Peterbilt VIN decoder
Enter a Peterbilt VIN to see the model, year, engine, factory and open safety recalls. Free, with official NHTSA data.
About Peterbilt VINs
Peterbilt is part of PACCAR, together with Kenworth. US-built Peterbilt trucks such as the 579 and 389 usually start with 1XP or 1NP. Like other heavy trucks, the VIN codes the model, cab, axles and engine in positions 4 to 8.
Peterbilt is part of PACCAR.
Good to know
- The VIN is on the driver door frame label and stamped on the frame rail.
- PACCAR dealers can print the full build specification for a VIN.
- Gliders and rebuilt trucks may carry a new VIN; check the title.
Peterbilt manufacturer codes (WMI)
The first three characters of a VIN are the World Manufacturer Identifier. NHTSA lists 7 codes for Peterbilt. The first character shows the region where the vehicle was built (1, 4, 5 USA; 2 Canada; 3 Mexico; J Japan; K Korea; W Germany; Z Italy).
| Code | Manufacturer | Country | Vehicle type | Also used by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1NP | Peterbilt Motors Company | United States (USA) | Incomplete Vehicle | – |
| 1XP | Peterbilt Motors Company | United States (USA) | Truck | – |
| 2NP | Peterbilt Motors Company | Canada | Incomplete Vehicle | – |
| 2XP | Peterbilt Motors Company | Canada | Truck | – |
| 3BP | Peterbilt Motors Company | Mexico | Incomplete Vehicle | – |
| 3WP | Peterbilt Motors Company | Mexico | Truck | – |
| SBV | Paccar Inc. | United Kingdom (Uk) | Incomplete Vehicle | Kenworth |
Some codes are shared by several brands of the same group. The full decode shows the brand.
How to read a Peterbilt VIN
| Position | Meaning | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Manufacturer code (WMI) | Maker, brand and country, as in the table above. |
| 4-8 | Vehicle descriptor | Model, body, engine and safety equipment. Each maker sets its own layout here. |
| 9 | Check digit | A calculated digit that catches typing errors and fake VINs. |
| 10 | Model year | A letter or number for the year (see the table below). |
| 11 | Assembly plant | The factory code, set by the maker. |
| 12-17 | Serial number | The production number of that vehicle. |
Model year codes
The 10th character of a Peterbilt VIN is the model year. Letters I, O, Q, U, Z and the number 0 are never used. The codes repeat every 30 years.
Peterbilt models in the NHTSA database
NHTSA lists 47 model names under Peterbilt. Decode a VIN to see which one yours is, with its exact trim and engine.
- 200
- 210
- 220
- 250
- 310
- 320
- 325
- 330
- 335
- 337
- 340
- 348
- 349
- 352
- 353
- 357
- 359
- 362
- 363
- 365
- 367
- 372
- 375
- 376
- 377
- 378
- 379
- 382
- 384
- 385
- 386
- 387
- 388
- 389
- 397
- 476
- 477
- 520
- 535
- 536
- 537
- 548
- 567
- 579
- 587
- 589
- Medium Duty COE
Vehicle types NHTSA lists for Peterbilt
Incomplete Vehicle, Truck
Where to find the VIN on a Peterbilt
Door frame label
On the driver door or door pillar label.
Frame rail
Stamped on the frame, often on the right side near the front.
Papers
On the title, registration and build sheet.
Peterbilt recalls by VIN
Every decoded Peterbilt VIN on VinGear shows the safety recalls NHTSA lists for that model and year. To know whether the repair was already done on your vehicle, ask a Peterbilt dealer or use Peterbilt's own recall lookup with the VIN.
Peterbilt VIN decoder questions
How do I decode a Peterbilt VIN?
Type the 17-character VIN in the box at the top of this page and press Decode VIN. You get the model, year, engine, factory and safety recalls from NHTSA, free.
Is this Peterbilt VIN decoder free?
Yes. Decoding and recall checks are free with no sign-up. The data comes from NHTSA, the US vehicle safety agency.
What do the first three characters of a Peterbilt VIN mean?
They are the manufacturer code (WMI): maker, brand and country of manufacture. NHTSA lists 7 codes for Peterbilt; the table on this page shows them.
Does a Peterbilt VIN show options or the owner?
No. The VIN codes the model, body, engine and factory, not options or colour. It never shows the owner, and VinGear does not look up owners.