ToolviaTesla VIN decoder
Tesla VINs are some of the most readable around. The 4th character tells you the model directly: S, 3, X or Y. The first three characters show which factory built the car, from Fremont and Austin to Shanghai and Berlin.
Enter a Tesla VIN to see the model, year, motor setup and plant, along with recalls and owner complaints. Tesla recalls are often fixed by an over-the-air software update, and the recall summary usually says when that’s the case.
Tesla manufacturer codes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Tesla VIN are its World Manufacturer Identifier. These are the ones you’re most likely to see on vehicles sold in the United States:
| VIN starts with | Meaning |
|---|---|
5YJ | Tesla vehicles built in Fremont, California |
7SA | Tesla vehicles built in the US (newer range) |
7G2 | Tesla Cybertruck |
LRW | Tesla vehicles built in China |
XP7 | Tesla vehicles built in Germany |
Not sure what the rest of the characters mean? Our guide to what each digit in a VIN means walks through all 17, and the VIN year chart shows how to read the model year from the 10th character.
How to read a Tesla VIN
Read the model at a glance
Look at the 4th character. S means Model S, 3 means Model 3, X means Model X and Y means Model Y. The Cybertruck uses its own manufacturer code, 7G2.
Motor and battery
Tesla uses the 8th character to describe the motor and drive setup, which helps tell a single-motor car from a dual-motor one. The decoder shows the drive type and electrification details NHTSA has on file.
Plant codes
The 11th character is the plant. F stands for Fremont, California, and A for Austin, Texas. The decoder spells out the plant for you.
Before you buy a used Tesla: what to check with the VIN
Once you’ve decoded the VIN, these are the Tesla-specific things worth comparing against the listing.
Single or dual motor
The 8th character and the decoded drive type tell you whether the car has rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive, which affects range, performance and price.
Check the recall list
Many Tesla recalls are fixed by over-the-air updates, but some need a service visit. Read the recall summaries in the report and ask the seller whether any service-center work is still open.
Factory and model year
The plant code and model year help when you compare cars, because hardware and battery suppliers have changed over the years and sometimes differ by factory.
Where to find the VIN on a Tesla
Check the dashboard through the windshield on the driver’s side first, then the label on the driver’s door jamb. The VIN is also printed on the title, registration and insurance card. See all the places to look.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell which Tesla model I have from the VIN?
Check the 4th character: S, 3, X or Y. Or decode the full VIN above for the model, year and drive type.
Does a Tesla VIN show battery size?
Sometimes. NHTSA’s data includes battery and motor details for some Teslas, and the decoder shows them when they’re available.
Are Tesla recalls real recalls if they’re fixed by software?
Yes. They are official safety recalls filed with NHTSA. Many are fixed with an over-the-air update instead of a service visit.
Tesla is a trademark of its owner. Toolvia is an independent site and isn’t affiliated with Tesla. Decoded details come from data the manufacturer reports to NHTSA.