Audi VIN decoder
Audi VIN decoder
Audi sedans use the WMI WAU and its SUVs WA1, while Audi Sport performance models use WUA. Most Audis sold in the US are built in Germany; the Q5 is built in Mexico.
Audi WMI codes
The first three VIN characters. Verified against the NHTSA vPIC database.
| WMI | Manufacturer | Vehicle type | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA1 | Audi AG | SUVs, vans & crossovers | Germany |
| WAU | Audi AG | Cars | Germany |
| WUA | Audi Sport GmbH | Cars | Germany |
What to know about Audi VINs
- WUA is the WMI for Audi Sport GmbH, used on R8 and many RS models.
- Audi uses the VIN to identify each car’s factory options for parts; keep it handy when ordering parts.
- Repairs on luxury cars are expensive. Check structural damage and airbag records before buying.
Audi models you can decode
- A3
- A4
- A5
- A6
- A8
- Q3
- Q5
- Q7
- Q8
- Q4 e-tron
- e-tron GT
- RS models
Any 17-character Audi VIN from the 1981 model year onwards can be decoded. Check open recalls for free on NHTSA.
How a Audi VIN is built
All 17-character VINs for vehicles sold in the US follow the same structure.
Example: 5NPD74LF5LH611542
| Position | What it means | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Country / region | Where the manufacturer is registered: 1, 4, 5 and 7 = United States, 2 = Canada, 3 = Mexico, J = Japan, K = South Korea, W = Germany. |
| 2–3 | Manufacturer | Positions 1–3 together form the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), assigned to one maker and vehicle type. |
| 4–8 | Vehicle descriptor | Manufacturer-coded details such as model line, body style, restraint system, engine and gross weight rating. |
| 9 | Check digit | A 0–9 or X calculated from the other 16 characters. It catches typos and many fake VINs. |
| 10 | Model year | A letter or number for the model year. The codes repeat every 30 years (see the table below). |
| 11 | Assembly plant | The factory that built the vehicle. Plant codes are defined by each manufacturer. |
| 12–17 | Serial number | The production sequence number that makes the VIN unique. |
VIN model year chart (10th character)
Codes repeat every 30 years. On cars and light trucks, a letter in position 7 means the later year.
A
1980 · 2010
B
1981 · 2011
C
1982 · 2012
D
1983 · 2013
E
1984 · 2014
F
1985 · 2015
G
1986 · 2016
H
1987 · 2017
J
1988 · 2018
K
1989 · 2019
L
1990 · 2020
M
1991 · 2021
N
1992 · 2022
P
1993 · 2023
R
1994 · 2024
S
1995 · 2025
T
1996 · 2026
V
1997 · 2027
W
1998 · 2028
X
1999 · 2029
Y
2000 · 2030
1
2001 · 2031
2
2002 · 2032
3
2003 · 2033
4
2004 · 2034
5
2005 · 2035
6
2006 · 2036
7
2007 · 2037
8
2008 · 2038
9
2009 · 2039
The letters I, O, Q, U and Z and the number 0 are never used as year codes.
Where to find the VIN on a Audi
- Lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side, readable from outside the car
- Sticker or plate on the driver’s door jamb (open the door)
- Title, registration card and insurance card
- Engine bay, often on the firewall or the front of the frame on trucks
- Seller’s listing or the dealer’s window sticker
The VIN on the car, the title and the listing must all match. If they do not, do not buy.
VinCode report · $5.99
Before you buy a used Audi, check its history
Title brands, accidents, total-loss events, odometer readings, owners and service records for the VIN, scored with the VinCode Score.
- Title brand check
- Accidents & damage
- Odometer chart
- Owners & usage
- Service records
- VinCode Score
What is the difference between WAU and WA1?
WAU is used for Audi passenger cars and WA1 for its SUVs such as the Q5 and Q7.
How do I confirm an Audi RS model by VIN?
Many RS models built by Audi Sport carry the WUA prefix. Decode the VIN and compare the model and engine with the title.
Is the Audi VIN decoder free?
Yes. Decoding a Audi VIN is free. A full VinCode report with title brands, accidents, odometer readings and owners costs $5.99.
Does a Audi VIN show accident history?
No. The VIN only encodes how the vehicle was built. Accident, damage and title history come from records reported for the VIN, which is what the VinCode report shows.