Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder

How to read a Mercedes-Benz VIN

• On the 2016 S-Class sedan, the manual shows the VIN under a fold-down cover by the front right-hand door, as well as at the lower edge of the windshield. The vehicle identification plate is on the driver's-side B-pillar; on Canadian cars that plate also shows the paint code. Other models may differ. Source
• In its 2027 filing, Mercedes-Benz uses positions 4 to 7 as a four-character model-type code and position 8 as a restraint-system letter. In its own example VIN W1KFJ1DB1VJ000000 (2027 CLA 250+), FJ1D is the model type, B the restraint system and J the plant. Source
• Mercedes' NHTSA filing maps each four-character code to a six-digit internal model number called the 'Baumuster'. For example, LF4G is the E350 sedan, Baumuster 214046. Source
• In Mercedes-Benz's 2027 filing, for WMIs such as W1K (cars) and W1N (SUVs), plant codes include A, B, C, D or U = Sindelfingen, F, G or H = Bremen, J or K = Rastatt and N or P = Kecskemet, Hungary. Source
• In the same 2027 filing, US-built Mercedes SUVs use WMI 4JG or 55S. Plant codes A, B or U mean Vance, Alabama. Source

Mercedes-Benz WMIs and plants

Argentina, Brazil, Germany and United States: 8 SUVs, vans and crossovers, 7 cars, 5 trucks, 4 buses and 3 incomplete chassis, per vPIC October 2026.

Codes Mercedes-Benz shares with EVOBUS, Freightliner and Maybach: WD4, WDB, WEB.

Mercedes-Benz recalls

632 campaigns on file; 472 since 2016, naming about 10.2 million vehicles (summed across campaigns), 11 with a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory. The Sprinter 2500 has the most, 87. Electrical system (94), Air bags (59), Structure (48), Steering (34), Power train (31) and Exterior lighting (29). One car: NHTSA or Mercedes-Benz.

Open Mercedes-Benz investigations (1)

How "open" is counted.

Mercedes-Benz owner complaints

Air bags, Engine, Electrical system and Unknown or other lead for 2010-on model-years; the 2011 C300 drew the most, 480 (unverified owner reports).

Check any Mercedes-Benz model-year for recalls

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Model

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Any make: recalls by VIN.

Data: vPIC October 2026; NHTSA, October 17, 2026. Not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz.