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Audi VIN Decoder

If you love Audis or you’re eyeing one, you’ll want the facts, not sales talk. See specs, build sheet, and available basic records for free. Need sales & auction records, mileage, or title check? Upgrade in one click.

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What is an Audi VIN Decoder?

Think of a VIN decoder as a translator. Since the 1980s, your Audi’s VIN follows a government-regulated 17-character system, and the decoder translates those characters into facts like model year (10th digit), check digit validity (9th), and assembly plant (11th). 

Use it as step one before any used-car deal; then dig deeper with a history report. Got pre-1981 short VINs? Instant VIN reports can help you decode it.

Free vin decoder

What is an Audi VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?

An Audi VIN is a unique 17-character code assigned to each road car (the standardized format has been in place since the early 1980s). Those characters describe the manufacturer and country, the vehicle attributes, a check digit for validity (position 9), the model year (position 10), the assembly plant (position 11), and a serial number. Older/classic Audis may use shorter chassis numbers.

Why check it first when shopping used? Because matching the VIN to the actual car helps you confirm identity, look up recalls, and avoid title or odometer drama before money changes hands.

From a VIN, you can learn:

  • Country/region of origin & manufacturer
  • Vehicle specs (engine family, body class, transmission, restraint type)
  • Model year, assembly plant, and serial/sequence number 

How to Read an Audi VIN Number?

Below are the sections you’ll see when you decode and (if you choose) pull a full vehicle history. Each is a plus for smart buyers, sellers, and collectors of Audi vehicles.

WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier)

This section is the opener. The first 3 characters of an Audi VIN. They tell you who built the car and in which region, and for high-volume brands like Audi, that three-letter combo uniquely IDs the manufacturer.

Typical Audi WMIs you’ll see:

  • WAU: Audi AG, Germany (passenger cars)
  • WUA: Audi Sport GmbH (formerly quattro GmbH), Germany (RS/high-performance)
  • TRU: Audi Hungaria (Hungary), certain TT/other models

VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section)

This is the middle chunk, consisting of characters 4 to 8, and then the single character in position 9. Think of it as “what the car is,” plus a math guardrail. Here are the details:

  • What 4–8 describe (by regulation): make/line/series, body type, engine type, restraint systems, and a few other attributes depending on vehicle class. The manufacturer chooses the exact coding, but they must give NHTSA a key so it’s decipherable.
    • Passenger cars quirk: if it’s a passenger car (or light MPV/truck ≤10,000 lb GVWR), position 7 must be a letter under the current rules.

  • Position 9: check digit. This is a math checksum (0–9 or X) that catches typos and tampering. It’s calculated with a weighted formula spelled out in the regulation. If your VIN fails this, re-read each character carefully.

VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section)

Characters 10 to 17 contain the model year, assembly plant, and the car’s unique production sequence.

  • 10th character: model year. The code follows a published table (A, B, C… then digits again later). That’s how the tool knows if your Audi is a 2019 (K), 2020 (L), or 2021 (M) model.
  • 11th character: plant. This is Audi’s plant code for where the car was assembled.
  • 12–17: serial sequence. The running number that makes your Audi unique among its model/plant/year. For passenger cars, the last five must be numeric.

Where to Find the VIN on an Audi?

Look here (modern and older Audis share most of these spots):

  • Dashboard (driver’s side): visible through the windshield at the base of the glass.
  • Driver’s door jamb/B-pillar: certification label with the VIN and tire/weight info.
  • Engine bay/frame points (varies by era): stamped plate or panel on some models.
  • Paperwork: registration, title, insurance.
Where is the VIN Number On A Car

What Information Can You Get from an Audi VIN Decoder?

Below are the sections you’ll see when you decode and (if you choose) pull a full vehicle history. Each is a plus for smart buyers, sellers, and collectors of Audi vehicles.

Vehicle Specifications

See the identity of the Audi’s including the model, trim, body style, engine family, transmission, drive type, dimensions, and market equipment. This helps you confirm the car in front of you matches the listing (no “mystery trim” surprises). Good for parts ordering and restoration planning.

Mileage History

View the recorded odometer readings across inspections, registrations, or auctions. Smooth increases are normal, but sudden drops can signal rollback or data entry errors. Either way, a mileage timeline gives you questions to ask before you wire money.

Auction & Sales History

If the Audi crossed an auction block or is in a current/online listing, you’ll see when/where and up to 10 auction photos. Great for comparing past conditions to today, so you’re not blinded by the shiny paintings.

Accident & Damage History

View the reported collisions and damage events with dates/locations and, sometimes, severity notes. Helpful for pricing that used Audis fairly, or for knowing where to measure twice on a classic that’s been repainted.

Recalls Check

Shows you the recall entries tied to that exact Audi VIN, with dates and remedy status. If an action is open, you can schedule the fix with Audi’s network. Knowing this keeps you and your passenger safe.

Service & Maintenance Records

This section tells the story behind the shine. You’ll see maintenance and repair actions (e.g., oil changes, filters, brakes, tires, fluid swaps, timing belt, more). Look for patterns; any repeat engine, transmission, or electrical fixes can signal bigger issues and even potential lemon-law history. Worth a closer inspection with a mechanic.

Ownership History

A timeline of prior owners and registration states/provinces (when available). For a collectible Audi, stable ownership often hints at careful care. Short flips can be fine, but they’re worth a closer look.

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Why Use an Audi VIN Decoder?

Many “free Audi VIN decoders” stop at basic specs. We start free too, then let you add the full record, such as the title brand records, mileage timeline, liens, recalls, theft checks, and auction photos. 

And when some tools throw “invalid VIN” on older cars. We support pre-1981 Audi chassis numbers and decode them. That’s gold for restorers and collectors who just want honest, usable output.

Who Can Benefit from Using an Audi VIN Decoder?

Whether you’re buying, selling, restoring, collecting, or running a lot, decoding reduces guesswork. Here’s the why:

For Buyers

  • Confirm exact trim/engine/drivetrain before the test drive.
  • Match listing photos to decoded specs (no fake “Prestige package”).
  • Spot title brands early to avoid overpaying.
  • See mileage patterns to catch rollbacks.
  • Check open recalls for safety.

For Sellers

  • Show VIN-backed specs to build trust fast.
  • Share a report to cut back-and-forth.
  • Prove no active lien before buyers ask.
  • Use market value to price fairly.
  • Avoid trim/option mistakes in the ad.

For Dealers

  • Speed up intake with instant specs.
  • Reduce listing errors (wrong trim/engine).
  • Screen salvage/rebuilt/flood units before bidding.
  • Catch odometer anomalies early.
  • Provide transparent reports that increase customer trust.

How to Use the Free Audi VIN Decoder?

To use the Audi VIN decoder, you need the VIN (or the older chassis number). Then:

1) Find the VIN

Check the windshield plate (driver’s side), the driver’s door jamb label, or your registration/title/insurance. You can also find the VIN entry inside the myAudi apps.

2) Fill in the Form

Enter the 17 characters exactly (no spaces). For classic Audis with shorter pre-1981 numbers, type the sequence exactly as stamped.

3) Get the Report

You’ll see the free decode (e.g., year, make, model, engine, trim). If you want the full history, including the title brands, liens, mileage timeline, service entries, or auction/sales photos, you can upgrade in one click.

Decode Audi VIN

Free Audi VIN Decoder vs. Paid Audi VIN Decoder

Buying or selling a BMW and want the facts fast? Start with our Free BMW VIN Decoder to confirm the model, year, engine, trim, and other core specs. Want to know more? Step up to the Paid BMW VIN Decoder for the full story, and see title brand records, accidents, mileage, recalls, theft checks, auctions, and more. 

Here are the details of what you can get:

Data Included Free VIN Decoder History Report (Paid)
Basic VIN decoding (all vehicle types)
Vehicle year, make, model & trim
Detailed specifications (engine, body, etc.)
Market value estimate
Current sales listings
Auction results / history
Recorded mileage at sales/auctions
Complete ownership & usage history
Theft / stolen vehicle records
Previous owners
Salvage / junk status
Title branding (e.g., rebuilt, flood)
Odometer rollback check
Loan or lien status
Vehicle usage type (personal, fleet, etc.)
Service and maintenance records
Open recalls from manufacturer

Decode VIN by Other Manufacturers

Frequently Asked Questions about Audi VIN Decoder

What is an Audi VIN?

Audi VIN is a 17-character identifier that encodes maker/region (WMI), vehicle attributes (VDS), a check digit (9th), model year (10th), plant (11th), and a serial sequence (12–17). Classics may have shorter chassis numbers.

How to decode Audi VIN number​?

To decode an Audi VIN number​, the first thing you do is enter the VIN on Instant VIN Reports sites, review the free spec decode, and if you need the full story, add a history report covering titles, mileage, accidents, liens, theft, recalls, auctions, and more.

How to decode engine code from VIN Audi A5 TDI​?

To decode the engine code from the VIN Audi A5 TDI, you can follow these simple steps: Go to the Instant VIN Reports Free VIN Decoder and enter your 17-character VIN. The tool will decode the VIN, even a classic VIN that has fewer than 17 characters. Enter the VIN numbers in the Form and click the “Search VIN” button. You’ll get the decoded specs on-screen, the results showing you the specs like engine, transmission, drive type, year, make, model, and trim.

Is an Audi VIN decoder really free?

Yes, our decoder shows core specs and an available market snapshot for free. To view full history (e.g., ownership, title brands, liens, mileage, accidents, recalls, service, theft, auction photos), purchase the detailed report.

How do I find out what type of Audi I have?

Use the Instant VIN Reports VIN Decoder. It shows the year, make, model, and trim. The “type” of Audi, plus engine and other basics. Just enter the VIN and submit.