Tesla VIN positions in the 2026 filing
Tesla's model year 2026 filing covers 7 Tesla models (Tesla: Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, Cybercab, Cybertruck, Semi) with 70 codes.
Model identified by position 4 with the first 3 characters.
| Pos. | What it encodes | Example: Tesla Model S |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Maker code (WMI) | 5YJ = Tesla, Inc., Passenger Car |
| 4 | Make, line, series | S = Tesla Model S |
| 5 | Body type and GVWR | A = Hatchback 5 Dr/ LHD |
| 6 | Restraint system | 1 = Type 2 manual seatbelts (FR, SR*3) with front airbags, PODS, side inflatable restraints, knee airbags (FR), Model S & Model 3 |
| 7 | Fuel type | E = Electric |
| 8 | Motor / drive unit | 5 = P2 Dual Motor, Model S & Model X |
| 9 | Check digit | calculated from the other 16 |
| 10 | Model year | T = 2026 |
| 11 | Assembly plant | F = Fremont, CA |
| 12-17 | Serial number |
Tesla engine codes, position 8
12 engines across 7 models; a code is valid only with the models listed next to it.
| Code | Engine as printed | Models |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | P2 Dual Motor, Model S & Model X | Model S, Model X |
| 6 | P2 Tri Motor, Model S & Model X | Model S, Model X |
| A | Single Motor, Model 3 | Model 3 |
| B | Dual Motor – Non-performance, Model 3 | Model 3 |
| T | Dual Motor – Performance, Model 3 and Model Y | Model 3, Model Y |
| D | Single Motor, Model Y | Model Y |
| E | Dual Motor – Non-performance, Model Y | Model Y |
| U | Single Motor, Cybercab | Cybercab |
| C | Single Motor, Cybertruck | Cybertruck |
| D | Dual Motor, Cybertruck | Cybertruck |
| E | Triple Motor, Cybertruck | Cybertruck |
| B | Dual Drive Rear Axle, Air Brakes, Semi | Semi |
Tesla maker codes (first 3 characters)
| Code | Manufacturer | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 5YJ | Tesla, Inc. | Passenger Car |
| 7SA | Tesla, Inc. | MPV |
| 7G2 | Tesla, Inc. | Truck |
Tesla plant codes (position 11)
| Code | Assembly plant |
|---|---|
| F | Fremont, CA |
| A | Austin, TX |
| N | Reno, NV |
Source
"Tesla_MY2026_VIN_Decoder - S3XY - July 22, 2026.pdf" (7/22/2026) (Tesla, Inc., NHTSA Manufacturer Information Database, retrieved October 2, 2026). Older years and general VIN rules: VIN decoder. Not affiliated with Tesla, Inc..
Questions
How do I decode a Tesla VIN?
Enter all 17 characters. Take the made-up example 7SAYCBED4TF100001: position 4 (Y) gives Tesla Model Y, so it reads as a 2026 Tesla Model Y.
Which VIN character is the engine code on a Tesla?
Position 8. On a model year 2026 Tesla Model S, 5 is P2 Dual Motor, Model S & Model X. Read it together with the model: codes differ between models and years.
What does 5YJ mean on a VIN?
5YJ is Tesla, Inc., Passenger Car.
Which plant built my Tesla?
Position 11 is the plant. In the model year 2026 filing: F is Fremont, CA; A is Austin, TX; N is Reno, NV.