Free 2012 Tesla Model S VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 Tesla Model S VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Tesla Model S VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, its country of origin, and the type of vehicle. For the 2012 Tesla Model S, the WMI “5YJ” signifies that the vehicle was produced by Tesla, Inc., indicating the manufacturer’s historical lineage in electric vehicle production. This specific WMI code also locates the vehicle’s assembly in Austin, Texas, United States, highlighting Tesla’s expansive operational footprint within the country. As part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the WMI provides essential insights into the vehicle’s origin and type, serving as a pivotal reference for regulatory compliance, ownership verification, and manufacturing details. The 2012 Tesla Model S’s WMI underscores its position as a pioneering passenger car in the electric vehicle market, reflecting Tesla’s role in the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Tesla Model S

WMI: 5YJ

• Model Years Covered: 2012-2023
• Example VIN: 5YJSA1CN0CFP03056
• Manufacturer Name: Tesla, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Austin
• State or Province: Texas
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2012 Tesla Model S 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 2012 Tesla Model S:

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 2012 Tesla Model S 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 2012 Tesla Model S VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 Tesla Model S VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Tesla Model S Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Tesla Model S

The final 6 characters in a 2012 Tesla Model S’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Tesla Model S’s VIN below:

What info can a 2012 Tesla Model S VIN reveal?

• Model Year and Make: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 2012, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle. It also depicts the specific make as a Tesla Model S, showcasing how details such as the manufacture year and brand are encoded.
• Electrification Level and Fuel Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), which suggests it is powered purely by electricity, highlighting the vehicle’s environmental efficiency and the absence of traditional fossil fuels.
• Battery Capacity and Charging: The data hints at a battery range of 81 to 90 kWh and support for Level 3 DC fast charging, possibly indicating significant electric range and fast recharging capabilities, essential for electric vehicle consumers.
• Body Class and Design: The VIN specifies the Tesla Model S as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 5 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and practicality for potential buyers looking for spacious and accessible vehicles.
• Safety Features: Details from the VIN reveal the presence of front airbags in the 1st row for the driver and passenger, knee airbags in the same row, and side airbags for all rows, indicating a high level of passenger safety standards.
• Production Details: The information reveals the vehicle’s manufacturing specifics, such as the plant located in Fremont, California, under the Tesla - Fremont, CA (FRE) company name, giving a trace of its production origin and possibly the quality and standards followed during its manufacturing.
• Vehicle Type and Specifications: The VIN also discloses that the Tesla Model S is categorized as a Passenger Car with rear-wheel drive and manual seat belts, offering a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s intended use, basic safety measures, driving dynamics, and vehicle control preferences.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Tesla Model S