Verify the Build Specs & Records of Your Ford by VIN

A Ford VIN check can help you see the vehicle’s complete specifications and records, like auction, accident, maintenance history, odometer reading, warranty records, and more!

How to find the VIN?View Sample

What is a Ford VIN Check?

A Ford VIN check is a tool that you can use to check the VIN and get the complete information of the car before any transaction happens.  By using the Ford VIN check, you can access detailed information about the vehicle’s specifications, title records, auction history, accidents, maintenance reports, odometer readings, and recall notices. If you are considering a used Ford, checking the VIN helps you avoid cars with issues such as unresolved liens or hidden damage.

Ford VIN Number Structure Explained

A Ford VIN has 17 characters, and each section provides specific information. The VIN is made up of three main sections, each of which describes a different thing about the vehicle:

WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier)

The first three characters identify the manufacturer and the country of production

VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section)

Characters 4 to 9 outline model information, engine type, and body style.

VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section)

Characters 10 to 17 include the production year, assembly plant, and serial number.

Where to Find the Ford VIN

You can locate the VIN in several places on the vehicle and its documentation.

Here’s where you can find the VIN:

  • Driver's Side Windshield: Stand outside the vehicle and look through the windshield on the driver’s side. The VIN is usually visible at the lower-left corner of the dashboard.
  • Driver's Side Door Jamb: Open the driver’s door and check the door frame or pillar. A factory sticker placed here often displays the VIN along with other vehicle details.
  • Engine Bay: On some Ford models, the VIN is stamped or displayed on a metal plate in the engine bay. Common locations include areas near the strut tower or firewall.
  • Vehicle’s Paper works: The VIN is printed on official documents such as the vehicle registration, title, and insurance paperwork. Always verify that these numbers match the VIN on the vehicle.
  • Other Spots: Depending on the model and year, the VIN may also appear inside the glove box, behind the license plate, or on the instrument cluster.
Toyota VIN location

Why Should Every Ford Buyer Verify the VIN?

Purchasing a Ford is an important investment. Checking the VIN confirms that the vehicle is exactly as described and protects you from risks such as odometer tampering, title issues, and hidden damage.

For Buyers

Running a VIN check helps detect fraud by confirming whether the vehicle has been reported stolen, written off, or involved in major incidents. It also gives insight into any issues that may impact safety or value.

Check If the Car Is Stolen

Confirm whether the vehicle was ever reported stolen or flagged by authorities, as it can be dangerous even if you do not know it.

Review Accident History

The report helps to see if the car was involved in major accidents that could affect safety or value.

Assess Safety Risks

Identify past damage or incidents that may impact how safe the vehicle is to drive, so you do not accidentally purchase a dangerous car.

For Sellers

Checking the VIN helps you ensure that the car you are selling is in good condition, and it also helps you set the selling price correctly based on the MSRP. market value, and the overall car’s condition.

Set a Fair Selling Price

Understanding the vehicle’s specifications, history, and past usage helps you answer buyer questions more clearly and confidently.

Know the Product Better

The vehicle report helps the sales team to understand the product better in terms of specs, mileage, and records.

Show the Car’s True Condition

Sharing verified vehicle information builds trust, reduces buyer hesitation, and helps avoid disputes during and after the sale.

How to Use the Ford VIN Check

Decoding a Ford VIN is not difficult, but many people still make mistakes. Some try using only part of the number, which does not work. To avoid errors, follow these steps:

Step 1: Find the VIN

You can find the VIN on the driver’s doorjamb or on paperwork such as the bill of sale. Make sure the number on the vehicle matches the one on the documents.

Step 2: Enter the VIN in the Form

Once you have the VIN, enter it into the form above and submit it.

Step 3: View Free Results

After a few seconds, you’ll see the free results, including the car’s specifications, MSRP, and market value.

Step 4: Upgrade to the Full Report (Optional)

If you want more detailed information, you can upgrade to the full vehicle report. This includes accident history, recall information, auction data, and service records.

What Does the Free Ford VIN Decoder Tell You?

A free VIN check is one of the easiest ways to confirm the car’s specifications, MSRP, and market value. Here’s what you’ll be getting in the report.

Complete Specifications

A free Ford VIN check gives you clear details about the vehicle, including the model, engine type and size, seating setup, drivetrain, fuel type, country of origin, and other important factory information.

MSRP

This section shows the original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, helping you understand how the Ford was priced when it was first sold for the first time.

Market Value

Along with the original MSRP, you can also see estimated market values from different sources. This helps you set a fair price, whether you are buying or selling the vehicle.

Premium Ford Vehicle History Report

Ford vehicles can be complex, so knowing their past helps you understand their current condition. Repairs, ownership changes, and missed maintenance can affect performance and long-term reliability.

Accident History

This section shows any accidents the Ford has been involved in. A seller might not disclose this information, but you can find the detailed report on the vehicle’s accident.

Accident Severity Classification

Not all accidents are the same. The report indicates whether the damage was minor, moderate, or severe. The date and mileage also matter, since a recent major accident is a red flag.

Repair Quality Assessment

The report may show where repairs were completed. Work done at an official Ford service centre is often more reliable. If the same area was repaired several times, it could signal deeper issues.

Airbag Deployment Records

If the airbags have deployed, it usually indicates a strong impact. It’s important to confirm that they were replaced correctly by the repair shop to ensure that the car can be driven.

Ownership and Title History

This section explains how many people owned the car and for how long. It helps you understand how the vehicle may have been treated.

Number of Previous Owners

You can see how many owners the car had, how long they kept it, where it was registered, and the year they bought it. Private information like names or addresses will not appear.

Lease vs Personal Ownership

Leased cars usually follow regular service schedules but might have higher mileage. On the other hand, private cars may receive better care, depending on the owner.

Registration History by State

A vehicle that often moves from one town to another often gets plenty of paperwork. That is why it is crucial to check the vehicle’s history report to ensure that the vehicle was indeed registered in the state.

Title Brand Checks

This shows whether the car has a clean title or if it’s marked as salvage, rebuilt, flood-damaged, or lemon. Examine this section before you decide whether the car is worth buying or not.

Salvage

If the car was marked as salvage, it means that it cannot be driven anymore.

Flood

Submerged vehicles usually face electrical and rust damage. Be cautious if you detect any musty odours.

Rebuilt

A repaired vehicle that was once a salvage, but then it was fixed and passed a safety inspection. 

Lemon Law Buyback

Bought back by the manufacturer due to persistent defects.

Maintenance and Service Records

A well-maintained Ford can last a long time. A poorly maintained one can lead to expensive repairs. This section shows how well the car was cared for.

Ford Dealership Service History

This may include visits to official Ford service centres. You can see if routine services, such as oil changes or major maintenance, were completed on time.

Scheduled Maintenance Compliance

This helps you see whether the recommended maintenance schedule was followed. Large gaps in service history are warning signs. Major components, like timing systems, need timely service.

Warranty Status and Expiration

You can check whether the original warranty is still active or if the car has extended coverage. Some warranties may transfer to the next owner.

Ford Warranty Coverage

Check if the Ford is still covered by warranties like corrosion protection, roadside assistance, manufacturer warranty, and even the extended warranty.

Warranty Coverage Limit

See the months and mileage of each covering warranty. To help you examine whether you need to purchase additional coverage warranty.

Ford Recalls

Some vehicles have safety recalls. Many Ford vehicles were recalled due to safety problems, which is why you need to check the recall history to ensure the issues are fixed.

Ford Recalls Information

The vehicle history report has detailed information on the car’s recall. You’ll find the car’s causes of recalls, date of recalls, the steps taken to fix the recalls by its manufacturer, and the status of recalls, whether it is closed or still open.

Market Value and Pricing Data

This part helps you understand whether the asking price is fair compared to similar Ford models.

Current Market Value Estimation

A clean history usually leads to a higher value. Damage, title issues, or excessive repairs reduce the price.

Trade-In, Retail, and Private Sale Records

Check how the car is priced differently. We cover a few different coverage options, which include trade-in value, retail from the dealership, and private seller.

Sales and Auction History

The full report also includes past sales and auction details to help you evaluate the car’s journey.

Sales History

You can see when the vehicle was bought or sold. If it changed hands right after major repairs, it could indicate an unresolved problem.

Auction History

This section shows whether the car went through an auction. It may include the auction date, price, and location. You can also get up to ten pictures that show the car’s condition during the auction.

A Report for Buyers and Sellers of Ford Vehicles

A VIN lookup helps you review important details that a seller might not mention or information that may be hidden in the vehicle’s history. As a trusted provider of Ford vehicle reports, here is what makes our service different from other similar Ford VIN check services.

FeatureCarfaxOur ReportAutoCheck
Price$44.99$19.99$29.99
Single ReportYesYesYes
Sales Listings with PhotosNoYesNo
Auction Records with PhotosNoYesNo
Market Value DataYesYesYes
Vehicle SpecificationsLimitedCompleteLimited
Window Sticker AccessNoYesNo
Classic VIN DecodingNoYesNo
Maintenance GuidanceYesYesNo
Ownership HistoryYesYesYes
Accident HistoryYesYesYes
Damage CheckYesYesYes
Branded Title CheckYesYesYes
Salvage Title CheckYesYesYes
Ownership History MapNoYesNo
Recall InformationYesYesYes
Support for Heavy-Duty Trucks, ATVs, Trailers, MotorcyclesNoYesNo
Mobile/Desktop AppNoYesNo

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Why a Ford History Report is Crucial?

Selena wanted to purchase a used 2015 Ford F-150 from a private dealer. Before she decided to buy it, she decided to decode the VIN and get the report.

VIN: 1FTEW1EGXFKE62790

Initial Impression

1. Good deal2. The car is still looking decent3. Cheap price4. Never been in an accident5. Relatively high mileage6. “Clean” title

Findings

1. Marked as salvage2. 2 Record(s) of damage are found3. 2 specific events reported4. 1 auction record5. 9 lien or loan record6. 1 open recall record

Outcome

Johanna decided to call it off and find the other car that matches her needs. A salvaged car is too dangerous to be driven.

Lessons Learnt

1. Examine the vehicle report carefully before buying2. Beware of cars with salvage records3. Never trust the seller blindly

5 Reasons Why You Should Decode the Ford VIN With Our Service?

Our Ford VIN Check helps you get the necessary information about the vehicle without spending too much time and money. Here’s why you need to use our Ford VIN check.

  • No sign-up required
  • Real photos from the auction house
  • Under $25 per report
  • No expiration date
  • Easy-to-download report

Frequently Asked Questions About Ford VIN Check

Basic Ford VIN lookups for specifications are typically free using tools from our VIN Check Ford. Aside from getting the car’s basic specifications, you will also get additional information like the market value.