MINI VIN Decoder — Free MINI VIN Lookup & Model Guide
MINI VIN decoder: Enter any 17-character MINI VIN below to decode the model year, trim, engine, transmission, drivetrain, factory equipment and open safety recalls — free, powered by official NHTSA data. MINI is MINI is BMW-owned British-designed brand known for compact, personality-driven hatchbacks and crossovers. Decode any MINI VIN to confirm its build and check for open recalls.
About MINI
MINI is BMW-owned British-designed brand known for compact, personality-driven hatchbacks and crossovers. Decode any MINI VIN to confirm its build and check for open recalls.
MINI vehicles are decoded using the NHTSA vPIC public API. Every 17-character MINI VIN identifies the country of manufacture (positions 1–3, the World Manufacturer Identifier or WMI), the model, body style and engine (positions 4–8), a check digit (position 9), the model year (position 10), the assembly plant (position 11) and the unique serial number (positions 12–17). Combine a VIN decode with a free recall check before you buy any used MINI. For the make-specific breakdown, see the free MINI VIN decoder guide.
How to read a MINI VIN
A MINI VIN is a 17-character code. The first three characters, the WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) — identify the country and manufacturer. The 10th character encodes the model year (e.g. K = 2019, L = 2020, M = 2021, N = 2022, P = 2023, R = 2024, S = 2025). Enter your VIN in the decoder above and VinSpecs returns the exact MINI build sheet in seconds, including engine, transmission, drivetrain, restraints and assembly plant.
Popular MINI models
MINI Brockway Mini Homes
Passenger Vehicle · Model years vary
MINI Carolina Trikes & Minis
Passenger Vehicle · Model years vary
MINI Clubman
Passenger Vehicle · Model years vary
MINI Cooper
Passenger Vehicle · Model years vary
MINI Cooper Convertible
Convertible · Model years vary
MINI Cooper Coupe
Coupe · Model years vary
All MINI models (A–Z)
F
H
K
Check any MINI for open safety recalls
Recall repairs are free at any authorized MINI dealer, regardless of the car's age or how many owners it has had. Use the recall checker by year, make and model, or decode a specific VIN above for its exact recall status.
Frequently asked questions about MINI VINs
Where is the VIN on a MINI?
The 17-character VIN is stamped in several places on every modern MINI: visible through the windshield on the driver's-side dashboard, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, on the vehicle registration and insurance card, and on major mechanical components like the engine block. Cross-check them, all should match.
How do I decode a MINI VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN into the VinSpecs decoder above. You'll get the exact MINI model year, trim, engine, transmission, drivetrain, restraint system and assembly plant, plus any open NHTSA safety recalls. No signup, no cost.
How can I check for MINI recalls?
Use the free recall checker by year/make/model, or decode a specific VIN for its per-vehicle recall status. Recall repairs are always free at authorized dealers.
What is the MINI WMI code?
The MINI WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) is encoded in the first three characters of the VIN and identifies the country and manufacturer. Because MINI produces vehicles in United Kingdom and often other countries, different WMIs are assigned to different plants and countries, decode any specific VIN to see the exact assembly origin.
Which MINI model years can I decode?
NHTSA vPIC covers MINI vehicles from 1981 forward, when the modern 17-character VIN standard took effect. Older MINI VINs are shorter and use different formats, those are not decodable through vPIC.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC (specifications), NHTSA Recalls (recall status). VinSpecs is an independent service and is not affiliated with MINI or any government agency.