Free Ford Explorer VIN Decoder

How to decode a Ford Explorer VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Ford Explorer VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code allocated to a vehicle manufacturer to identify the origin of its vehicles. In the case of the Ford Explorer, the WMI 1FM signifies that the vehicle was produced by Ford Motor Company, based in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. These first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) provide critical information, including the manufacturer’s identity, the vehicle type, and the country of production. Specifically, for Ford Explorers with the WMI 1FM, it designates them as multipurpose passenger vehicles produced between the years 1991 and 2024. This system plays a crucial role in vehicle registration, identification, and recall processes globally.

List of WMI Codes for a Ford Explorer

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
• Example VIN: 1FMDU32X1MUC54280
• 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 Explorer 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 Explorer:

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 Explorer 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 Explorer VIN — Year Code

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

Known Ford Explorer Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Ford Explorer

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

What info can a Ford Explorer VIN reveal?

• Model and Series: The VIN can reveal detailed information about the vehicle’s make and series, such as a Ford Explorer Platinum, which can help identify not just the brand and model but also the specific trim level.
• Safety Systems: A VIN may indicate the presence of advanced safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, and Lane Keeping Assistance, showcasing the vehicle’s technological advancements in ensuring passenger safety.
• Engine and Performance: Details about the engine, such as it being a 3.5L GTDI V-Shaped configuration with 365 horsepower, highlight the vehicle’s power and engineering, providing insights into its performance capabilities.
• Fuel Efficiency and Type: By decoding the VIN, one can learn about the primary fuel type, which in this case is gasoline, as well as the vehicle’s fuel injection type, offering clues about its fuel consumption and efficiency.
• Body and Design: Information regarding the vehicle’s body class as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), along with specifics like the number of doors (4) and seating capacity (7 across 3 rows), may help prospective buyers or owners understand the vehicle’s design and capacity.
• Drive Type and Transmission: The drive type, such as 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, paired with an automatic transmission style and six speeds, possibly provides essential details on the vehicle’s drivetrain and how it handles different driving conditions.
• Manufacturing Details: Insights into the manufacturing, such as the plant location (Chicago, Illinois, United States) and company name (Chicago Assembly), may offer background on where and by whom the vehicle was produced, adding to its history and authenticity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Ford Explorer