Free Ford Escape VIN Decoder

How to decode a Ford Escape VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Ford Escape VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code assigned to automotive manufacturers, which forms the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This code reveals the manufacturer’s name, and often, additional information such as the vehicle type and production location. For example, the WMI 1FM is designated to Ford Motor Company, specifically identifying Ford’s multipurpose passenger vehicles, such as the Ford Escape, produced in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. This identifier is crucial for global vehicle tracking, registration, and recall purposes. Spanning model years from 2001 through 2024, the 1FM WMI underscores Ford’s commitment to the production of versatile vehicles tailored for a broad consumer base.

List of WMI Codes for a Ford Escape

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 2001-2024
• Example VIN: 1FMYU01B01KF78852
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Dearborn
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Ford Escape VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

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

Below find the most popular vehicle descriptor codes for a 2024 Ford Escape:

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 Ford Escape 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 Ford Escape VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Ford Escape VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Ford Escape Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Ford Escape

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

What info can a Ford Escape VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting it to be the year 2018, offering insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type and Fuel: The VIN decodes the engine as a 1.5L GTDI Sigma with Premium Fuel, providing details about the engine’s capacity, type, and power output, which may impact the vehicle’s performance.
• Safety Features: Standard safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are indicated, showing a focus on safety. Optional systems like Cross-Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) showcase advanced safety options available.
• Drive Type and Transmission: The VIN classifies the vehicle as a 4x2 with a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering insights into the drive type and how power is transmitted from the engine to the wheels.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN suggests a primary fuel type of gasoline and a specific Fuel Injection Type, Stoichiometric Gasoline Direct Injection (SGDI), which offers insights into the vehicle’s fuel consumption and performance metrics.
• Body Class and Seating Capacity: The VIN classifies the vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with seating for 5 across 2 rows, providing key information about the vehicle’s size, utility, and family-friendliness.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was assembled in Louisville, Kentucky, United States by the Louisville Assembly Plant, giving context regarding the vehicle’s manufacturing origin, which can be relevant for quality perceptions and regional manufacturing specifics.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Ford Escape