Free Buick VIN Decoder & Lookup

Decode your Vehicle Identification Number for free

Try a sample VIN
  • Official data from NHTSA
  • Most recent recalls
  • Most recent complaints
Successfully Decoded
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VIN
Make
Model
Year
Drive Type
Style/Body
Engine
Manufactured in
Age
Manufactured By -
Plant Company Name -
Vehicle Type -
Series -
Body Class -
Doors -
Front Airbag Location -
Seat Belts Type -
Engine Displacement (CI) -
Engine Displacement (CC) -
Fuel Type -
Engine Number of Cylinders -
Additional Vehicle Info
Most Recent Recalls
Most Recent Complaints
*NOT specific to this particular vehicle. Submitted by other owners of this model.
Source: official gov. database of complaints

What is a VIN Number?

When a motor vehicle is manufactured, it is assigned a unique code known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This 17-character string, which excludes the letters Q, I, and O to prevent confusion with 0 and 1, provides details about the vehicle's manufacturer, model, year, and production site, all in one sequence without spaces. Driving-tests.org's VIN decoder is free to use and pulls straight from government data.

How many characters:
17 (digits and capital letters)
Where to find:
Dashboard on the driver's side
First digit stands for:
Country of manufacturer

How to Find It

Finding your Buick's VIN is straightforward. Here’s where to look:

  • Passenger Cars: Check the front of the dashboard on the driver's side. View it from outside the vehicle through the windshield. Also, inspect the driver's side door pillar—open the door to find the VIN where the door latches.
  • SUVs: Look in similar locations as passenger cars, focusing on the driver's side door pillar and the front of the dashboard.

If you're unable to locate the VIN on your Buick, it can also be found on:

  • Your vehicle's title documents.
  • Liability insurance documents.

How to Check a Specific Number

Enter your Buick's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the field above to look up and receive an instant report on its manufacturer, brand, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant, and model year. The information is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from the data submitted by the manufacturers to NHTSA. The VIN Decoder lookup is intended for use with Buick vehicles manufactured since 1981. Whether you own a classic Buick Skylark, an Encore GX, or any other Buick model, this tool is the best way to get a detailed build sheet or chart specific to your vehicle. If your Buick was made before 1981, the VIN may be a shorter sequence of characters.

How to Read the Different Components

Curious about what each character in your Buick's VIN stands for? Here's a breakdown:

How to decode a Vehicle Identification (VIN) number

Model Year Character Codes

The table below shows the model year character codes used in Buick VINs. These codes help you determine the exact year of manufacture for your vehicle.

  • Example: A Buick Enclave with a VIN of 5GAKRBKD4EJ123456 has a model year character of 'E,' indicating it was manufactured in 2014.
  • Example: A Buick Regal with a VIN of 2G4WF521291234567 has a model year character of '9,' indicating it was manufactured in 2009.
Brand Code Year Code Year Code Year
Buick A 1980 L 1990 Y 2000
Buick B 1981 M 1991 1 2001
Buick C 1982 N 1992 2 2002
Buick D 1983 P 1993 3 2003
Buick E 1984 R 1994 4 2004
Buick F 1985 S 1995 5 2005
Buick G 1986 T 1996 6 2006
Buick H 1987 V 1997 7 2007
Buick J 1988 W 1998 8 2008
Buick K 1989 X 1999 9 2009
Buick L 1990 A 2010
Buick M 1991 B 2011
Buick N 1992 C 2012
Buick P 1993 D 2013
Buick R 1994 E 2014
Buick S 1995 F 2015
Buick T 1996 G 2016
Buick V 1997 H 2017
Buick W 1998 J 2018
Buick X 1999 K 2019

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The table below shows the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes used in Buick VINs. These codes help you determine the country of origin for your vehicle. Understanding these codes can provide insights into the manufacturing and origin of your Buick vehicle.

Brand-Specific WMIs:

  • 1G4 = United States
  • 3G5 = Mexico
  • 2G4 = Canada

Historical Context:

Buick, one of America's oldest automotive brands, has a rich history of producing vehicles in North America. This allows Buick to cater to the diverse demands of its markets while maintaining high standards of quality and innovation.

Production Volume:

Buick's production facilities are primarily located in the United States, with significant volumes also produced in Canada and Mexico. This strategic distribution helps optimize production and supply chain efficiency.

Trivia:

  • Buick is known for its smooth and comfortable ride, often associated with luxury and premium features.
  • Buick was the first American automaker to establish a manufacturing plant in China, where it has become a leading brand.
Region WMI Notes
North America 1G4 United States
North America 3G5 Mexico
North America 2G4 Canada
Asia LLV China
Europe W0L Germany
Europe YS3 Sweden

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