Tesla VIN Decoder — Free Tesla VIN Lookup & Model Guide

Tesla VIN decoder: Enter any 17-character Tesla VIN below to decode the model year, trim, engine, transmission, drivetrain, factory equipment and open safety recalls — free, powered by official NHTSA data. Tesla is Tesla vehicles are widely available on the U.S. used-car market. Decode any Tesla VIN to confirm its factory build and check for open safety recalls.

About Tesla

Tesla vehicles are widely available on the U.S. used-car market. Decode any Tesla VIN to confirm its factory build and check for open safety recalls.

Tesla vehicles are decoded using the NHTSA vPIC public API. Every 17-character Tesla 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 Tesla. For the make-specific breakdown, see the free Tesla VIN decoder guide.

How to read a Tesla VIN

A Tesla 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 Tesla build sheet in seconds, including engine, transmission, drivetrain, restraints and assembly plant.

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Check any Tesla for open safety recalls

Recall repairs are free at any authorized Tesla 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 Tesla VINs

Where is the VIN on a Tesla?

The 17-character VIN is stamped in several places on every modern Tesla: 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 Tesla VIN for free?

Enter the 17-character VIN into the VinSpecs decoder above. You'll get the exact Tesla 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 Tesla 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 Tesla WMI code?

The Tesla WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) is encoded in the first three characters of the VIN and identifies the country and manufacturer. Because Tesla produces vehicles in United States and elsewhere, different WMIs are assigned to different plants and countries, decode any specific VIN to see the exact assembly origin.

Which Tesla model years can I decode?

NHTSA vPIC covers Tesla vehicles from 1981 forward, when the modern 17-character VIN standard took effect. Older Tesla 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 Tesla or any government agency.