How to Identify the Production Month from the VIN?
2 Answers
The 10th digit of the VIN indicates the production year of the vehicle, but the specific production month cannot be determined from it. The production year may be represented by either a number or a letter, following a 30-year cycle. Note that the letter 'O' and the number '10' are not used in this coding system. The VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique code assigned by the manufacturer to identify an individual vehicle. It consists of a 17-character alphanumeric sequence, also known as the 17-digit identification code, chassis number, or 17-digit number. Through its combination of characters, the VIN ensures that no two vehicles of the same model will have the same number within a 30-year period, providing a unique identifier for each vehicle. Hence, it is often referred to as the 'car's ID card'.
I remember being confused for a long time about the production month in the VIN when I bought my first car. The VIN is usually a 17-digit code, with the 10th character representing the year—for example, L stands for 2020—but the month isn’t included in it. To check the exact month, you need to look at the vehicle’s nameplate or label, typically located on the driver’s door pillar or under the hood, where the full production date is listed. If the label is hard to read, you can use an app to scan and decode the VIN or check the dealer’s system. I learned this the hard way by ignoring this date and ending up with a problematic used car that was subject to a recall inspection. Whether it’s a new or used car, I recommend paying attention to this detail to ensure safe driving and timely maintenance.
