Online VIN decoderFree Ford VIN lookup
Have the VIN of a Ford? Enter all 17 characters and see the model, engine, model year and plant for free, then check the history: accidents, title brands and odometer.
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Where to find the VIN on a Ford
On a Ford the VIN plate sits at the lower left of the windshield and on the driver-side door jamb; the same 17 characters are printed on the title, the registration card and the insurance card. If any of them differ, stop and check the vehicle history.
- Dashboard, driver side
Look through the windshield in the lower left corner, where the dash meets the glass.
- Driver-side door jamb
The sticker or plate on the B-pillar or door edge (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard label).
- Engine bay or frame
Stamped on the firewall or, on trucks, on the frame rail near the front wheel.
- Title certificate
Every state title shows the VIN near the year, make and model.
- Registration card
The registration card in the glove box repeats the VIN.
- Compare with the car
If the VIN on the title differs from the one on the dashboard, do not buy until it is explained.
- Insurance ID card
Your insurance card or app lists the VIN of each covered vehicle.
- Policy documents
The declarations page of the policy shows the full VIN too.
- Service records
Repair orders and dealer invoices usually carry the VIN as well.
How to recognize a Ford VIN
Ford is a brand from the United States. The first three characters of the VIN (the WMI code) identify the maker and, often, the plant or the market the vehicle was built for.
Example: a VIN that starts with 1FA stands for Ford cars, USA. The 10th character is the model year; the last six characters are the production number. A VIN that starts with another code is not necessarily a problem (makers change codes over time), but it is worth checking the history before you buy.
Ford plants in North America
A VIN that starts with 1, 4 or 5 was assigned in the United States, 2 in Canada and 3 in Mexico. Ford builds or built vehicles for the US market here:
- Dearborn, Michigan (F-150)
- Kansas City, Missouri (F-150, Transit)
- Louisville, Kentucky (Escape)
- Flat Rock, Michigan (Mustang)
- Cuautitlán, Mexico (Mustang Mach-E)
- Oakville, Ontario
Ford VIN decoder by model
| Model | Production years | Generations | Engine versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger | 1998–present | 18 | 101 |
| Ford Mondeo | 1993–present | 20 | 199 |
| Ford Fiesta | 1976–present | 15 | 140 |
| Ford Escort | 1968–present | 24 | 153 |
| Ford Focus | 1998–present | 21 | 255 |
| Ford Sierra | 1982–1993 | 5 | 94 |
| Ford Taunus | 1970–1982 | 7 | 32 |
| Ford Galaxy | 1995–present | 4 | 50 |
| Ford Granada | 1972–1985 | 5 | 42 |
| Ford Kuga | 2008–present | 5 | 36 |
| Ford Capri | 1974–1987 | 2 | 12 |
| Ford Everest | 2015–present | 2 | 7 |
What each part of a Ford VIN means
For Ford: 1FA, 1FM, 1FT, 3FA, 3FM, 2FM, WF0. The first character is the region (United States or the country of the plant).
Ford codes the model line, body style and engine here, which is why the VIN shows which version of the Ford Ranger you are looking at.
Every Ford sold in the US carries a valid check digit; our decoder flags a VIN whose check digit does not compute.
Model year, plant code and the unique production number of the Ford, which history reports use to link accidents, title brands and odometer readings.
The full guide: year codes, WMI countries and the check digit · Ford VIN check: history, recalls, title
Decoded Ford VIN examples
Real Ford VINs decoded on DecodeThatVIN, with the model and engine read from the code.
What does a Ford VIN start with?
Usually one of these codes: 1FA – Ford cars, USA; 1FM – Ford SUVs and vans, USA; 1FT – Ford trucks (F-Series, Ranger), USA; 3FA – Ford cars, Mexico (Fusion); 3FM – Ford SUVs, Mexico (Bronco Sport, Mustang Mach-E). The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI); a maker can have several, one per plant, vehicle type or market.
Where are Ford vehicles for the US built?
In North America, Ford builds or built at Dearborn, Michigan (F-150); Kansas City, Missouri (F-150, Transit); Louisville, Kentucky (Escape); Flat Rock, Michigan (Mustang); Cuautitlán, Mexico (Mustang Mach-E); Oakville, Ontario. Their VINs start with 1FA, 1FM, 1FT, 3FA, 3FM and 2FM. Imported Ford vehicles keep the code of their home plant.
Does the VIN show the model year of a Ford?
Yes: on Ford VINs the 10th character is the model year (see the VIN year chart). The letter repeats every 30 years, so check it against the production years of the model.
Can I see the history of a Ford from its VIN?
The free decode shows what the car is. Accidents, title brands and odometer readings are in the Ford history report; recalls are checked on the Ford VIN check page.