What chassis code is my car?
Your car’s chassis code is a manufacturer-specific model or platform identifier rather than a universal number. To determine it, you’ll typically check the VIN and data labels on the vehicle, or consult the dealership or manufacturer documents. This guide will show you where to look and how to interpret what you find.
What a chassis code is and why it matters
A chassis code (also called a model code, body code, or platform code) helps manufacturers and technicians identify the exact configuration of a vehicle—such as the model, body style, and sometimes the engine or drivetrain. Because the format and placement vary by brand, locating the code often requires checking multiple sources on the car and, if needed, referencing official documentation or a dealership.
Where to look for the chassis code
Begin with the most common sources where manufacturers print or stamp identifying information. The list below highlights typical locations and labels you should inspect.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate or sticker on the windshield (driver’s side) or the driver’s door jamb. The VIN is a single 17-character code that encodes manufacturer, model, and other details; the chassis/model code may be embedded within the VDS portion of the VIN or on a nearby data label.
- Engine bay or firewall stamping, especially on older or specific brand models where chassis or engine codes are burned or etched into metal plates.
- Driver’s or passenger’s side door jamb data label, which often lists model or chassis codes alongside the VIN, color, and trim information.
- Owner’s manual, service booklet, or the original window sticker/dealer invoice, which may explicitly state the chassis code or model code.
- Service records or manufacturer portal records associated with your vehicle, which can include the chassis/code information for parts compatibility.
These are the most reliable starting points. If you still can’t locate a distinct chassis code, the VIN is your best universal reference, because the code is typically tied to the vehicle’s exact specification in manufacturer databases.
Understanding the VIN and its relation to the chassis code
The 17-character VIN contains the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), Vehicle Descriptor System (VDS), and Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). Some brands place the chassis or model code within the VDS portion, while others use a separate data plate or label. Decoding the VIN can reveal the model line and body style, which often aligns with the chassis code used by dealers and parts catalogs.
How to decode and verify your chassis code
Once you’ve located a potential chassis or model code, you’ll want to verify it against official sources. The following steps outline a practical approach.
- Plan to read the VIN and any adjacent data labels on the car (windshield, door jamb, or engine bay) to capture the exact characters.
- Use a reputable VIN decoder or manufacturer portal to translate the VIN. Look specifically for the model, chassis, or body code within the result set.
- Cross-check the decoded information with the data label on the car (if present) to confirm the chassis or model code matches the official specification.
- If there’s any discrepancy, contact the dealer or manufacturer with the VIN. They can pull the exact chassis code for your exact build and production lot.
- Keep a record of the chassis code for future reference, especially when ordering OEM parts or requesting service for your vehicle.
A practical note: while many brands place the chassis code in the VIN’s descriptive portion, others maintain a separate designation on a data plate. When in doubt, the VIN plus a dealership or manufacturer lookup is the most reliable path to accuracy.
Brand-specific notes (guidance only)
Chassis or model codes vary by manufacturer. Some examples of how brands typically present codes include: European brands often reference a platform or chassis line in the VIN or data plate, Japanese brands may list a model or chassis code on the door sticker, and American brands frequently use a model or series code in dealership documentation. If you know your car’s make and model, you can search for that brand’s terminology (for example, “model code” or “chassis code”) to narrow where to look.
Summary
Finding your car’s chassis code involves checking the VIN, data plates, and official documentation. Start with the VIN and any adjacent labels, use a trusted VIN decoder to surface the model or chassis information, and verify with the dealer if needed. Having the exact chassis code helps with parts compatibility, servicing, and confirming the correct specifications for your vehicle. If you’d like, share your car’s make, model, year, and the VIN, and I can help identify the chassis code and explain what it means for your specific car.
