Chevrolet VIN Decoder: Chevy VIN Lookup With RPO Codes
Chevy VINs carry more than most. Enter yours in the free Chevrolet VIN decoder below for the model year, engine, plant, specs and recall records, including Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Colorado and every other Chevy since 1981.
The factory options live in the RPO codes. They aren’t in the VIN, but they’re usually printed in your glove box. The guide below shows how to get RPO codes by VIN and decode every one.
Try It Yourself. Copy/Paste This Chevy VIN Into Our Decoder Below: 1GCPYFEL3MZ024680
VIN Decoder & Build Sheet
Check VIN identity, factory spec, recalls, complaints, and ownership risks before you buy.
Pre Purchase VIN Check
Fuel Economy, Emissions & Running Cost
EPA fuel economy for the vehicle year and model profile.
Additional Vehicle Specs
Supplementary spec matching for output such as power, transmission, size, and weight.
Recalls, Complaints & Mechanical Failures
Model level safety and complaint data for the decoded year, make, and model.
Vehicle Ownership Insights
Platform specific reliability patterns, critical engine platform audits, and pre purchase inspection guidance.
Likely Factory Option Profile
Probability model for common package combinations around this production era.
The free scan verifies identity and surfaces early risk signals. The paid report goes deeper into what those signals mean for ownership, repairs, and buying confidence.
Unlock Full VIN ReportChevy VIN Breakdown, Character by Character
Every Chevrolet built since 1981 has a 17 character VIN, and GM packs more into it than most makers. The big one is character 8, the engine code. On a Silverado that's the difference between a 5.3 and a 6.2 V8, and you can read it before you open the hood. Here's a 2021 Silverado 1500 Trail Boss.
1GCPYFED2MZ024680: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss, 5.3 V8, 4WD, Fort Wayne
- 1GC: country and type
- 1 for the US, G for General Motors, C for a Chevrolet truck. A Chevy car starts 1G1 and a Tahoe or Suburban 1GN.
- PYFE: line, drive and cab
- On trucks, these cover the weight rating, 2WD or 4WD, the series and the cab. Decoders read them as a set.
- D: engine
- D is the 5.3 V8 here. The same truck with an L in this spot has the 6.2 V8.
- 2: check digit
- Calculated from the rest of the VIN. If one character is wrong, the check fails and decoders reject it.
- M: model year
- M is 2021. See every letter below.
- Z: plant
- Fort Wayne, Indiana, one of three Silverado plants. Silao in Mexico shows G, and those trucks start 3GC.
- 024680: serial
- The production number for this one truck.
What the First Three Characters and Plant Letter Mean
Chevrolet builds in the US, Mexico, Canada and South Korea, and the VIN says which. These are the prefixes and plant letters you'll see most.
Prefix, characters 1 to 3
- 1G1 Car built in the US: Malibu, Camaro, Corvette, Cruze
- 1GC Truck built in the US: Silverado, Colorado
- 1GN SUV built in the US: Tahoe, Suburban, Traverse
- 2GN and 2G1 Built in Canada: Equinox, older Camaro
- 3GC and 3GN Built in Mexico: Silverado, Equinox, Blazer
- KL7 and KL8 Built in South Korea: Trax, Trailblazer, Spark
Plant, character 11
- Z Fort Wayne, Indiana: Silverado 1500
- G Silao, Mexico: Silverado 1500
- F Flint, Michigan: Silverado HD
- R Arlington, Texas: Tahoe and Suburban
- 1 Wentzville, Missouri: Colorado
- 5 Bowling Green, Kentucky: Corvette
- 0 Lansing Grand River, Michigan: Camaro
Model year, character 10
- 12001
- 22002
- 32003
- 42004
- 52005
- 62006
- 72007
- 82008
- 92009
- A2010
- B2011
- C2012
- D2013
- E2014
- F2015
- G2016
- H2017
- J2018
- K2019
- L2020
- M2021
- N2022
- P2023
- R2024
- S2025
- T2026
The same letters were used from 1981 to 2000, so a T can be 1996 or 2026. The rest of the VIN tells you which. OBS trucks from 1988 to 1998 use this 17 character format. Chevys built before 1981 have shorter VINs that follow a different layout.
How to Get Chevy RPO Codes From a VIN
The RPO codes aren't part of the VIN, so no VIN decoder can read them out of it, ours included. They're tied to the VIN in GM's records, and copied onto a label in the vehicle.
Here's the order to try, from free and quick to the dealer.
Read the label in the glove box
Most Chevys carry a Service Parts Identification label with the VIN, every RPO code and the paint code. On cars and SUVs it's usually inside the glove box. On older trucks, check the back of the glove box door and the console lid.
Decode them below
Type or paste the codes into our Chevy RPO decoder. You get each one in plain English, sorted by engine, towing, packages, tech and safety. That's your build sheet.
Ask a Chevrolet dealer
Labels fade, peel and get thrown out with glove box clutter. A Chevy dealer can pull the full RPO list and original build from GM's records with just the VIN.
Get the window sticker
The window sticker names the trim and packages, like LT Trail Boss or Z71, with prices. Dealers can often reprint it. Some websites sell GM build sheets and stickers too, with mixed results.
Chevy RPO Code Decoder
Paste the codes from your glove box label or dealer printout. Each one comes back in plain English, so you can see exactly what your Chevy was built with, from axle ratio to audio.
Separate codes with spaces, commas or new lines.
Codes not in our list
Find one code
Look up an RPO code or search by feature.
Start typing to search the Chevy RPO list.
Click a code to copy it. A few RPO codes have been reused by GM over the years, so check anything important against the dealer record.
Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban and Colorado: The Codes That Change the Price
On a Chevy truck or SUV, a handful of RPO codes decide what it can tow, where it can go and what it's worth. These are the ones to find on the label before you agree a price.
| What the seller claims | Code that proves it | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Z71 off road | Z71 | Off road suspension, skid plates and usually hill descent. Z71 badges are sold separately, so check the label. |
| Locking rear differential | G80 | Locks the rear axle for traction. Common on 4WD trucks and worth having for towing and mud. |
| Max Trailering Package | NHT | Higher tow rating, often with a heavier axle ratio and extra cooling. |
| Trailer brake controller | JL1 | Built in brake controller for heavier trailers. |
| Towing gears | GU4, GU5, GU6, GT4, GT5 | Axle ratio from 3.08 to 4.10. A higher number pulls harder and uses more fuel. |
| Magnetic ride | F55 | Adaptive suspension on higher Tahoe and Suburban trims. |
| Duramax diesel | LM2, LZ0 | The 3.0 inline six diesel in half ton trucks and SUVs. Also check character 8 of the VIN. |
We have a dedicated Chevrolet Silverado VIN decoder with cab, bed and trim detail.
Camaro and Corvette: Is It the Real SS, 1LE, ZL1 or Z51?
Chevy performance badges are cheap to copy and expensive to buy for real. The engine code in character 8 and the RPO label settle it.
6.2 V8
An SS from 2016 on has the LT1 6.2 V8. A V6 or 2.0 turbo Camaro wearing SS badges is a common listing trick.
LT4 and the 1LE code
A modern ZL1 has the supercharged LT4. The 1LE track package is its own RPO code, 1LE, and it's on the label if the car has it.
Z51 and the engine
Z51 is the performance package with extra cooling, brakes and gearing. The C8 Stingray uses the LT2. Check both on the label.
Common Chevy Problems by Engine and Model
The engine code from the VIN tells you which of these apply. They're the ones that cost real money.
| Engine or model | Known issue | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3 and 6.2 V8 with cylinder deactivation | Lifter failure, ticking and misfires | Listen at cold start and check for misfire codes. Ask if lifters have been replaced. |
| L87 6.2 V8, 2021 to 2024 | Recalled for crankshaft and connecting rod defects | Run the full VIN through NHTSA and ask for proof the recall work was done. |
| 8 speed automatic | Shudder at light throttle between 25 and 45 mph | GM's fix is a fluid change. Look for it in the service records. |
| 10 speed automatic | Harsh or clunky shifts | Often helped by software updates. Ask if they've been done. |
| 1.4 turbo, Cruze and Trax | Coolant leaks, PCV and valve cover problems | Check the coolant level cold and look for leaks around the turbo. |
| 2.4 four, 2010 to 2013 Equinox | Heavy oil consumption | Check the oil level and ask for records of piston ring work. |
Checking a Chevy for Open Recalls
The decoder above shows NHTSA recall records for the model and year. To check the exact vehicle, enter the full VIN on Chevrolet's own recall lookup at chevrolet.com or on NHTSA's site. Open recalls are fixed free at any Chevrolet dealer, even if you bought the vehicle used.
Chevrolet RPO Code List
The full list behind the decoder, sorted by what the code controls. These are GM codes, shared with GMC, Buick and Cadillac, and a few have changed meaning over the years.
Engine and transmission
- K05 Engine block heater
- L3B 2.7 turbo four
- L83 5.3 V8, 2014 to 2018 trucks and SUVs
- L84 5.3 V8, EcoTec3
- L86 6.2 V8, 2014 to 2018 trucks and SUVs
- L87 6.2 V8, EcoTec3
- LCV 2.5 four
- LGX 3.6 V6
- LGZ 3.6 V6, Colorado
- LM2 3.0 Duramax turbo diesel
- LSD 2.0 turbo four
- LT1 6.2 V8, Camaro SS and C7 Corvette
- LT2 6.2 V8, C8 Corvette
- LT4 6.2 supercharged V8, Camaro ZL1 and Corvette Z06
- LZ0 3.0 Duramax turbo diesel, later trucks
- M5T 8 speed automatic transmission
- M5U 8 speed automatic transmission
- M6U 6 speed manual transmission
- MGL 8 speed dual clutch transmission
- MHS 10 speed automatic transmission
- MQB 10 speed automatic transmission
- MYC 6 speed automatic transmission
Trucks, towing and off road
- E63 Pickup box
- F48 All wheel drive chassis equipment
- G80 Automatic locking rear differential
- GT4 Rear axle ratio 3.73
- GT5 Rear axle ratio 4.10
- GU4 Rear axle ratio 3.08
- GU5 Rear axle ratio 3.23
- GU6 Rear axle ratio 3.42
- JL1 Integrated trailer brake controller
- K5L Heavy duty cooling package
- KNP Heavy duty transmission cooling system
- KTI Tire inflator kit
- NHT Max Trailering Package
- V03 Extra capacity cooling system
- V08 Heavy duty cooling system
- V76 Front recovery hooks
- VYU Snow plow prep package
- X31 Off road suspension package
- Z71 Off road suspension package
- Z82 Trailering equipment package
Axle ratio codes start GU or GT. A higher number tows harder and uses more fuel.
Suspension, brakes and performance
- 1LE 1LE track performance package, Camaro
- F55 Magnetic Ride Control
- FE1 Soft ride suspension
- FE2 Ride and handling suspension
- FE3 Sport suspension
- FE4 Performance suspension
- J61 Heavy duty brake system
- J6F Performance brake package
- JHD Hill Descent Control
- N06 Electric power steering
- N10 Dual exhaust system
- N37 Tilt and telescoping steering column
- N40 Power steering
- NPP Performance exhaust system
- UHY Automatic emergency braking
- Z51 Z51 Performance Package, Corvette
- Z60 High performance suspension package
- Z85 Handling and trailering suspension package
- ZL1 ZL1 high performance package, Camaro
- ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride suspension
Packages and trims
- 2LT Second level Chevrolet trim package
- 3LT Third level Chevrolet trim package
- 4LT Fourth level Chevrolet trim package
- 5JY Black Bowtie emblem package
- PCJ Sun and Sound Package
- PCL Convenience Package
- PDF LT Convenience Package
- PEC Driver Alert Package
- PED Driver Confidence Package
- WRS RS Package
Seats, interior and comfort
- A2X Driver seat power adjuster
- A50 Front bucket seats
- AAB Memory driver convenience package
- AG1 Power driver seat adjuster
- AG2 Power passenger seat adjuster
- AJ1 Deep tinted glass
- AKO Deep tinted rear glass
- AN3 Premium front bucket seats
- ATH Keyless open and start
- ATN Second row power release bucket seats
- AU3 Power door locks
- AZ3 Front 40/20/40 split bench seat
- B30 Color keyed carpeted floor covering
- B32 Front floor mats
- B33 Rear floor mats
- B58 Premium floor mats
- BTV Remote vehicle starter system
- C3U Panoramic power sunroof
- C49 Rear window defogger
- C67 Automatic air conditioning
- C69 Rear air conditioning
- CAV Cargo area organizer
- CF5 Power sunroof
- CJ2 Dual zone automatic climate control
- D07 Front center console
- E80 Power liftgate
- H0U Jet Black interior trim
- H1T Jet Black cloth interior
- H2Q Jet Black leather appointed interior
- K4C Wireless charging
- KA1 Heated front seats
- KA6 Heated second row seats
- KB6 Heated and ventilated front seats
- KI3 Heated steering wheel
- UG1 Universal home remote
- WPL Luxury Package
Tech, audio and OnStar
- IO5 Chevrolet MyLink radio, 8 inch screen
- IO6 Chevrolet MyLink with navigation
- IOK Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium system
- IOS Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system
- IOT Chevrolet Infotainment system with navigation
- K34 Cruise control
- KSG Adaptive cruise control
- KW5 High output alternator
- U2K SiriusXM satellite radio capability
- U2L HD Radio
- U42 Rear seat entertainment system
- UE1 OnStar
- UE4 Following distance indicator
- UQA Bose premium audio system
- UV2 HD Surround Vision
- UVC Rear vision camera
Safety and driver assistance
- AL0 Front outboard passenger sensing system
- PDJ Safety Package
- UD5 Front and rear park assist
- UD7 Rear park assist
- UEU Forward Collision Alert
- UFG Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- UHX Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- UJM Tire pressure monitoring system
- UKC Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- UKJ Front Pedestrian Braking
Exterior, lighting and mirrors
- B85 Bright body side molding
- D31 Inside rearview mirror
- D75 Door handles body color
- DD8 Auto dimming rearview mirror
- DE5 Outside heated power mirrors
- DL3 Power folding heated outside mirrors
- DP6 Body color mirror caps
- T3U Front fog lamps
- T4F High intensity discharge headlamps
- T4L LED headlamps
- T79 Rear fog lamp equipment
- V22 Chrome grille
- VK3 Front license plate bracket
- VQK Molded splash guards
Wheels and tires
- NZQ 20 inch wheel package
- Q5U Aluminum wheel package
- Q7M 19 inch wheel package
- Q9B 20 inch aluminum wheels
- QAE All season blackwall tires
- QDF All terrain tires
- QDV Performance tires
- QSS All season tires
- RD4 17 inch aluminum wheels
- RHH 22 inch aluminum wheels
- RIB Black wheel package
- SAF Spare tire equipment
Paint and emissions
- FE9 Federal emissions requirements
- G1W Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
- G7C Red Hot
- G9K Satin Steel Metallic
- GA0 Northsky Blue Metallic
- GAZ Summit White
- GBA Black
- GJI Glacier Blue Metallic
- GJV Dark Ash Metallic
- GKZ Shadow Gray Metallic
- GNT Radiant Red Tintcoat
- GSK Cherry Red Tintcoat
- GXD Sterling Gray Metallic
- ZY1 Solid paint finish
The paint code on the glove box label usually shows as WA followed by a number. The G codes here are the RPO versions of the same colors.
Chevy VIN Decoder and RPO FAQs
How do I get RPO codes from my VIN?
Check the Service Parts Identification label in the glove box first. If it's missing, a Chevrolet dealer can pull the RPO list from the VIN. Then decode the codes on this page.
Can a VIN decoder show RPO codes?
No. RPO codes aren't encoded in the VIN. A VIN decoder gives you the model, year, engine and plant, and the RPO codes come from the label or GM's records.
Which character in a Chevy VIN is the engine code?
Character 8. On a 2021 Silverado 1500, D is the 5.3 V8 and L is the 6.2 V8.
Where is the RPO sticker on a Chevy?
Usually inside the glove box. On older trucks it can be on the back of the glove box door or the console lid. Some newer models have no full label.
What does 1GC, 1GN or 3GC mean in a Chevy VIN?
1GC is a Chevy truck built in the US, 1GN is a US built SUV like a Tahoe or Suburban, and 3GC is a truck built in Mexico.
How do I know if a Silverado is a real Z71?
Find Z71 on the glove box label or the dealer build record. The decals can be bought separately, so they prove nothing.
What does G80 mean on a Chevy?
G80 is the automatic locking rear differential, a valuable option on trucks used for towing or off road.
Can I decode an OBS or classic Chevy VIN?
OBS trucks from 1988 to 1998 have standard 17 character VINs that work in our decoder. Chevys built before 1981 use shorter VINs with a different layout.
How do I find my Chevy's axle ratio?
Look for a GU or GT code on the glove box label. GU4 is 3.08, GU6 is 3.42, GT4 is 3.73 and GT5 is 4.10.
Can I get Chevy specs by VIN for free?
Yes. Our decoder above shows the model, year, engine, drivetrain, fuel economy and recall records for US Chevys, free.
Dale Ogden
Dale has spent more than 20 years in vehicle valuations, forecasting and asset management. He was a Forecast Manager at CAP HPI, the UK's leading vehicle valuation authority and a counterpart to Kelley Blue Book.
He helped pioneer early electric vehicle depreciation models adopted by major manufacturers, and his residual value forecasts cover more than 10,000 vehicles. Today his data led insights help buyers, enthusiasts and automotive professionals around the world.
What Do Your Chevy's Options Add?
Z71, a locking diff, Max Trailering, the 6.2 over the 5.3. On a used Chevy truck those codes can be worth thousands. Run your spec through our valuation tool and see.
Value my Chevy optionsFree option values, in seconds.
Silverado and GM Brand Decoders
GMC, Buick and Cadillac use the same VIN layout and most of the same RPO codes.
Unlock accurate valuations for your car’s features in seconds – find out what your options are worth today and in the future.
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