The tenth digit of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) holds a crucial piece of information: the vehicle’s model year. This standardized code, implemented since 1981, allows for quick identification of a car’s manufacturing period. Understanding this Tenth Digit Vin can be invaluable when researching a used car or verifying vehicle information.
Understanding the Tenth Digit VIN Code
Since 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standardized the tenth digit VIN to represent the model year. This digit utilizes a repeating cycle of letters and numbers to designate the year. The table below illustrates the current code:
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1980 | L | 1990 | Y | 2000 | A | 2010 | L | 2020 |
| B | 1981 | M | 1991 | 1 | 2001 | B | 2011 | M | 2021 |
| C | 1982 | N | 1992 | 2 | 2002 | C | 2012 | N | 2022 |
| D | 1983 | P | 1993 | 3 | 2003 | D | 2013 | P | 2023 |
| E | 1984 | R | 1994 | 4 | 2004 | E | 2014 | R | 2024 |
| F | 1985 | S | 1995 | 5 | 2005 | F | 2015 | S | 2025 |
| G | 1986 | T | 1996 | 6 | 2006 | G | 2016 | T | 2026 |
| H | 1987 | V | 1997 | 7 | 2007 | H | 2017 | V | 2027 |
| J | 1988 | W | 1998 | 8 | 2008 | J | 2018 | W | 2028 |
| K | 1989 | X | 1999 | 9 | 2009 | K | 2019 | X | 2029 |
Tenth Digit VIN Decoding: Exceptions and Clarifications
Before 1981, manufacturers used varying methods for denoting the model year. The standardization process saw some initial inconsistencies, with Ford and AMC retaining the use of “0” for 1980 while GM and Chrysler adopted the new “A” code.
Certain letters and numbers are intentionally excluded from the tenth digit VIN to avoid confusion. The letters I, O, and Q are omitted due to their resemblance to the numbers 1, 0, and 9. Similarly, the characters U, Z, and 0 are not used for year code identification. This careful selection minimizes errors in interpretation.
Model Year vs. Production Year: A Key Distinction
It’s crucial to understand that the tenth digit VIN often reflects the model year, not necessarily the exact calendar year of manufacture. The model year designates the year a vehicle was designed and intended for release. Vehicles produced in the latter half of a calendar year might carry the following year’s model year code. For example, a car built in October 2022 could have a tenth digit VIN of “P,” indicating a 2023 model year.
Tenth Digit VIN Examples
Let’s examine a few examples to solidify our understanding:
- 1GTH5BEA0L1214129: The tenth digit is “L,” indicating a 2020 model year.
- WBAKP9C57GD980813: The tenth digit is “G,” indicating a 2016 model year.
- JTEHH20V226020846: The tenth digit is “2,” indicating a 2002 model year.
Key Takeaways Regarding the Tenth Digit VIN
Remember these essential points about the tenth digit VIN:
- It identifies the model year of a vehicle manufactured after 1981.
- It uses a cyclical code of letters and numbers, excluding I, O, Q, U, Z, and 0.
- It may represent the intended model year rather than the precise production year.
The tenth digit VIN provides valuable insight into a vehicle’s history. By understanding this code, you can more accurately assess a vehicle’s age and place it within the context of automotive history. This knowledge empowers informed decisions when buying or researching vehicles.
