A Volvo VIN Decoder deciphers the string of letters and numbers constituting a VIN (vehicle identification number) for a specific Volvo vehicle. It can provide basic info on a Volvo car or SUV, including its model name, year of production, engine and drivetrain configuration, and options.
More importantly, some Volvo VIN decoders can even get you a detailed history report regarding the mileage, service history, theft records, accident damage and salvage records, and more. This is especially useful when you want to buy a used Volvo.
There are various online tools you can use to decode a Volvo VIN free of charge. VinPit has become the most recommended VIN decoder platform because of its large database access, accuracy, and simple user interface. Plus, it serves as a VIN decoder specifically designed for Volvo models.
What Does Each Character in a Volvo VIN Stand for?
Volvo has been assigning unique VINs to its products since 1975. They changed their VIN pattern in 1981 and made changes again in 1991. The VIN letters and numbers discussed below are based on Volvo vehicles manufactured post-1991.
The first three letters and numbers of a Volvo VIN comprise the world manufacturer identifier (WMI):
- The first symbol pertains to the country of the manufacturer. Cars from the United States have the number 4. Those that start with the letter A were probably made for the European market.
- The second symbol is about the manufacturer. In some cases, the letter is the start of the manufacturer's name. For instance, V is for Volvo, and G is for General Motors.
- The third symbol pertains to the type of vehicle.
The next 6 digits comprise the vehicle descriptor section:
- The numbers in the 4th to 8th position describe the car: body type, model, restraint system, engine code, and transmission type.
- The number in the 9th position is the check digit. It's used to identify invalid VINs.
The next group of 8 elements comprises the vehicle identifier section:
- The 10th position is a letter that pertains to the model year.
- The number or letter in the 11th position tells you the manufacturing plant where the car was assembled.
- The last 6 numbers are the production sequence numbers. Every car gets assigned a unique number in the assembly line.
Click here to see a detailed breakdown of what every possible VIN character means.
Why Should You Use a Volvo VIN Decoder?
There are 5 primary reasons to use a Volvo VIN decoder:
1. When Buying a New Volvo Car
If you intend to buy a new Volvo, you can use a Volvo VIN decoder to see detailed specs and equipment for the car. This is a quick and straightforward way to know if a specific Volvo meets your needs and verify the info the seller has provided.
2. When Purchasing a Used Volvo
You can't be too careful when buying a secondhand car, and you should avoid a lemon that might break down repeatedly, or a car with a flood or salvage history Fortunately, our Volvo VIN decoder can reveal detailed information about a Volvo car's history, including
- its service records
- its odometer readings
- its registration records
- if it has a flood/junk/salvage title
- if it's been involved in any accidents
- whether it's suffered damages (flood, fire, or hail)
You may also use the National Insurance Crime Bureau's VINcheck tool to find out a car's past.
3. To Check If a Volvo Vehicle Has any Recalls
When you get a new or used Volvo vehicle, you may wonder if it has any safety recalls issued by the manufacturer, as they indicate problems with the car that can put your life at risk.
Some 2021 Volvo models have been recalled due to the supplemental restraint system airbag problem, which means the airbags may not work if a collision occurs. The recalled models include:
- 2021 Volvo V60
- 2021 Volvo V90
- 2021 Volvo XC60
- 2021 Volvo XC90
- 2021 V60 Cross Country
- 2021 V90 Cross Country
Another major recall involved 2016 - 2017 XC90, XC60, S90, and other models. These Volvo vehicles had seatbelt issues.
For more Volvo problems and recalls, visit The Most Common Volvo Problems and Volvo Recall Notices & Safety News.
The good news is, you can dispel such worries with VinPit's Volvo VIN decoder. This tool can help you find out if your Volvo has been recalled for safety reasons, among other details.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall tool and Volvo's recall VIN lookup can also be used to check if a Volvo vehicle has any recalls.
4. When You're Not Sure If a Volvo Seller Is Being Honest With You
Not all car sellers are honest and scrupulous. For instance, it is possible that some sellers clean up flood-damaged Volvos and sell them without disclosing their flood history.
You probably don't want a Volvo that's been flooded with water because the electric components, engine, and transmission can suffer lingering damage and stop functioning at any time.
Luckily, you can turn to a Volvo VIN decoder to discover any hidden facts about a Volvo, including damage, repairs, theft record, etc., helping you identify and avoid dishonest sellers.
5. To Discover a Fake or Cloned VIN
Having a Volvo with a fake or cloned VIN is one of the worst things that can happen to a Volvo owner. Scammers use a cloned VIN to mask a vehicle theft. If you purchase a car and a theft history is later discovered, the car will be impounded and returned to its rightful owner.
And if there's still money owed on the car, you might have to pay the loan. In the worst-case scenario, the vehicle might have been involved in a crime, and it will take a great amount of time and money to prove you're innocent.
Therefore, we advise using a Volvo VIN decoder to check if the VIN of your Volvo is cloned to avoid trouble. Other ways to find out if a vehicle has a cloned VIN include running a license plate lookup and checking the title and other paperwork.
How to Decode a Volvo VIN?
Step 1: Look for the Volvo VIN in your car. The numbers are usually located on the driver's side of the dashboard. Sometimes they are found in other locations:
- Inside the driver's side door
- At the front of the engine block
- Underneath the spare tire
- In the vehicle registration papers
- In the proof of insurance
You can also find the VIN with the Volvo Cars apps or in the car's center display.
Step 2: Next, enter the VIN in the search field on VinPit. Our tool will scan multiple publicly available databases such as state DMVs, the NMVTIS, the NHTSA, insurance companies, auto recyclers, junk yards, salvage yards, etc, and compile a comprehensive report for free! This can be done in a matter of minutes!
Alternatively, you can check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s VIN decoder. This is also a free tool, but the information it provides is not as comprehensive as VinPit. For instance, a history report is not included.
Another way to discover a Volvo car's history for free is the NICB's VINcheck tool. This site stands out in that it allows you to upload a photo of a VIN to start the search. However, the history report only reveals the theft and salvage records.
You can also learn about more free VIN check services and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Sample Volvo VIN Numbers
Here are some examples of Volvo VIN numbers you will see:
- YV1CZ911651164105 — SPORT UTILITY 4-DR, Volvo XC90 T6 AWD (2.9L L6 DOHC 24V TURBO), 2005 model
- YV126MFK3F1345902 — SEDAN 4-DR, Volvo S60 2.0 Premier (2.0L L4 DOHC 16V), 2015 model
- YV4A22RK8J1009598 — SPORT UTILITY 4-DR, Volvo XC60 T6 Momentum AWD (2.0L L4 DOHC 16V), 2018 model
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we encounter about VINs:
Do all Volvo vehicles have VIN?
Yes, all automakers, including Volvo, make sure that every vehicle has a unique 17-character VIN. The NHTSA standardized this format in 1981.
Can I review a car's history at no cost?
There's normally a free vehicle history report if you buy a car from a franchised dealership. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System has a list of 3rd party organizations that give history reports. The fee ranges from free to $10. You can also give VinPit's free Volvo VIN decoder a try.
Can I check my Volvo truck's specifications using the VIN?
Yes, as long as you know where to look. For example, VinPit offers free VIN checks on different types of vehicles, including trucks. You can get the specifications of a truck that include the tire size, width, and length through VinPit.
Why does my Volvo VIN not decode?
Check if it has the letters I(i), O(o), and Q(q). The standard format doesn't have these letters to prevent a mix-up with the numbers 1, 0, and 9.
For other likely reasons, check out 8 Reasons Why Your VIN Won't Decode.
What Is WMI?
WMI is short for World Manufacturer Identifier. It is the first three characters of a VIN that represent the country of origin, manufacturer, and division.
Conclusion
With all the resources and tools mentioned above, you should be able to decode a Volvo VIN and unveil the vehicle's history with ease. However, if you still can't decide which one to go with, VinPit's free Volvo VIN decoder is your best bet! It is easy to use and connected to several reliable sources!