A Tesla VIN Decoder is a tool that translates the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into detailed information about a Tesla. By using it, you can quickly identify the model, year, trim, battery type, motor configuration, and where the car was built.

Decoding your Tesla VIN allows you to gain a better understanding of your vehicle’s specifications and history. It’s a valuable resource when buying or selling a Tesla and can help ensure you have the correct information for maintenance and service purposes.

Where is VIN located on Tesla?

On a Tesla, the VIN is located on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield, where you can read it from outside the car.

You’ll also find it on the driver’s side door jamb label, in the car’s touchscreen under “Controls > Software,” in the Tesla mobile app, and on official documents like your registration and insurance papers.

However, there’s one notable difference for certain newer models: cars manufactured at Gigafactory Berlin have the VIN stamped on the rear right door sill label that can be seen when the interior trim is removed.

Why use a Tesla VIN Decoder?

Using the Tesla free VIN Decoder is a great way to access your vehicle’s complete NMVTIS Vehicle History Report. Just enter the VIN, and you can uncover a wealth of information through a user-friendly interface.

Here are a few key reasons to use the VinCheck.info free Tesla VIN Decoder for verifying claims and conducting background checks.

• Title brands (salvage, totaled, total loss, flooded etc.)
• Ownership timeline or sales data
• Vehicle Specifications
• Fuel efficiency (similar to fueleconomy.gov)
• Odometer readings or mileage
• Market Value
• Ownership Cost
• Accident history
• Theft history (much like NICB)
• Commercial use (like taxis, police, or fleet vehicles)
• Recalls and defects
• Safety ratings
• Inspection checklist

How Does a Tesla VIN Decoder Work?

Decoding your Tesla VIN allows you to gain a better understanding of your vehicle’s specifications and history. It’s a valuable resource when buying or selling a Tesla and can help ensure you have the correct information for maintenance and service purposes.
Using the sample Tesla VIN, 5YJSA1E17HF189658, we will illustrate the data each digit represents. We will use the diagram above and the Tesla decoding charts as our references.

• 5 – Country of Origin (United States)
• YJ – Manufacturer (Tesla, Inc.)
• SA1E1 – Vehicle Description (specifications)
• 7 – Security Code
• H – Model Year (2017)
• F – Plant Code (Fremont, CA, USA)
• 189658 – Production Sequence Number

Tesla VIN Number Breakdown

Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the parts of the 17-digit Tesla VIN Number:

• World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): The first three characters represent the manufacturer and the country of origin.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) usually determines the third digit. Along with the first and second digits, this helps signify the regional division of the car manufacturer.

• Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS): Characters 4 to 8 provide information about the vehicle’s body type, series, and restraint system.

Check Digit: The 9th character is a special check digit used to ensure the VIN’s accuracy.

• Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS): Digits 10-17 form the Vehicle Identifier Section, providing specific production details:

Model Year: The 10th character shows the vehicle’s model year. It’s usually a letter or number that represents a particular year.

Assembly Plant: The 11th character in the VIN tells you where the vehicle was assembled, giving you insight into the production facility’s geographic location.

Serial Number: Characters 13 through 17 in the VIN are unique to each Tesla, serving as the vehicle’s specific serial number.

Tesla VIN Decoder Data Sources

The details in free Tesla vehicle history reports typically come from:

• Government Databases (e.g. state Department of Motor Vehicles or DMVs)
• Insurance Companies
• Auto Auctions and Salvage Yards
• Service and Repair Facilities
• Vehicle Inspection Services
• Car Dealerships
• Manufacturer

Why Does My Tesla VIN Number Did Not Decode?

1. Typographical Errors: Even a small mistake when entering your Tesla VIN can cause decoding issues. Make sure to double-check that all characters are correct.
2. Incorrect VIN Length: VINs must be exactly 17 characters long. If yours is shorter or longer, it may be incorrect or from a vehicle made before the 1981 standardization.
3. Vehicle Age: Cars older than 1981 might have VINs with fewer than 17 characters, which some modern decoders might struggle with.
4. Regional Variations: Some Tesla VIN lookups might not recognize vehicles from certain regions or markets outside the decoder’s database, like European VIN formats.
5. Database Limitations: Not all VIN decoders have comprehensive databases and may lack information on certain Tesla models or years.

Who Can Benefit from Free Tesla VIN Decoder?

VinCheck.info draws from a vast array of government and private records to offer comprehensive and free Tesla VIN reports. This service is invaluable not just for used car buyers, but also for a range of individuals and organizations.

Dealerships & Private Car Sellers

• Providing a free car report can boost buyer confidence, show transparency, and help you sell your car faster.

Auto Insurance Companies

• Vehicle reports help assess risk more accurately by detailing past accidents, damages, and repairs. They assist in verifying the vehicle’s condition at the time of an accident.

Auto Repair Shops

• Knowing a vehicle’s history helps in diagnosing issues more accurately and planning future maintenance.

Lenders & Leasing Companies

• The reports help assess the value and risk of a vehicle being used as collateral for a loan. It also help set appropriate leasing terms and conditions.

Fleet Managers

• For companies managing multiple vehicles, understanding each vehicle’s history aids in maintenance planning and cost management.

Car Rental Companies

• Inventory Management: Vehicle reports ensure fleet vehicles are in good condition and help make informed decisions about buying or selling rental cars.

Law Enforcement

• Stolen Vehicle Recovery: Helps track the history and ownership of recovered stolen vehicles.
• Fraud Detection: Spots potential cases of odometer fraud, title washing, or other deceptive practices.

Regulatory Agencies

• DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles): Uses free vehicle history reports to verify information during registration and title transfers.
• Environmental Agencies: Checks vehicle history for compliance with emissions regulations and recalls.

Auction Houses

• Provides potential buyers with detailed information to make informed bidding decisions.

Extended Warranty Providers

• Assesses the risk of offering an extended warranty based on the vehicle’s past incidents and repairs.

Salvage Yards

• Helps determine the value and potential usability of parts from vehicles deemed total losses.

Car Enthusiasts and Collectors

• Collectors: Validates the provenance and authenticity of classic or rare vehicles.

How to Lookup Tesla Recall by VIN?

If you want to make sure that you did not miss any Tesla safety recall, you can do a free VIN check at VinCheck.info or through the official Tesla VIN Recall Research. More details about Tesla recalls in the past few years can be found on the Tesla safety recall page.

As required by law, local Tesla stores will resolve the manufacturing defects of affected vehicles with no charge. For more information, contact Tesla at 888-518-3752 / 1-877-798-3752 or visit Tesla Contact Us page.

NHTSA may investigate about half a million Tesla vehicles due to randomly occurring acceleration. If the investigation is escalated into an official Tesla recall, this can become Tesla’s biggest recall in the US. The units to be investigated are identified with three models:

Tesla notifies owners of the affected vehicles to bring their cars to official Tesla shops and have their manufacturing issues resolved.

How to Lookup Tesla Parts and Accessories through VIN?

You may browse through Tesla online shop to look for items your Tesla needs. Select the model name of your car to view the complete list of items that are compatible with your Tesla. Parts related to electronics, performance, and interior and exterior features are also available.

Enter your VIN below and run a Free Tesla VIN decoder in seconds!