Free 2017 Volkswagen Passat VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2017 Volkswagen Passat VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2017 Volkswagen Passat VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter or -digit sequences that identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. The WMI is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is used globally to recognize specifics about a vehicle, including its make, model, and place of production. Taking the 2017 Volkswagen Passat as an example, its WMI, “1VW”, signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. in the United States, specifically in Herndon, Virginia. This identifier not only confirms the car as a passenger vehicle made by Volkswagen but also helps in tracking recalls, registrations, and warranty claims.

List of WMI Codes for a 2017 Volkswagen Passat

WMI: 1VW

• Model Years Covered: 2012-2022
• Example VIN: 1VWCM7A30HC003684
• 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Volkswagen Passat VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2017 Volkswagen Passat VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2017 Volkswagen Passat Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2017 Volkswagen Passat

The final 6 characters in a 2017 Volkswagen Passat’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Volkswagen Passat’s VIN below:

What info can a 2017 Volkswagen Passat VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as the year 2017, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type and Power: The engine details provided in a VIN might include the engine model, which could be a 1.8 TSI, alongside the engine’s horsepower, which in this case starts from 170 hp.
• Fuel Efficiency: While specific fuel efficiency numbers are not included in a VIN, information about the primary fuel type a vehicle uses, for instance, indicating a vehicle runs on gasoline, can be identified.
• Safety Features: Safety equipment such as airbags can be discerned, including locations like the front and curtains for the 1st row (driver and passenger).
• Manufacturing Details: VINs can reveal the manufacturer’s details including the engine’s make, like VW for this vehicle, and the assembly plant’s location, such as Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the United States.
• Vehicle Type and Specifications: The type of vehicle and specific model information, including body class and series like a Sedan/Saloon for the {Passat} SE w/Technology, are encoded in a VIN.
• Transmission and Powertrain Details: A VIN might provide insights into the transmission style and speeds, such as a 6-speed automatic, and whether the vehicle comes equipped with a turbocharger.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2017 Volkswagen Passat