Buying a used car is always associated with risks: hidden damage to the body, broken license plates, or discrepancies between the documents and the actual configuration. One of the most reliable ways to check the history of a car is decrypt VIN code, where information about the body type, year of manufacture and even the country of origin is encoded. But how exactly do you extract this data from the 17-digit cipher?

In this article we will look at what VIN characters are responsible for the body, how to interpret them correctly for different brands (from Toyota up to BMW), and we will provide a current list free services for online verification. You will also learn why the VIN data may not match the title and what to do if the body code is not in the database.

What is a VIN code and where to look for it on a car

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique vehicle identifier, which is assigned at the factory and consists of 17 characters (numbers and Latin letters, except I, O, Q). It encodes information about the manufacturer, model, body type, engine and even the assembly plant.

You can find the VIN in several places:

  • 📄 In documents: PTS (line "VIN"), STS (column "Identification number"), OSAGO insurance policy.
  • 🚗 On the body:
    • Under the windshield on the driver's side (visible from outside).
    • On the driver's door pillar (with the door open).
    • Under the hood (on a special plate or stamped on the side member).
  • 🔧 Inside: Under the driver's side floor trim (sometimes the carpet may need to be removed).

⚠️ Attention: If the VIN on the body and in the documents do not match, this may indicate number interruption or design changes (for example, after an accident). In this case, be sure to check the car history through official website of the traffic police.

📊 Where do you usually check the VIN code before buying a car?
In documents
On the body
Through online services
I don't check
Another option

Which VIN characters are responsible for the body type?

The structure of the VIN code is standardized by international ISO 3779, but manufacturers encode body information differently. Typically, body type data is contained in 6–8 characters (positions 4 to 9), but for some brands they may be in other categories.

Decoding by category:

Position in VIN Meaning Examples for body
4–8 Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) 21 - sedan (Toyota Camry),
4D - pickup (Ford F-150),
WBA - station wagon (BMW 5 Series Touring)
9 Check digit (does not contain information about the body) —
10 Year of manufacture L — 2020, M — 2021, N — 2022
11 Manufacturing plant 0 — Kaluga (Volkswagen), 6 — USA

🔍 Example: In VIN code JT2BF22KXM0123456 (2021 Toyota RAV4) symbols 2BF22 (positions 4–8) indicate:

  • 2B - model RAV4;
  • F22 - body SUV 5 door.
How to check the authenticity of the VIN code?

To verify the authenticity of the VIN, use the Luhn algorithm. The check digit (9th character) must match the calculation using the formula. Online calculators: Behind the Wheel or VINCheck.

Body code table for popular brands

Manufacturers use their own designations for body types. Below are the current codes for the most common brands (data for 2026).

Brand Body code Type Model example
Toyota AN_, ZN_ Sedan Camry, Corolla
Volkswagen 3C, 5N Hatchback 5-door Golf, Polo
BMW E60, F10 Business class sedan 5 Series
Ford P7, U5 Pickup F-150, Ranger
Hyundai/Kia FN, UN Crossover Tucson, Sportage

⚠️ Attention: U Mercedes-Benz and Audi body code may be duplicated in additional plate under the hood (for example, W213 for Mercedes E-Class). If the VIN and plate information do not match, this may indicate body replacement after an accident.

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To accurately decipher the VIN, use the manufacturer's official catalogs. For example, for Toyota — website Toyota Global, where in the "Owner" section you can download manuals for the model.

Step-by-step instructions: how to find out the body by VIN code

To determine your body type yourself, follow this algorithm:

  1. Find VIN in documents or on the car (see section above).
  2. Check the check digit (9th character) using an online calculator.
  3. Unscramble characters 4–8:
    • The first 2-3 characters are the car model.
    • The last 1–2 characters are the body type (see table above).
  • Check the data with a manufacturer’s base or services like VIN.History.

    • ☑️ Checking the body by VIN

    Done: 0 / 5

    📌 Example for Volkswagen Passat B8:

    VIN: WVWZZZ3CZFE123456

    • WVW - manufacturer (Volkswagen, Germany);
    • ZZ3C - model Passat;
    • ZF - body sedan;
    • E — 2014;
    • 123456 - serial number.

    Free services for checking the body by VIN

    If decoding yourself is difficult, use online services. We tested the 5 most accurate platforms (as of 2026):

    • 🌍 VIN decoder "Behind the Wheel" - supports Russian and imported cars, shows the accident history.
    • 📊 VINCheck.Info - US and European bases, there is data on mileage and number of owners.
    • 🚘 Autocode — paid report (from 349 ₽), but shows for free body type and year of manufacture.
    • 🔍 VIN.History — aggregator of data from 20+ sources, including customs records.
    • 📱 VIN Decoder application (Android/iOS) - Offline transcription for 50+ brands.

    ⚠️ Attention: Services type CarVertical or Carfax require payment for a full report, but often give inaccurate body data for cars older than 10 years (due to the lack of digital archives of manufacturers).

    💡

    For maximum accuracy, use 2-3 services simultaneously. If the data differs, request an extract from the traffic police register or contact an official dealer.

    What to do if the body is not determined by VIN

    Sometimes services cannot recognize the body type. Causes and solutions:

    • 🔄 VIN is broken or damaged:
      • Check the number at traffic police website - if there are discrepancies, the car could have been stolen or restored after disposal.
      • Inspect the mounting locations of the VIN plate for signs of tampering (scratches, weld seams).
    • ❓ Rare or limited edition body:
      • Write to the official chat of the manufacturer (for example, Toyota or BMW) with photo VIN.
      • Look for information on thematic forums (for example, Drive2).
    • 📑 Documents do not match VIN:
      • This may be an error when registering a PTS or a sign refurbishment (for example, a minibus was made from a van).
      • Order examination at NIIAT (price from 5,000 ₽).

    💡 Advice: If the seller refuses to provide the VIN for verification or the documents are “lost”, this is a reason to refuse the transaction. According to statistics Autocode, in 2023, 12% of such vehicles had a criminal record.

    Common mistakes when checking a body by VIN

    Even experienced car owners make mistakes when decoding. Here are the most common:

    1. Ignoring check digit:

      If the 9th character does not match the calculation using the Luhn algorithm, VIN fake or damaged. You can check here.

    2. Confusion about character positions:

      For example, at Mercedes-Benz body code may be in 10–11 positions, and not at 4–8. Always check with international VIN standard.

    3. Trust only one service:

      Free decoders (eg. Bilbasen) sometimes they make mistakes with bodies Chinese or Korean cars (for example, Changan or SsangYong).

    4. Not taking into account restyling:

      After updating the model (for example, Skoda Octavia A7 FL) body code may remain the same, but the exterior panels will change. Check the year of restyling at Autowp.

    💡

    For cars premium (for example, Porsche or Land Rover) please inquire certificate of authenticity at the dealer. It includes all original body panels.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to find out from the VIN whether a car is damaged or not?

    VIN itself does not show the history of the accident, but you can order a report on it from services like CarVertical or Autocode, where data is collected from insurance companies and the traffic police. Also pay attention to:

    • Uneven gaps between body panels.
    • Traces of putty under the paint (check thickness gauge).
    • Discrepancy between the release date in the VIN and PTS (may indicate interruption).
    Why does the PTS indicate a sedan, but the VIN indicates a station wagon?

    This is a typical situation for cars that:

    • Gone refurbishment (for example, a cargo-passenger version was made from a van). In this case, the PTS must contain a traffic police mark indicating a change in vehicle type.
    • Have error in documents (especially often for cars from the USA, where the classification of bodies is different).
    • Are replicas or kit-car (for example, Porsche 911 based on VW Beetle).

    Solution: request to the traffic police for data verification or examination NIIAT.

    How to find out the body by VIN for a car older than 2000?

    For older cars (before 2000), the VIN may be incomplete (less than 17 characters) or use outdated standards. Algorithm of actions:

    1. Check VIN length: if less than 17 characters, use specialized decoder for short VINs.
    2. For Soviet cars (for example, VAZ 2107) the body is indicated in vehicle passport (column "Vehicle type").
    3. Contact brand owners club - they have archived data (for example, OldVAZ for classics).
    Is it possible to find out the body color from the VIN?

    Yes, but not in all cases. Color is usually encoded in positions 4–8 (together with body type) or in additional plate under the hood. For example:

    • U Toyota color is indicated by a 3-character code (for example, 202 - silver metallic).
    • U BMW color specified in service book (section "Farbcode").

    For precise definition use PaintRef database (enter brand and color code).

    What to do if the VIN is missing on the car?

    Lack of VIN on the body - a serious sign of a criminal past. Possible reasons:

    • Car hijacked and all numbers were interrupted.
    • car collected from several donors (the so-called "constructor").
    • VIN erased due to corrosion (relevant for cars over 20 years old).

    Actions:

    1. Refuse to purchase.
    2. Notify the traffic police by phone +7 (495) 623-70-70 (round the clock).
    3. If you already own the car, apply for forensic examination.