The 10th digit is your vehicle's model year
The 10th digit in your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) represents the year your vehicle was manufactured. This single character — a letter or number — tells you which model year the car belongs to, which matters for parts compatibility, recall information, and resale value.
Manufacturers use a repeating 30-year cycle to encode model years. The cycle runs from 1980 to 2009, then starts over at 2010 to 2039, and will repeat again at 2040. This means a car from 1990 and a car from 2020 could both have the same 10th-digit code, so you need to know which cycle you're in to read it correctly.
The 10th digit appears in the same position in every VIN, making it one of the most straightforward parts of the identification number to locate and interpret.
Key Takeaways
- The 10th digit of your VIN is a single letter or number that identifies your vehicle's model year.
- Manufacturers cycle through a 30-year pattern, so the same digit can represent different years depending on when your vehicle was built.
- You can find the 10th digit by counting from the left side of the VIN — it's always in the same position.
- Knowing your model year from the VIN helps you find the correct parts, check for recalls, and verify vehicle history.
How to locate the 10th digit in your VIN
Your VIN is 17 characters long. To find the 10th digit, straightforward count from left to right: the first nine characters make up the World Manufacturer Identifier and vehicle descriptor section, and the 10th character is what you're looking for.
You can find your VIN in several places on your vehicle. The most common location is on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side — you can read it from outside the car by looking through the glass. Your VIN also appears on your vehicle registration, insurance card, title document, and any maintenance or service records.
Once you've located your VIN, write down all 17 characters or take a photo. Then count to the 10th position. That single character is your model year code.
Decoding the 10th digit: what each character means
The 10th digit uses letters and numbers in a specific sequence. The letter I, the letter O, and the letter Q are never used, which reduces confusion with the numbers 1 and 0. Here's what each code represents in the current cycle (2010–2039):
| 10th Digit | Model Year |
|---|---|
| A | 2010 |
| B | 2011 |
| C | 2012 |
| D | 2013 |
| E | 2014 |
| F | 2015 |
| G | 2016 |
| H | 2017 |
| J | 2018 |
| K | 2019 |
| L | 2020 |
| M | 2021 |
| N | 2022 |
| P | 2023 |
| R | 2024 |
| S | 2025 |
| T | 2026 |
| V | 2027 |
| W | 2028 |
| X | 2029 |
| Y | 2030 |
| Z | 2031 |
| 1 | 2032 |
| 2 | 2033 |
| 3 | 2034 |
| 4 | 2035 |
| 5 | 2036 |
| 6 | 2037 |
| 7 | 2038 |
| 8 | 2039 |
If your vehicle was built before 2010, use the previous cycle (1980–2009). The pattern is identical, just shifted back 30 years. For example, if your 10th digit is A, your car was built in either 2010 or 1980, depending on which cycle applies.
Why the 10th digit matters for your vehicle
The model year encoded in the 10th digit affects which parts fit your car. Engine components, transmission parts, and electrical systems often change from year to year, even within the same make and model. When you order a replacement part, the supplier uses your model year to may support you get the correct version.
The 10th digit also connects you to recall information. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracks recalls by model year, and knowing your exact year helps you determine whether your specific vehicle is affected by a safety recall. A recall that applies to 2020 models might not explore to 2019 models of the same vehicle.
For resale and trade-in purposes, the model year from your VIN's 10th digit establishes your vehicle's age and market value. Buyers and dealers use this information to determine fair pricing. It also appears on your title and registration, so it's the official record of when your vehicle was built.
The difference between model year and production date
The 10th digit tells you the model year, not the exact month your vehicle rolled off the assembly line. A car with a 2024 model year (R in the 10th position) might have been built in late 2023 or early 2024, depending on the manufacturer's production schedule.
If you need the specific production date — the month and day your vehicle was manufactured — you'll find that information in the 11th and 12th digits of your VIN, which together represent the production sequence. However, the 10th digit alone gives you only the model year.
This distinction matters when you're checking for recalls or determining warranty coverage, since some warranties are based on model year while others are based on actual production date. Your vehicle's documentation will specify which applies.
What to do if the 10th digit doesn't match your expectations
Sometimes a vehicle's model year surprises you. A car you thought was a 2015 might actually be a 1985 based on the 10th digit. This usually happens when someone has altered the VIN, which is illegal, or when a vehicle has been heavily rebuilt or restored.
If you're buying a used vehicle and the 10th digit doesn't match what the seller told you, that's a red flag. Request a vehicle history report from a service like Carfax or AutoCheck, which pulls information from insurance companies, police records, and repair shops. The report will show the vehicle's actual history and any title issues.
If you own the vehicle and discover a mismatch, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. They can investigate whether the VIN has been tampered with or whether there's a clerical error on your title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tell what month my car was built from the 10th digit alone?
No. The 10th digit only tells you the model year. The production month is encoded in the 11th and 12th digits of your VIN. If you need the exact production date, you'll need to decode those digits or contact the manufacturer with your full VIN.
What if my car is older than 1980?
Vehicles built before 1980 don't follow the modern VIN standard. The 10th digit in those older VINs may not represent the model year in the same way. If you have a pre-1980 vehicle, check your title or contact the manufacturer for accurate year information.
Does the 10th digit tell me where my car was built?
No. The 10th digit is only for model year. The country or plant where your vehicle was manufactured is encoded in the first three digits of your VIN (the World Manufacturer Identifier). If you need to know the production location, you'll need to decode those first three characters instead.
Can two different cars have the same 10th digit?
Yes, absolutely. Any two vehicles built 30 years apart will have the same 10th digit. A 1990 Honda and a 2020 Honda could both have a K in the 10th position. That's why the full VIN — all 17 characters — is unique to each vehicle, not just the 10th digit alone.
What if the 10th digit is missing or illegible on my VIN?
A damaged or missing VIN is a serious issue and may indicate title problems or fraud. Contact your state's DMV with your vehicle registration and title. They can help you determine the actual model year and investigate whether the VIN has been altered or if there's a legitimate explanation for the damage.