Buick VIN Decoder
Buick VIN Decoder
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the VinWhere Vehicle Data Team · Source: NHTSA vPIC
A Buick VIN decoder reads a 17-character Buick Vehicle Identification Number to identify factory data such as model year, make, model, body style, engine, drivetrain, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available. The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) — for example, 5GA identifies buick suvs built in the usa.
What a Buick VIN can tell you
A Buick VIN can reveal the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available.
Buick VIN prefixes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Buick VIN identify the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. Common Buick prefixes include:
| WMI prefix | Identifies |
|---|---|
| 5GA | Buick SUVs built in the USA |
| KL4 | Buick Encore built in South Korea |
| LRB | Buick Envision built in China |
Reading a Buick VIN
Global sourcing
Buick's compact SUVs are built in Korea and China, so the first VIN character often reflects an import origin.
Position 10: model year
The 10th character encodes the Buick model year code.
GM brand
Buick shares platforms and VIN conventions with other GM brands but uses its own WMIs.
Sample Buick VIN decode
An example decode for a Buick VIN, showing the factory fields VinWhere returns:
- Year
- 2018
- Make
- BUICK
- Model
- Enclave
- Body
- Sport Utility Vehicle
- Engine
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drive
- AWD/All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Built in
- Lansing - Delta Township, UNITED STATES (USA)
Example VIN for illustration. Decode your own Buick VIN above for exact results.
How to read a Buick VIN
Every 17-character Buick VIN follows the same position structure. The 10th character is the model year (see the VIN year chart) and the 11th is the assembly plant.
| Position(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Country or region of manufacture (WMI) |
| 2 | Manufacturer (WMI) |
| 3 | Vehicle type or manufacturing division (WMI) |
| 4–8 | Vehicle attributes: model, body, engine, restraints (VDS) |
| 9 | Check digit (validates the VIN) |
| 10 | Model year |
| 11 | Assembly plant |
| 12–17 | Production sequence / serial number |
Common Buick models
VinWhere decodes VINs across the Buick lineup, including:
Buick build sheet by VIN
Can I get a Buick build sheet by VIN?
Yes. A Buick build sheet is the factory record of how a specific vehicle was originally built — its installed options, packages, and paint and trim codes. VinWhere reconstructs this from the VIN: it decodes the factory specification, then checks the original Buick window sticker (Monroney label), which lists the as-built options and original MSRP.
Start with the Buick window sticker lookup to see the original as-built options and MSRP for your VIN.
Where to find your Buick VIN
- Driver-side dashboard, through the windshield
- Driver door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance card and policy
Data sources and limitations
Buick VIN decoding is based on manufacturer-reported vehicle data from the official NHTSA vPIC database, plus brand-specific window sticker providers where available. Some fields — trim, options, or window sticker — may be unavailable depending on the model year, vehicle type, and source. A VIN decode shows factory specifications only, never owner names, addresses, or private DMV records.
Buick VIN decoder FAQ
How do I decode a Buick VIN for free?+
Enter your 17-character Buick VIN into VinWhere's free decoder to see the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, and assembly plant when available.
What does a Buick VIN starting with LRB mean?+
A Buick VIN starting with LRB was built in China, such as a Buick Envision.
Where is the VIN on a Buick?+
Check the driver-side dashboard through the windshield, the driver door jamb, and the vehicle's documents.