Volvo NR VIN Decoder

Decode any Volvo NR VIN free — model year, assembly plant, engine and body codes, then recalls and owner complaints for the same car.

NHTSA · ISO 3779 · 39 models · Updated Nov 3, 2026
Quick answer

a 1996 NR carries T in position 10.

How to read a Volvo NR VIN

Every Volvo NR VIN follows the same 17-character layout:

FIG.01·Volvo NR 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

Model-year codes for the Volvo NR

Position 10 carries the model year, skipping I, O, Q, U and Z. The alphabet comes round every 30 years, which the Volvo NR has not yet outlived: its 12 years still map one-to-one. All 12 model years of the Volvo NR, 1985 to 1996, with the character each one carries:

FIG.03·Volvo NR VIN model-year codes
Model yearVIN character (position 10)Same character as
1996T—
1995S—
1994R—
1993P—
1992N—
1991M—
1990L—
1989K—
1988J—
1987H—
1986G—
1985F—
ROWS 12·SOURCE ISO 3779

What a decoded Volvo NR VIN gets you

What a decoded VIN opens up:

FIG.05·Volvo NR data available by VIN
DataFor this modelSource
Model years covered12 yearsForCar catalog
ROWS 1·SOURCE NHTSA · EPA · ForCar

Where to find the VIN on a Volvo NR

Four places on a Volvo NR carry it, and all four must read the same — a mismatch is where fraud shows itself first.

FIG.06·Volvo NR 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
Upgrade to Pro

You know what it is. Find out what it's worth.

  • Exact value for this VIN, adjusted for mileage
  • The original window sticker and factory options
  • Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
  • Decode a whole list of VINs at once
  • No ads, no tracking — and much more
Free plan available — no credit card needed

Frequently asked questions

Is this Volvo NR VIN decoder free?

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

What year is my NR by its VIN?

Read position 10: a 1996 NR carries T, a 1995 NR carries S, a 1994 NR carries R.

VIN structure per ISO 3779 and NHTSA vPIC. Plant, body and engine characters observed across 0 decoded VINs on ForCar; recalls and complaints from NHTSA. Last updated Nov 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
Found this useful?

Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.

Prefer ForCar →