Free Volkswagen Golf VIN Decoder

How to decode a Volkswagen Golf VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Volkswagen Golf VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes uniquely identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, describing aspects such as the country of manufacturing and sometimes the vehicle type. For Volkswagen Golf vehicles, these WMIs can vary depending on where and when the car was manufactured. For example, Golfs produced by Volkswagen Group of America in the United States between 1985 and 1989, or between 2000 and 2006, are designated with either the WMI 1VW or 9BW. Those manufactured by Volkswagen de Mexico between 1989 and 1991, and in several other spans till 2021, carry the WMI 3VW. Meanwhile, Volkswagen Golfs coming out of Volkswagen AG in Germany from 1999 to 2001 and again between 2010 and 2015 are identified with the WMI WVW.

List of WMI Codes for a Volkswagen Golf

WMI: 1VW

• Model Years Covered: 1985-1989
• Example VIN: 1VWFA0172FV077075
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Herndon
• State or Province: Virginia
• Country: United States

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1989-1991, 1996-1999, 2015-2021
• Example VIN: 3VWAB01GXKM012986
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb
• State or Province:
• Country: Mexico

WMI: WVW

• Model Years Covered: 1999-2001, 2010-2015
• Example VIN: WVWGF31J1XW730366
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Wolfsburg
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

WMI: 9BW

• Model Years Covered: 2000-2006
• Example VIN: 9BWGA21J2Y4035180
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Herndon
• State or Province: Virginia
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf:

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 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Volkswagen Golf VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Volkswagen Golf Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Volkswagen Golf

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

What info can a Volkswagen Golf VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The Volkswagen Golf is reported to be a 2020 model year, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: It is powered by a 1.4L engine with a reported horsepower of 147, suggesting the car’s power capacity and potential efficiency.
• Safety Features: Equipped with an array of standard safety technologies such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), the vehicle is designed to enhance occupant safety.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The primary fuel type is Gasoline, which, combined with its engine characteristics, can provide insights into fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Transmission and Drive Type: The Volkswagen Golf comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Front-Wheel Drive, detailing its drivetrain setup for potential buyers or owners.
• Body Class and Doors: The Volkswagen Golf is classified as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 4 doors, providing a balance between compact dimensions and interior space.
• Additional Features: It also includes standard features such as a Backup Camera, Keyless Ignition, and LED headlamps, enhancing convenience and driving experiences.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Volkswagen Golf