If you own or plan to buy a Renault vehicle, it’s essential to understand the importance of the Renault VIN number. The VIN number is a unique code assigned to every Renault vehicle that contains vital information about the car’s production, specifications, and history. By decoding the VIN number, you can determine the car’s exact specifications and features, making it easier to purchase the right parts and accessories. Additionally, the VIN number is a crucial tool in identifying stolen cars and recovering them.
What is a Renault VIN Number?
The Renault VIN number is a 17-character code assigned to every Renault vehicle. It serves as a unique identifier for every Renault car and is essential for many reasons. The VIN number contains information about the car’s country of manufacture, manufacturer, model, production year, and other specifications such as the engine type and transmission.
Location of the Renault VIN Number
The Renault VIN number can be found in several locations on the car. The most common location is on the dashboard, visible through the windshield on the driver’s side. The VIN number is also listed on the car’s registration documents and insurance paperwork.
Another common location for the Renault VIN number is on the driver’s side door jamb. It can also be found on the engine block, usually on the front or top of the block.
Avantime on the lower edge of the scuttle frame, on the right, beneath the front windscreen ![]() | Clio I on the right front shock absorber housing ![]() |
Clio II on the front crossmember, beneath the right front seat ![]() | Clio III on the floor of the boot, on the right, under the carpet ![]() |
Espace III and IV on the lower edge of the scuttle frame, on the right, beneath the front windscreen ![]() | Fluence on the front crossmember, beneath the right front seat ![]() |
Express / Rapid on the right front shock absorber housing stamped ![]() | Express / Rapid on the front crossmember, beneath the right front seat ![]() |
Kangoo I on the front crossmember, beneath the right front seat ![]() | Kangoo II on one crooked cross beam in front on the right in the engine space ![]() |
Koleos on the right front inner wing ![]() | Laguna I on the right front shock absorber housing ![]() |
Laguna II on the right part of the heating box ![]() | Laguna III on the chassis under the windshield on the right ![]() |
Logan Saloon stamped onto the engine compartment bulkhead ![]() | Logan Estate on the suspension strut dome ![]() |
Modus before MY 2006 engraved onto a metal strip which is either welded or riveted on, in the boot, on the right ![]() | Modus after MY 2006 on the B-spar, on the front passenger’s side, near the lock ![]() |
Megane I on the right front shock absorber housing ![]() | Megane I In the spare wheel well on the right ![]() |
Megane II in the engine compartment, on the right, on the lower crossmember ![]() | Megane III on the A-spar, on the right side ![]() |
Super5 on the right front shock absorber housing ![]() | R19 on the right front shock absorber housing ![]() |
R21 on the right front shock absorber housing ![]() | R25 on the right front shock absorber housing ![]() |
Safrane on the right front inner wing ![]() | Thalia or Symbol on the front crossmember, beneath the right front seat ![]() |
Twingo I on the flat, horizontal part of the edge of the heating box ![]() | Twingo I on the front crossmember, beneath the right front seat ![]() |
Twingo II on the front crossmember, beneath the right front seat ![]() | Vel Satis on the right part of the heating box ![]() |
Renault VIN Lettering
Needle point:

Normal stamping process:
In this process, so-called steel stamping numerals are mechanically stamped or impressed on the substrate which is thus compacted in the respective areas.


The chassis number is applied in one line or in two lines (KANGOO I and SCENIC III) at the plant.


Decoding the Renault VIN Number
Decoding the Renault VIN number is an essential step in understanding your vehicle’s specifications and history. The VIN number consists of 17 characters that provide information about the car’s country of manufacture, manufacturer, model, and production sequence. Here’s a breakdown of how to decode the Renault VIN number:
- The first three characters represent the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). For Renault vehicles, the WMI code will always start with “VF1,” which indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in France.
- The fourth to the eighth characters represent the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS). This code provides information about the vehicle’s attributes, such as the body type, engine type, and transmission.
- The ninth character is the Check Digit, which is used to verify the authenticity of the VIN number.
- The tenth character represents the Model Year Identifier (MYI). This code indicates the model year of the vehicle. It is represented by a letter that corresponds to a specific year. For example, “A” represents the year 1980, while “Y” represents the year 2000.
- The eleventh character represents the plant code. This code indicates the plant where the vehicle was manufactured.
- The twelfth to seventeenth characters represent the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This code is unique to each vehicle and provides information about the vehicle’s production sequence.
By decoding the Renault VIN number, you can determine the vehicle’s specifications, such as the engine type, transmission, and model year. You can also use the VIN number to obtain a vehicle history report, which provides information about the vehicle’s ownership history, accident history, and maintenance records. This information can be useful when purchasing a used Renault car or verifying the authenticity of a VIN number.
Renault VIN Number Breakdown
Why is the Renault VIN Number Important?
The Renault VIN number is essential for many reasons. It helps to identify the car and its specifications, making it easier to purchase the right parts and accessories. It also serves as a tool in identifying stolen cars and recovering them. Law enforcement agencies use the VIN number to track and recover stolen vehicles. The VIN number is also crucial in identifying cars that have been damaged in accidents and ensuring that they have been repaired correctly.
In conclusion, the Renault VIN number is an essential component in identifying and maintaining Renault vehicles. Understanding the significance of the VIN number can help you ensure that your Renault car is safe, reliable, and in good condition. If you need assistance in decoding or locating the VIN number, you can contact your local Renault dealership or mechanic. The Renault VIN number is an essential tool in ensuring the safety and reliability of your Renault vehicle, and it’s important to keep it in mind when purchasing or maintaining your car.