Jeep VIN structure
Jeep VINs start with 1J4 (SUV), 1J8 (MPV) for US production, with Toledo, Ohio as the historic home of the Wrangler. Current Wranglers and Gladiators are built in Toledo; Cherokees in Belvidere, Illinois.
WMI — the first three characters
| WMI | Manufacturer / region |
|---|---|
| 1J4 | Jeep USA (SUV) |
| 1J8 | Jeep USA (MPV) |
| 3JP | Jeep Mexico |
Major assembly plants
| Plant | Models built |
|---|---|
| Toledo, OH (USA) | Wrangler, Gladiator |
| Belvidere, IL (USA) | Cherokee |
| Toluca (Mexico) | Compass |
| Melfi (Italy) | Renegade (shared Stellantis plant) |
Model year — the 10th character
10th digit = model year. Jeep adopted the 17-digit VIN in 1981; classic Jeeps (CJ era) use shorter VINs with year and plant in different positions. See the full VIN year chart.
Options and packages
Jeep option packages (e.g. the Rubicon vs Sahara equipment) are partially derivable from the VDS on newer models but the full equipment list lives on the window sticker and build sheet.
Build sheet channels for Jeep
| Channel | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep/Stellantis dealer | Free–varies | Dealers can pull the build sheet by VIN on request |
| Window sticker reproduction | ~$10 per label | Original Monroney label by VIN |
Full comparison across all brands: build sheet channels & prices.
Known decode traps
- Trim badges lie: a "Rubicon" badge on the tailgate is not proof — decode the VDS and check the locker axles physically.
- Belvidere-built Cherokees carry Illinois plant codes that some databases mislabel.
Recalls and this brand
Jeep recall lookups via NHTSA; check both safety and emissions channels (EPA-side campaigns will not appear).