Ram VIN decoder
Enter a Ram VIN to see the model, year, engine, factory and open safety recalls. Free, with official NHTSA data.
About Ram VINs
Ram became its own brand for the 2010 model year; before that the trucks were Dodge Rams. Newer Ram pickups built in the US start with 1C6, and heavy-duty trucks built in Saltillo, Mexico start with 3C6 or 3C7. Older Dodge Ram trucks start with 1D7 or 3D7.
Ram is part of Stellantis.
Good to know
- The 8th character is the engine code, including the Cummins diesel and HEMI V8s.
- For a 2009 or older Ram, use the Dodge decoder: those trucks are registered as Dodge.
- Build options and the window sticker are kept by Stellantis per VIN.
Ram manufacturer codes (WMI)
The first three characters of a VIN are the World Manufacturer Identifier. NHTSA lists 11 codes for Ram. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1C4 | FCA US LLC | United States (USA) | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Dodge, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Jeep, Fiat, Lancia |
| 1C6 | FCA US LLC | United States (USA) | Truck | Dodge, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Jeep, Fiat, Lancia |
| 1C7 | FCA US LLC | United States (USA) | Incomplete Vehicle | Dodge, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Jeep, Fiat, Lancia |
| 2C4 | FCA Canada Inc. | Canada | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Dodge, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Jeep, Fiat, Lancia |
| 2C6 | FCA Canada Inc. | Canada | Truck | Dodge, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Jeep, Fiat, Lancia |
| 2C7 | FCA Canada Inc. | Canada | Incomplete Vehicle | Dodge, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Jeep, Fiat, Lancia, Pontiac |
| 3C4 | Chrysler De Mexico Toluca | Mexico | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Dodge, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Jeep, Fiat, Lancia |
| 3C6 | Chrysler De Mexico Toluca | Mexico | Truck | Dodge, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Jeep, Fiat, Lancia |
| 3C7 | Chrysler De Mexico Toluca | Mexico | Incomplete Vehicle | Dodge, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Jeep, Fiat, Lancia |
| ZAC | Stellantis Europe SPA | United States (USA) | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Dodge, Jeep, Fiat |
| ZFB | Stellantis Europe SPA | Italy | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Jeep, Fiat |
Some codes are shared by several brands of the same group. The full decode shows the brand.
How to read a Ram 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 Ram VIN is the model year. Letters I, O, Q, U, Z and the number 0 are never used. The codes repeat every 30 years.
Ram models in the NHTSA database
NHTSA lists 11 model names under Ram. Decode a VIN to see which one yours is, with its exact trim and engine.
- 1500
- 2500
- 3500
- 4000
- 4500
- 5500
- Cargo Van
- ProMaster 1500
- ProMaster 2500
- ProMaster 3500
- Promaster City
Vehicle types NHTSA lists for Ram
Incomplete Vehicle, Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), Truck
Where to find the VIN on a Ram
Windshield
At the bottom of the windshield on the driver side, readable from outside.
Driver door frame
On the label on the door pillar, with tire pressures and weights.
Papers
On the title, registration and insurance card.
Ram recalls by VIN
Every decoded Ram 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 Ram dealer or use Ram's own recall lookup with the VIN.
Ram VIN decoder questions
How do I decode a Ram 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 Ram 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 Ram VIN mean?
They are the manufacturer code (WMI): maker, brand and country of manufacture. NHTSA lists 11 codes for Ram; the table on this page shows them.
Does a Ram 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.