NHTSA VIN Decoder & VIN Lookup
Decode any vehicle with official government data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Get instant specs, safety ratings, and recall information.
✓ Trusted by 1M+ users • ✓ Official NHTSA database • ✓ Always free
What is NHTSA VIN Decoder?
The NHTSA VIN Decoder is a free tool that uses the official database from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to decode Vehicle Identification Numbers. NHTSA is a U.S. government agency responsible for vehicle safety standards and maintaining comprehensive vehicle data.
Unlike commercial VIN decoders, our tool accesses NHTSA's public API which contains the most accurate, up-to-date information about every vehicle manufactured for the U.S. market. This includes detailed specifications, safety ratings, recall information, and manufacturing details directly from the source.
Why Trust NHTSA Data?
NHTSA data is the gold standard for vehicle information. All manufacturers are required by law to submit detailed vehicle specifications to NHTSA, making it the most comprehensive and reliable source available—completely free to the public.
What Information You'll Get
Vehicle Specifications
Make, model, year, trim level, body type, number of doors, and vehicle class classification.
Engine & Performance
Engine size, cylinder count, horsepower, transmission type, drive type (FWD/RWD/AWD), and fuel type.
Safety Ratings
NHTSA safety ratings, crash test results, airbag information, and active safety features like ABS and stability control.
Recall Information
Active safety recalls, defect investigations, and manufacturer bulletins specific to your vehicle.
Manufacturing Details
Manufacturer name, plant location, country of origin, and production sequence number.
Equipment & Features
Standard and optional equipment, wheel size, tire specifications, and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
How It Works
Enter Your VIN
Type or paste your 17-character VIN into the search box above. Find your VIN on the driver's side dashboard or door jamb.
We Query NHTSA
Our system instantly queries the official NHTSA database using their public API to retrieve all available vehicle data.
Get Instant Results
View comprehensive vehicle specifications, safety ratings, and recall information in an easy-to-read format.
Understanding VIN Structure
World Manufacturer Identifier
First 3 characters identify the manufacturer and country of origin.
Vehicle Descriptors
Characters 4-8 describe model, body type, engine, and restraint system.
Vehicle Identifier Section
Characters 10-17 include model year, plant code, and unique serial number.
Why Use NHTSA Data?
- 100% Official Government Source: NHTSA is the authoritative source for vehicle data. All manufacturers must report to NHTSA, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Always Free, No Hidden Costs: NHTSA data is public information. Our tool will always be free with no registration or credit card required.
- Up-to-Date Recall Information: Get instant access to active safety recalls and defect investigations—critical information that could save lives.
- Accurate Safety Ratings: NHTSA conducts independent crash tests and publishes safety ratings to help consumers make informed decisions.
- Covers All U.S. Market Vehicles: Every vehicle sold in the United States since 1981 is included in the NHTSA database.
Common Use Cases
Buying a Used Car
Verify the seller's claims about make, model, year, and equipment before making a purchase decision.
Checking for Recalls
Find out if your vehicle has any open safety recalls that need to be addressed by the dealer.
Insurance Quotes
Provide accurate vehicle specifications to insurance companies for precise premium calculations.
Vehicle Research
Research vehicle specifications and features when considering different makes and models.
Selling Your Car
Provide potential buyers with official specifications to support your asking price.
Safety Verification
Check NHTSA safety ratings and crash test results for peace of mind about vehicle safety.
Need More Than Just Specs?
While NHTSA data tells you what the car is, a full vehicle history report tells you what happened to it. Check for accidents, title problems, odometer fraud, and more.