Ford VIN Decoder
Ford VIN Decoder
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the VinWhere Vehicle Data Team · Source: NHTSA vPIC
A Ford VIN decoder reads a 17-character Ford 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, 1FA identifies ford passenger cars (usa).
What a Ford VIN can tell you
A Ford VIN can reveal the model year, model, trim or series, engine, drivetrain, body style, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available.
Ford VIN prefixes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Ford VIN identify the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. Common Ford prefixes include:
| WMI prefix | Identifies |
|---|---|
| 1FA, 1FB, 1FC | Ford passenger cars (USA) |
| 1FT, 1FD | Ford trucks, incl. F-Series (USA) |
| 1FM | Ford SUVs / multipurpose vehicles (USA) |
| 2FM, 2FT | Ford built in Canada |
| 3FA | Ford built in Mexico |
Reading a Ford VIN
Position 10: model year
The 10th character of a Ford VIN is the model year code, the same as every modern VIN.
Position 11: assembly plant
The 11th character identifies the Ford assembly plant, such as Dearborn, Kansas City, or Kentucky Truck.
First three: vehicle line
Ford's WMI splits cars (1FA), trucks (1FT), and SUVs (1FM) into different prefixes.
Sample Ford VIN decode
An example decode for a Ford VIN, showing the factory fields VinWhere returns:
- Year
- 2013
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- F-150
- Body
- Pickup
- Engine
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drive
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Built in
- Dearborn, UNITED STATES (USA)
Example VIN for illustration. Decode your own Ford VIN above for exact results.
How to read a Ford VIN
Every 17-character Ford 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 Ford models
VinWhere decodes VINs across the Ford lineup, including:
Ford build sheet by VIN
Can I get a Ford build sheet by VIN?
Yes. A Ford 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 Ford window sticker (Monroney label), which lists the as-built options and original MSRP.
Start with the Ford window sticker lookup to see the original as-built options and MSRP for your VIN.
Where to find your Ford VIN
- Driver-side dashboard, through the windshield
- Driver door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance card and policy
Data sources and limitations
Ford 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.
Ford VIN decoder FAQ
How do I decode a Ford VIN for free?+
Enter your 17-character Ford VIN into VinWhere's free VIN decoder. It returns the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, and assembly plant when available, with no signup.
Where is the VIN on a Ford?+
A Ford VIN is on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver door jamb sticker, and on the vehicle's registration, title, and insurance documents.
What does a Ford VIN starting with 1FT mean?+
A Ford VIN that starts with 1FT identifies a Ford truck built in the United States, such as an F-Series pickup.