Volvo VIN Decoder
Volvo VIN Decoder
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the VinWhere Vehicle Data Team · Source: NHTSA vPIC
A Volvo VIN decoder reads a 17-character Volvo 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, YV1 identifies volvo built in sweden.
What a Volvo VIN can tell you
A Volvo VIN can reveal the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available.
Volvo VIN prefixes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Volvo VIN identify the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. Common Volvo prefixes include:
| WMI prefix | Identifies |
|---|---|
| YV1, YV4 | Volvo built in Sweden |
| LYV | Volvo built in China |
| 7JR | Volvo built in the USA (South Carolina) |
Reading a Volvo VIN
Country of build
A Volvo VIN starting with YV was built in Sweden, LYV in China, and 7JR at the US plant in South Carolina.
Position 10: model year
The 10th character encodes the Volvo model year code.
Safety heritage
Volvo's VIN descriptor encodes the model and body style used across its safety-focused lineup.
Sample Volvo VIN decode
An example decode for a Volvo VIN, showing the factory fields VinWhere returns:
- Year
- 2019
- Make
- VOLVO
- Model
- XC90
- Body
- Sport Utility Vehicle
- Engine
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drive
- AWD/All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Built in
- Torslanda, SWEDEN
Example VIN for illustration. Decode your own Volvo VIN above for exact results.
How to read a Volvo VIN
Every 17-character Volvo 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 Volvo models
VinWhere decodes VINs across the Volvo lineup, including:
Volvo build sheet by VIN
Can I get a Volvo build sheet by VIN?
Yes. A Volvo 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 Volvo window sticker (Monroney label), which lists the as-built options and original MSRP.
Start with the Volvo window sticker lookup to see the original as-built options and MSRP for your VIN.
Where to find your Volvo VIN
- Driver-side dashboard, through the windshield
- Driver door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance card and policy
Data sources and limitations
Volvo 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.
Volvo VIN decoder FAQ
How do I decode a Volvo VIN for free?+
Enter your 17-character Volvo VIN into VinWhere's free decoder to see the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, and assembly plant when available.
What does a Volvo VIN starting with 7JR mean?+
A Volvo VIN starting with 7JR was built in the United States at Volvo's South Carolina plant.
Where is the VIN on a Volvo?+
Check the driver-side dashboard through the windshield, the driver door jamb, and the vehicle's documents.