Free 2012 Volkswagen Passat VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 Volkswagen Passat VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Volkswagen Passat VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, encompassing the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It signifies important details such as the manufacturer name, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For instance, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat has a WMI of “1VW” which indicates that it is manufactured by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., classified as a Passenger Car, and produced in the United States, specifically in Herndon, Virginia. This precise identification system ensures that each vehicle can be distinctly recognized worldwide based on its manufacturing origin and type. The application of WMIs, like in the case of Volkswagen, is crucial for legal, registration, and identification purposes throughout a vehicle’s life.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Volkswagen Passat

WMI: 1VW

• Model Years Covered: 2012-2022
• Example VIN: 1VWBP7A30CC002045
• 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 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat:

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 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 Volkswagen Passat VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Volkswagen Passat Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Volkswagen Passat

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

What info can a 2012 Volkswagen Passat VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2012, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN specifies the body class as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s size and type.
• Engine Type and Specifications: According to the VIN, the Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a 5-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.480 liters or 151.34 cubic inches, capable of producing 170 horsepower, providing valuable information about the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, highlighting its engine’s fuel compatibility.
• Safety Features: The VIN provides detailed safety features such as Airbags, including the locations at the 1st row for the driver and passenger, front airbags, and side airbags, indicating a focus on occupant safety.
• Plant Location: The VIN indicates that the manufacturing location is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States, offering insights into the vehicle’s production origin.
• Emissions and Restraint Systems: It provides specific details on emissions certification, such as being 50-State BIN 3/PZEV compliant, and mentions the presence of advanced front airbags and active seat belts, showcasing additional safety and environmental specifications.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Volkswagen Passat