Free 1996 Volkswagen Jetta VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designating the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. In the case of a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta, the WMI “3VW” reveals that the car was produced by Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV, indicating it as a passenger vehicle made in Mexico, specifically in Cuautlancingo Ciudad Puebla. This code is essential in vehicle identification, helping to provide a global standard for classifying vehicles by their manufacturer and origin. It serves not only for identification purposes but also aids in tracking recalls, registrations, and vehicle history reports. For lovers and owners of the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta, the WMI is a gateway to understanding more about where and by whom their vehicle was made.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1994-2024
• Example VIN: 3VWSA81H5TM076806
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb
• State or Province:
• Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1996 Volkswagen Jetta:

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 1996 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1996 Volkswagen Jetta VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Volkswagen Jetta Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN may provide details such as the engine’s displacement (1984 cc or 1.984 liters) and the number of cylinders (4), offering insight into the vehicle’s performance capabilities and power.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type a vehicle uses, such as gasoline, is typically revealed, informing users about potential fuel consumption and efficiency.
• Safety Features: VINs can provide information on safety equipment, indicating whether a vehicle has front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row.
• Vehicle Make and Model: Essential information like the make (Volkswagen) and model (Jetta), including the series (GLS), is encoded in the VIN, aiding in vehicle identification and specification retrieval.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN can reveal manufacturing details such as the plant city (Puebla) and country (Mexico), offering insight into the vehicle’s origin.
• Body Class and Size: It can specify the body class, like Sedan/Saloon, and the number of doors (4), which helps in understanding the vehicle’s size and type.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta

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