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Ford Mustang and Mustang GT 1994-2014: VIN Decoder

Decode your Ford Mustang, or one you wish to purchase, using a free online VIN decoder.

By Charlie Gaston - September 30, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang and Mustang GT (1994-2014).

Your vehicle identification number (VIN) is like your Ford Mustang's fingerprint. Not only does it reveal where your vehicle was manufactured, but it also pinpoints the exact plant in which it was assembled. You can also use a VIN to determine the model year and trim of a vehicle you own or wish to purchase. A VIN also provides other important information as well, such as the vehicle's service history and any police reports involving the car. Because your VIN is located in several locations in and around your Mustang, you'll never have to worry about memorizing the number. Simply know where to you look and provide the number as needed for recall information, repair work or handling a collision.

What is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

Your Mustang contains a 17-digit VIN that you and others can use to determine important information about the history of your vehicle, including who manufactured it and where. The number is comprised of 17 characters, but does not contain the letters I, O, or Q. It can be found on the driver's-side door jamb as well as on the driver's-side dashboard.

Figure 1. Your VIN is your car's fingerprint.

Decoding the VIN

Your VIN is broken down into six groups, which are color coded in Figure 2 below.

  1. Characters 1-3 identify the country of assembly.
  2. Characters 4-8 identify key information such as body style, engine style and model.
  3. Character 9 validates that your VIN is accurate and not counterfeit.
  4. Character 10 identifies your model year.
  5. Character 11 identifies the plant in which the vehicle was manufactured and assembled.
  6. Characters 12-17 identify specific information about the vehicle.
Figure 2. Decode your VIN in moments.

Vehicle Year Decoded

To quickly decode your model year, refer to the 10th digit of your VIN. Here is a breakdown of all model years spanning from 1994 to 2008:

R - 1994

S - 1995

T - 1996

V - 1997

W - 1998

X - 1999

Y - 2000

1 - 2001

2 - 2002

3 - 2003

4 - 2004

5 - 2005

6 - 2006

7 - 2007

8 - 2008

Figure 3. An "A" as the 10th digit signifies the 2010 model year Ford Mustang.

Common Questions

Which documents contain my VIN?

There are a number of documents on which your VIN can be found, including your title and registration, insurance card, and loan forms.

What if my VIN is not 17 digits in length?

If you own a 1994-2014 Mustang, then your VIN will be 17 digits in length. Only vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 do not contain a 17-digit VIN number. The number you are looking at is most likely some other number. Contact a local Ford dealership if you require additional help.

Are all VIN decoders the same?

Generally speaking, yes! However, some companies charge a fee to decode your VIN. Steer clear of such companies, as there are enough free websites out there providing complete VIN information that you'll never need to pay for this service.

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