Ford VIN Decoder

Use our accurate Ford VIN decoder UK to verify car specifications and check car history instantly – MOT history, outstanding finance, mileage, and more.

What is a Ford VIN decoder?

A Ford VIN decoder UK is a tool used to interpret the 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of any Ford vehicle. It reveals details like the vehicle’s manufacturer, model, year, body type, engine, and unique serial number. This helps identify specific features, track history, and verify authenticity for UK-registered Ford cars.

How to Decode a Ford VIN Number?

How to Decode a Ford VIN Number?

A Ford 17-digit VIN holds specific information about the vehicle, from basic information like the manufacturer, year, model, engine, transmission, and assembly location to critical records like the history, condition, and roadworthiness. To avoid confusion, VIN numbers exclude the letters I, O, and Q. These are omitted to prevent them from being misinterpreted as numbers 1 and 0.

The Three Sections of a VIN

The structure of a VIN is divided into three key sections:

Let’s break down what each of the 17-digit VIN characters means:

1st Character:

This identifies the country where it was manufactured.

1 or 4

2

3

J

K

S

W

Z

USA

Canada

Mexico

Japan

Korea

England

Germany

Italy

2nd Character:

This identifies the specific manufacturer and it’s represented.

A

B

H

A

D

N

T

V

V

Ford

BMW

Honda

Jaguar

Mercedes

Nissan

Toyota

Volvo

VW

3rd Character:

The third character shows the vehicle type or the division.

4th to 8th Characters:

These reveal the vehicle’s features, such as body style, engine type, model, and series.

9th Character:

This is the VIN accuracy check digit, which verifies the authenticity of the VIN. It is a single number or letter, “X.”

10th Character:

This tells you the model year. Each year is represented by either a letter or number. Below is the table showing the codes and years represented.

Code/Year

  • A 1980
  • B 1981
  • C 1982
  • D 1983
  • E 1984
  • F 1985
  • G 1986
  • H 1987
  • J 1988
  • K  1989

Code/Year

  • L 1990
  • M 1991
  • N 1992
  • P 1993
  • R 1994
  • S 1995
  • T 1996
  • V 1997
  • W 1998
  • X 1999

Code/Year

  • Y 2000
  • 1 2001
  • 2 2002
  • 3 2003
  • 4 2004
  • 5 2005
  • 6 2006
  • 7 2007
  • 8 2008
  • 9 2009

Code/Year

  • A 2010
  • B 2011
  • C 2012
  • D 2013
  • E 2014
  • F 2015
  • G 2016
  • H 2017
  • J 2018
  • K 2019

Code/Year

  • L 2020
  • M 2021
  • N 2022
  • P 2023
  • R 2024
  • S 2025
  • T 2026
  • V 2027
  • W 2028
  • X 2029

Code/Year

  • A 1980
  • B 1981
  • C 1982
  • D 1983
  • E 1984
  • F 1985
  • G 1986
  • H 1987
  • J 1988
  • K  1989
  • L 1990
  • M 1991
  • N 1992
  • P 1993
  • R 1994
  • S 1995
  • T 1996
  • V 1997
  • W 1998
  • X 1999
  • Y 2000
  • 1 2001
  • 2 2002
  • 3 2003
  • 4 2004

Code/Year

  • 5 2005
  • 6 2006
  • 7 2007
  • 8 2008
  • 9 2009
  • A 2010
  • B 2011
  • C 2012
  • D 2013
  • E 2014
  • F 2015
  • G 2016
  • H 2017
  • J 2018
  • K 2019
  • L 2020
  • M 2021
  • N 2022
  • P 2023
  • R 2024
  • S 2025
  • T 2026
  • V 2027
  • W 2028
  • X 2029

11th Character:

The eleventh character shows the vehicle’s assembly or manufacturing plant.  The locations are represented with these characters:

12th to 17th Characters:

These characters make up the unique sequential number of the Ford, indicating the production number as the car rolled off the assembly line.

How to Conduct a Ford Chassis Number Check?

Once you have the VIN, follow these simple steps for a quick Ford chassis number lookup:

Fact 1

Enter the VIN

Input the 17-character VIN into the form above.

Fact 2

Click “Decode VIN”

Submit your input by pressing the button.

Fact 3

View Specifications

Instantly access the car’s make, model, body type, and other key details.

In addition to the basic information, you also have the option to perform a Ford VIN check to access detailed car check records including previous keepers, ULEZ compliance, mileage, colour change and other vital details, providing insight into the vehicle’s condition, value and roadworthiness.

What is a Ford VIN Number?

A Ford VIN or chassis number is a 17-character code with numbers and letters which serves as a unique identifier for each Ford vehicle. It contains important info details such as the make, model, production year, body style, engine type, and more.

The VIN is crucial for accurate vehicle identification, history tracking, and verification, especially during purchases, repairs, or registration processes.

Where is the VIN Number on a Ford?

The Ford VIN number can be found in several key locations, with common spots including:

  • Dashboard (Driver’s Side): Look through the windshield on the lower-left corner of the dashboard.
  • Driver’s Side Door Jamb: Check the sticker or plate on the inside edge of the driver’s door.
  • Engine Bay: It may be stamped onto the engine block or near the firewall.
  • Registration Documents: The VIN is often printed on the vehicle’s registration (V5C logbook), or insurance paperwork.
  • The VIN is also stamped on the car’s chassis.
Where is the VIN number on a Car? uk vin decoder

Why Conduct a Ford VIN Number Lookup?

With growing car scams in the UK, running a chassis number check is now more important than ever to ensure a secured investment and transaction.

Here are six reasons to use a Ford VIN number decoder before buying a used Ford for sale in the UK:

Uncover Import/Export History

A Ford chassis number check can reveal if the Ford has been imported or exported. Imported vehicles may have limited service histories or differing specifications, which can impact maintenance and resale value.

Check for Write-Off Categories

Identifies whether the vehicle has been classified as a Category A, B, S, or N write-off in the UK, helping you avoid cars that may have been declared unroadworthy or unsafe.

Confirm Vehicle Modifications

Ensures the Ford matches its original specifications and highlights any modifications, such as non-standard parts, that could affect insurance or long-term reliability.

Verify Tax and MOT Status

Confirms if the vehicle is up-to-date with its road tax and MOT requirements, which is vital for ensuring legal compliance and avoiding penalties after purchase.

Identify Recurring Repairs or Issues

By examining the vehicle's maintenance and service history, a Ford VIN decoder UK can reveal patterns of frequent repairs or serious issues, giving you insight into its reliability.

Protect Against Fraudulent Transaction

Scams such as fake sellers or vehicles listed with altered details can be detected through a chassis number lookup, ensuring that all information aligns with actual records.

Free VIN Decoding Vs. Full Car Check Report

While our Ford VIN decoder free check provides basic information, usually unsubstantial when buying a used Ford, our paid service grants full access to detailed car check reports.

Free VIN Decoding

By simply entering the VIN into our Ford 17-digit VIN decoder UK, you can retrieve vital specifications, required for confirming the vehicle’s features. Here is what to get with our free car check:

Year

Body style

Colour

Gears

Make

Trim level

Engine size

Fuel type

Model

Transmission

Engine cylinders

Displacement

Vehicle type

Vehicle class

Engine specs

Emission standard

Number of doors

Number of seats

Displacement

Emissions

Full Car Check Service

Our paid car check tool allows you to assess the history and condition of any used car before parting ways with your hard-earned pounds. Here are the detailed information and records to expect:

High-risk records

Written-off check

Stolen records

Outstanding finance

Mileage history

Scrapped records

Auction history

Plate change history

MOT history

Ownership records

Logbook checks

Colour change history

Tax Status

Imported checks

Exported checks

Vehicle Registration

With the premium service, you gain access to crucial data such as accident history, unresolved finance, and complete ownership details, making it the ideal choice for those seeking maximum transparency and peace of mind when buying or assessing a used Ford in the UK.

Check Smart with Smart Car Check Application

Don’t get outsmarted in the UK used car market? With Smart Car Check mobile application at your fingertips, you’re assured of fast, reliable and accurate car history lookup. Stay confident when buying or selling a used car in the UK by downloading on Google Play and the Apple Store, Here’s why our mobile app stands out:

Smart Car Check provides all the tools you need to buy with confidence or sell transparently. Don’t wait—download the app today and enjoy seamless, reliable car checks at your fingertips!

Other Smart Car Check Tools

At Smart Car Check, we go beyond just UK VIN decoding services! Our platform offers a variety of specialized tools designed to streamline your vehicle research process and ensure you get the exact information you need. Here’s a breakdown of the additional tools we provide:

Registration Number Check

Retrieve vehicle details using the registration number.

MOT History Check

Access past MOT records to evaluate the car’s condition.

Insurance Write-Off Check

Identify vehicles previously classified as total losses.

Tax Check

Confirm tax status and compliance.

Stolen Car Check

Verify if the car is flagged as stolen in databases.

MPG Check

Determine the fuel efficiency and performance of the car.

Motorcycle VIN Check

Get specific data and history for motorcycles.

Car Value Check

Estimate the current market value of the vehicle.

Car Outstanding Finance Check

Verify if a car has an outstanding finance or loans.

Check Car VIN Number by Make

Get our Smart Car Check Mobile App

Are you looking for the best car history check UK? Make a smart decision with Smart Car Check App. Perform a Reg. number check in the UK to uncover any past problems and hidden history that the seller will not tell you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Simply use our free Ford VIN decoder UK to access limited information. With our paid VIN check UK, you can discover the car’s hidden history, running costs, MOT history, and more. You’ll get a detailed car check report in seconds.

Yes, by using our Ford VIN checker, you can check a secondhand Ford to verify all the details and records – car specifications, engine, MOT status, theft statues, mileage information and more. The information equips you with everything you need to buy smartly in the UK used car market.

In the UK, a build sheet simply refers to a detailed document that provides information on the original specifications, features and options that came with the car. By using our instant Ford VIN decoder UK, you can access all the details and the full car history at a very affordable price.

Yes. Simply use our Ford truck VIN decoder to access detailed information and records of any Ford trucks in the UK.