify vehicles by their manufacturer, distinguishing them by country of origin, company, and vehicle type. The system provides a methodical way for decoding essential manufacturing details from the VIN, crucial for vehicle registration, identification, and regulatory compliance.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Dodge Dakota

WMI: 1D7

• Model Years Covered: 2003-2011
• Example VIN: 1D7HL38X03S135636
• Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Auburn Hills
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2003 Dodge Dakota 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 2003 Dodge Dakota:

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 2003 Dodge Dakota 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 2003 Dodge Dakota VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2003 Dodge Dakota VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 Dodge Dakota Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Dodge Dakota

The final 6 characters in a 2003 Dodge Dakota’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Dodge Dakota’s VIN below:

What info can a 2003 Dodge Dakota VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as the year 2003, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Make and Model: It indicates the make and model of the vehicle, showing it is a Dodge Dakota, which may help in understanding the vehicle’s market position and general specifications.
• Engine Type: The VIN details engine characteristics, including a V-Shaped, 4.7L (4700 CC) engine with 8 cylinders and Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI), outlining the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN reveals the body class as a Pickup with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Drive Type and Fuel Type: The drive type is specified as 4x2 and the primary fuel type is Gasoline, providing insights into the vehicle’s drivetrain system and energy efficiency.
• Safety Features: While not explicitly detailed in the data, VIN information often includes brake system type, such as Hydraulic, hinting at the vehicle’s safety mechanisms and innovations.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN can specify the manufacturing location, including the plant city (Warren), state (Michigan), and country (United States), as well as the plant company name (Dodge City Assembly), offering insight into the vehicle’s origin and build quality.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 Dodge Dakota