Free Volvo S40 VIN Decoder

How to decode a Volvo S40 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Volvo S40 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. It composes the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides specific information about the vehicle, including its manufacturer, attributes, and origin. For instance, the Volvo S40, a passenger car produced by the Volvo Car Corporation in Sweden between 2000 and 2011, is designated by the WMI YV1. This code signifies that the vehicle is not only manufactured by Volvo but also confirms its lineage and manufacturing country, serving as a crucial identifier in the automotive industry for tracking, registration, and recall purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a Volvo S40

WMI: YV1

• Model Years Covered: 2000-2011
• Example VIN: YV1VS2550YF431022
• Manufacturer Name: Volvo Car Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City:
• State or Province:
• Country: Sweden

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Volvo S40 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 Volvo S40:

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 Volvo S40 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 Volvo S40 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Volvo S40 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Volvo S40 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Volvo S40

The final 6 characters in a Volvo S40’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a Volvo S40 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle, as in the case of the identified 2011 model.
• Body Class and Size: From the VIN details, the vehicle is indicated to have a Sedan/Saloon body type with 4 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and passenger capacity.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN provides information about the engine, including a 2.5 Liter (L) displacement, 227 horsepower, and a 5-cylinder configuration by Volvo, offering insight into the vehicle’s performance characteristics.
• Safety Features: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is equipped with curtain airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for both driver and passenger in the first row, and side airbags for the first-row occupants, possibly highlighting its safety attributes.
• Fuel Type: The VIN may reveal the primary fuel type for the vehicle to be gasoline, a key factor for potential owners considering fuel preferences or environmental impact.
• Drive Type and Engine Design: The VIN provides information on the drive type and engine design, indicating that this model is front-wheel drive (FWD) with a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design, offering insights into its drivetrain and engine efficiency.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN details indicate that the vehicle was assembled at the Gent Plant in Belgium by Volvo Cars, offering traceability and insight into the manufacturing origin.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Volvo S40