The tenth digit of your VIN is your vehicle's model year
The tenth position in your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a single letter or number that represents the year your vehicle was manufactured. This digit is one of the most straightforward parts of the VIN to read once you know what you're looking at. A 2015 Honda might have a "F" in the tenth position, while a 2020 model would have a "L" — the code shifts every year in a predictable cycle.
Manufacturers use this code instead of writing out the full year because it saves space and creates a standardized system across all vehicles worldwide. The code repeats every 30 years, so a vehicle from 1980 and one from 2010 would both have the same tenth-digit code. This matters most when you're checking a used vehicle's age or verifying that a car's title matches its actual model year.
Key Takeaways
- The tenth digit of your VIN is a letter or number that corresponds to your vehicle's model year, using a repeating 30-year cycle.
- You can find your VIN on your vehicle's title, registration, insurance documents, or by looking at the dashboard on the driver's side of the windshield.
- Model year codes run from A (1980, 2010) through Y (2000, 2030), skipping the letter I to avoid confusion with the number 1.
- Checking the tenth digit against your title or registration helps you spot title fraud or verify that a used vehicle's age matches what the seller claims.
How to locate the tenth digit in your VIN
Your VIN is a 17-character string, and counting to the tenth position is straightforward. Start from the left and count each character — letters and numbers both count as one position. The tenth digit will be somewhere in the middle of the string. For example, in the VIN "1HGCV41JXMN109186," the tenth digit is the letter X.
You can find your complete VIN in several places without opening your vehicle. Look at your title document, vehicle registration, or insurance card — all three will display the full VIN. If you're standing at the vehicle itself, look at the lower left corner of the windshield on the driver's side. The VIN is stamped into a metal plate visible from outside. Some vehicles also have the VIN printed on the driver's side door jamb or under the hood, though the windshield location is the most reliable.
The model year code chart
The tenth digit follows a repeating pattern that cycles through 30 years before starting over. The code uses letters A through Y, deliberately skipping the letter I because it looks too similar to the number 1 and can cause confusion when reading or typing a VIN.
| Tenth Digit | Model Years |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Notice that the letter I is missing from the sequence. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which sets VIN standards in the United States, excluded it to prevent misreading. When you see a VIN with letters, you'll never encounter an I in any position.
Why the tenth digit matters when buying a used vehicle
When you're considering a used car purchase, the tenth digit gives you a quick way to verify the vehicle's age against what the seller or title says. If a seller claims the car is a 2015 model but the tenth digit shows "L" (which corresponds to 2020), that's a red flag. Title fraud and odometer rollback schemes sometimes involve misrepresenting a vehicle's age, and checking the VIN is one of your first defenses.
The model year also affects insurance rates, registration fees, and financing terms. Lenders and insurers use the model year to calculate depreciation and risk, so an accurate year matters to your costs. Before signing any paperwork, cross-check the tenth digit against the title, registration, and any paperwork the seller provides. If they don't match, contact your state's motor vehicle department before proceeding.
The difference between model year and manufacturing date
The tenth digit tells you the model year, but that's not always the same as when the vehicle was actually built. Manufacturers typically begin producing the next model year in the fall of the previous calendar year. A 2024 model might have been manufactured in September 2023. The model year is what matters for registration, insurance, and resale value — not the exact manufacturing date.
If you need the precise manufacturing date, you'll find that in other parts of the VIN or in the vehicle's documentation. The model year code is sufficient for most purposes: verifying the vehicle's age, checking against title documents, and understanding its depreciation and may be able to access for certain programs or recalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the tenth digit doesn't match my title?
Contact your state's motor vehicle department when ready. A mismatch could indicate title fraud, a clerical error, or a vehicle that was rebuilt or salvaged. Do not complete the purchase until the discrepancy is resolved and documented.
Can I use the tenth digit to find out exactly when my car was built?
No, the tenth digit only tells you the model year. For the exact manufacturing date, check your vehicle's door jamb label or contact the manufacturer with your full VIN. The door jamb label typically shows the month and year of production.
Does the tenth digit reset after 2030?
Yes, the 30-year cycle repeats. After 2030 (Y), the code returns to A for 2031. This means a 2031 vehicle will have the same tenth digit as a 1981 or 2011 model, so you'll need to look at other parts of the VIN or the title to distinguish between them.
What if my vehicle has a number instead of a letter in the tenth position?
Vehicles manufactured before 1980 or after 2009 may have numbers in the tenth position depending on the manufacturer's system. The same principle applies — the tenth digit represents the model year. Check your title or contact the manufacturer if you're unsure which year a number corresponds to.