Free 2016 Volkswagen Passat VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2016 Volkswagen Passat VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 Volkswagen Passat VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). For the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, the WMI is “1VW”, which identifies the vehicle as being manufactured by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. This WMI indicates that the vehicle falls under the passenger car category and has links to Herndon, Virginia in the United States. By utilizing this WMI, one can ascertain specific details about the vehicle’s origin and manufacturer, enhancing understanding of its pedigree and regulatory compliance. These first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) serve as a global standard for classifying and identifying motor vehicles.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 Volkswagen Passat

WMI: 1VW

• Model Years Covered: 2012-2022
• Example VIN: 1VWBT7A30GC002323
• 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 Volkswagen Passat VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2016 Volkswagen Passat VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 Volkswagen Passat Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 Volkswagen Passat

The final 6 characters in a 2016 Volkswagen Passat’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2016 Volkswagen Passat VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, potentially providing insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
• Model Make and Specifications: It may detail the manufacturer, such as Volkswagen, and provide specific model information, such as the Passat 1.8T R-Line.
• Engine Details: Users might discover engine-related information, such as the displacement and horsepower, for example, a 1.8-liter engine capable of producing 170 horsepower.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, for instance, gasoline, is indicated through the VIN, offering insights into vehicle efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Safety equipment information, like advanced front airbags and their locations, can possibly be extrapolated from the VIN.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN can reveal the vehicle type as a passenger car and the body class, offering clues about the vehicle’s size and usage.
• Manufacturing Details: Manufacturing specifics, such as the vehicle being assembled in a specific location, can possibly be encapsulated in the VIN, grounding the vehicle in its production history.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 Volkswagen Passat