ToolviaFord VIN decoder
Ford is one of the easiest brands to read from a VIN, because the first three characters make the vehicle type obvious. A 1FT is a truck, a 1FM is an SUV or van, and a 1FA is a car.
Enter any Ford VIN below to see the year, model, trim, engine and the plant that built it. The report also lists recalls and owner complaints for that model and year.
Ford manufacturer codes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Ford 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 |
|---|---|
1FA | Ford cars built in the US |
1FT | Ford trucks built in the US |
1FM | Ford SUVs and vans built in the US |
1FD | Ford commercial and chassis cabs |
3FA | Ford cars built in Mexico |
2FM | Ford SUVs built in Canada |
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 Ford VIN
The 8th character is the engine code
On Ford vehicles the 8th character identifies the engine. That’s the number parts stores and mechanics ask for when they need to know exactly which engine you have, for example which V8 is in an F-150.
Trucks, SUVs and cars at a glance
1FT covers F-Series pickups and Super Duty trucks. 1FM covers SUVs and vans like the Explorer, Expedition and Bronco. 1FD is used on commercial and chassis-cab models. A first character of 3 means Mexico and 2 means Canada.
Check the door label too
The certification label on the driver’s door jamb repeats the VIN and shows the month and year the vehicle was built. If the VIN on the label doesn’t match the one on the dashboard, find out why before you buy.
Before you buy a used Ford: what to check with the VIN
Once you’ve decoded the VIN, these are the Ford-specific things worth comparing against the listing.
Confirm the engine on trucks
The F-150 and Super Duty have been sold with several very different engines. The 8th character and the decoded engine size tell you exactly which one you\u2019re looking at, so you can compare like with like.
4x2 or 4x4?
Check the Drive type row. Badges and lift kits can make a two-wheel-drive truck look like a 4x4, but the VIN record shows how it left the factory.
Weight class for towing
For trucks and vans, the report shows the GVWR weight class. It\u2019s a quick sanity check if you plan to tow or carry heavy loads.
Where to find the VIN on a Ford
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 find the engine size from a Ford VIN?
Decode the full VIN above. The 8th character is Ford’s engine code, and the report shows the displacement, cylinder count and fuel type NHTSA has for that code.
What does 1FT mean in a Ford VIN?
1FT is the code for Ford trucks built in the United States, which includes the F-150 and Super Duty pickups.
Does a Ford VIN show the trim level?
Often, yes. Positions 4 through 7 describe the series and body, and NHTSA usually returns the trim when Ford has reported it.
Ford is a trademark of its owner. Toolvia is an independent site and isn’t affiliated with Ford. Decoded details come from data the manufacturer reports to NHTSA.