Chrysler Neon VIN Decoder

Decode any Chrysler Neon VIN free: model year, plant, body and engine codes, read from 2 real Neon VINs.

NHTSA · ISO 3779 · 2000–2002 · Updated Nov 3, 2026
Quick answer

A Chrysler Neon VIN opens with 1C3 (the United States). A 2002 Neon carries 2 in position 10.

How to read a Chrysler Neon VIN

Here is a real 2002 Chrysler Neon VIN from our database, split into its parts:

1–3 · WMI1C3
4–8 · VDSES46C
9 · Check3
10 · Year2
11 · PlantD
12–17 · Serial520945

VIN 1C3ES46C32D520945 — decoded free on its own report page.

FIG.01·Chrysler Neon VIN structure
PositionSectionWhat it tells you
1–3WMIWorld Manufacturer Identifier — country, manufacturer and vehicle type.
4–8VDSVehicle Descriptor Section — body style, engine, restraint system, series.
9Check digitA calculated digit that validates the whole VIN. Wrong digit = wrong VIN.
10Model yearOne character for the model year. Letters skip I, O, Q, U and Z.
11PlantThe assembly plant that built the car.
12–17SerialSequential production number of this exact vehicle.
ROWS 6·SOURCE ISO 3779 / NHTSA vPIC

Where Chrysler Neon VINs say the car was built

The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier. Across 2 Chrysler Neon VINs we have on file, these are the codes that actually show up — and the plants behind them:

FIG.02·Chrysler Neon assembly by VIN prefix
WMIBuilt inVehicle typeVINs on fileShare
1C3United States—2100%
ROWS 1·SOURCE NHTSA vPIC · ForCar decoded VINs

Country and vehicle type come from the NHTSA manufacturer registry. Share is measured across VINs decoded on ForCar, not production volume.

Model-year codes for the Chrysler Neon

Position 10 carries the model year, skipping I, O, Q, U and Z. The alphabet comes round every 30 years, which the Chrysler Neon has not yet outlived: its 8 years still map one-to-one. All 8 model years of the Chrysler Neon, 1995 to 2002, with the character each one carries:

FIG.03·Chrysler Neon VIN model-year codes
Model yearVIN character (position 10)Same character as
20022—
20011—
2000Y—
1999X—
1998W—
1997V—
1996T—
1995S—
ROWS 8·SOURCE ISO 3779

Body and engine characters we see on Chrysler Neon VINs

Positions 4–8 are the maker's own build code. Across 2 VINs the Chrysler Neon uses 3 different characters in positions 4, 5 and 8:

FIG.04·Chrysler Neon VIN body and engine characters
PositionCharacters seen on real VINsVariety
4 — bodyE (100%)1 distinct
5 — seriesS (100%)1 distinct
8 — engineC (100%)1 distinct
ROWS 3·SOURCE ForCar decoded VINs

What a decoded Chrysler Neon VIN gets you

What a decoded VIN opens up:

FIG.05·Chrysler Neon data available by VIN
DataFor this modelSource
Model years covered8 yearsForCar catalog
ROWS 1·SOURCE NHTSA · EPA · ForCar

Where to find the VIN on a Chrysler Neon

A Chrysler Neon VIN normally opens with 1C3; the full number sits in four places, and all four must match.

FIG.06·Chrysler Neon VIN locations
WhereHow to see itWhy it matters
Dashboard, driver sideThrough the windshield, bottom cornerEasiest to check before you touch anything
Driver door jambOpen the door, sticker on the pillarAlso lists tire pressures and build date
Under the hoodFirewall or strut tower plateSurvives a windshield replacement
Title and insurancePaper documentsMust match the car — a mismatch means fraud or a swapped panel
ROWS 4·SOURCE ForCar
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Frequently asked questions

Is this Chrysler Neon VIN decoder free?

Yes, with no account. Besides the year, plant and build characters it shows the recalls NHTSA holds on the Chrysler Neon.

What year is my Neon by its VIN?

Read position 10: a 2002 Neon carries 2, a 2001 Neon carries 1, a 2000 Neon carries Y.

What does position 4 mean on a Chrysler Neon VIN?

It is part of the maker's own build code, so read it against this model, not a generic chart. On 2 Chrysler Neon VINs here, E is the most common character in position 4, on 100% of them.

VIN structure per ISO 3779 and NHTSA vPIC. Plant, body and engine characters observed across 2 decoded VINs on ForCar; recalls and complaints from NHTSA. Last updated Nov 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
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