Find Your Jeep by VIN Year 11-18
Jeep VIN Decoder 2011–2018: Decode Your Vehicle Identification Number
If you want to order the correct Jeep spare parts, wear parts or Jeep accessories, the first step is to identify your vehicle accurately. Especially with Jeep and other US vehicles, the technical model year often differs from the year of first registration. The most reliable reference is therefore the standardized 17-character Vehicle Identification Number, also known as the VIN or chassis number.
On this page, we explain how to read your Jeep VIN, how to determine the correct Jeep model year from 2011 to 2018, and which VIN details are especially important for the Jeep Wrangler JK, Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited and Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2.
The VIN can help identify the model year, vehicle line, engine code, body style, drive type, trim level and assembly plant. These details are often more important for Jeep part fitment than the general model name alone.
Quick Tip: Identify the Model Year by the 10th VIN Character
The 10th character of the Jeep VIN identifies the technical model year. For the model years covered in this guide, the following codes apply:
- B = 2011
- C = 2012
- D = 2013
- E = 2014
- F = 2015
- G = 2016
- H = 2017
- J = 2018
Important: The letter I is not used as a model-year code in the VIN. Therefore, H = 2017 is followed by J = 2018.
Jeep VIN 2011–2018: Quick Overview of the Most Important Positions
The 17-character Jeep VIN contains several details that are important for vehicle identification and part fitment. For model years 2011 to 2018, the following VIN positions are especially relevant:
| VIN position | Meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Vehicle line / drive type / configuration | Helps distinguish Wrangler JK, Wrangler JK Unlimited, Grand Cherokee WK2, left-hand drive, right-hand drive, 2WD and 4WD versions. |
| 6 | Series, trim level or transmission | May identify Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, Laredo, Limited, Overland, SRT8 or transmission variants. |
| 7 | Body style / model-year range / configuration | Important for 2-door, 4-door, JK 72, JK 74 and, on Grand Cherokee models, sometimes LHD/RHD versions. |
| 8 | Engine code | Important for engine parts, sensors, cooling system, exhaust components, filters, gaskets and electronics. |
| 10 | Model year | Often more important for spare parts than the first registration date, especially around model changes. |
| 11 | Assembly plant | Can be relevant for production- or market-specific differences. |
Model Year Codes at VIN Position 10
The 10th character of the Jeep VIN is the key code for the technical model year. For the period 2011 to 2018, the following assignments apply:
| 10th VIN character | Model year |
|---|---|
| B | 2011 |
| C | 2012 |
| D | 2013 |
| E | 2014 |
| F | 2015 |
| G | 2016 |
| H | 2017 |
| J | 2018 |
Why the 7th VIN Character Matters on Jeep Vehicles
In addition to the 10th character, the 7th VIN character helps identify the correct model-year range. This is useful because model-year codes can be reused after longer periods.
| 7th VIN character | Jeep model-year range |
|---|---|
| Number, e.g. 1–9 | Model years 1980 to 2009 |
| Letter, e.g. A–Z | Model years 2010 to 2039 |
Where Can I Find the VIN on My Jeep?
The 17-character Jeep VIN / Vehicle Identification Number can usually be found in the following places:
- Vehicle registration documents: The VIN is listed in your official vehicle papers or title documents.
- Windshield: Usually visible from the outside at the lower driver-side corner of the windshield.
- Vehicle identification plates: Depending on the model, the VIN may also appear on manufacturer or type identification plates on the vehicle.
Which Jeep Models Are Covered in This VIN Guide?
This guide is especially useful for Jeep owners, workshops and parts buyers who want to identify vehicles from model years 2011 to 2018 as accurately as possible.
| Jeep model | Why VIN identification matters | Relevant shop category |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler JK | Important for 2-door, 4-door, Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, 2.8 CRD, 3.8 V6, 3.6 V6 and market version. | Wrangler JK & JK Unlimited spare parts & accessories |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 | Relevant for Laredo, Limited, Overland, SRT8/SRT, Summit, 3.0 CRD, 3.6 V6, 5.7 V8 and 6.4 V8. | Grand Cherokee WK2 spare parts & accessories |
What Can the Jeep VIN 2011–2018 Tell You?
Depending on model and model year, the Jeep Vehicle Identification Number can provide information such as:
- Model year: B = 2011 through J = 2018 at the 10th VIN position.
- Vehicle line: For example Wrangler JK / JK Unlimited or Grand Cherokee WK2.
- Engine code: Including 2.8 CRD diesel, 3.6 V6, 3.8 V6, 3.0 V6 diesel, 5.7 V8 and 6.4 V8.
- Body style: For example short Wrangler JK, long Wrangler JK Unlimited or Grand Cherokee 4-door SUV.
- Drive type and market version: Depending on the model, left-hand drive, right-hand drive, 2WD, 4WD, U.S., Canada or BUX export version.
- Trim level: For example Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit or SRT8.
Especially Important: Model Changes and Technical Differences
The period from 2011 to 2018 is highly relevant for Jeep spare parts. On the Wrangler JK, there are important differences between earlier model years with the 3.8 L V6 and later model years with the 3.6 L V6. On the Grand Cherokee WK2, engine, trim level, LHD/RHD configuration and model year are also essential for correct part selection.
For this reason, the VIN should always be checked before ordering vehicle-specific Jeep spare parts.
Why the Correct VIN Matters for Jeep Spare Parts
A precise VIN check is especially useful when identifying:
- engine parts, sensors and gaskets,
- brake parts and ABS components,
- suspension, steering and axle components,
- body parts, bumpers and skid plates,
- cooling, fuel-system and exhaust components,
- interior parts, electrical parts and control modules,
- model-specific off-road accessories.
Find Suitable Jeep Parts After Checking the VIN
Once the model year, engine and vehicle line are known, you can search more precisely for suitable Jeep spare parts and accessories:
More Jeep VIN Decoder Guides
Need a different model-year range? Use our additional Jeep VIN decoder guides:
Jeep Vehicle Identification Number & VIN Decoder Overview
For all additional Jeep model years and model ranges, visit our central Jeep Vehicle Identification Number & VIN Decoder Overview.
VIN Codes Jeep Wrangler JK & JK Unlimited: Model Years 2011–2018
The following tables help decode the VIN for the Jeep Wrangler JK and Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited for model years 2011 to 2018.
VIN Positions 1 to 4: Country, Manufacturer, Vehicle Type and GVWR
| VIN position | Meaning | Code | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Country | 1 | USA |
| 2 | Manufacturer | J | Jeep |
| 2 | Manufacturer | C | Chrysler Group LLC |
| 3 | Vehicle type | 4 | MPV without side airbags |
| 3 | Vehicle type | 8 | MPV with side airbags |
| 4 | GVWR | A / G / N / V | 1815–2267 kg / 4001–5000 lb |
| 4 | GVWR | B / H / P / X | 2268–2721 kg / 5001–6000 lb |
| 4 | GVWR | C / J / R / Y | 2722–3175 kg / 6001–7000 lb |
| 4 | GVWR | D / K / S / Z | 3176–3628 kg / 7001–8000 lb |
| 4 | GVWR | E / L / T / 1 | 3629–4082 kg / 8001–9000 lb |
VIN Position 5: Vehicle Line / Drive Configuration on Wrangler JK
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| B | Wrangler left-hand drive 4x2 |
| A | Wrangler left-hand drive 4x4 |
| E | Wrangler right-hand drive 4x4, BUX |
| J | Wrangler left-hand drive 4x4 |
| Z | Wrangler right-hand drive 4x4, U.S. / Canada |
VIN Position 6: Series / Trim / Transmission on Wrangler JK
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 2 | L / Low Line, Wrangler Sport or base model |
| 3 | M / Medium, Wrangler Unlimited or Sport |
| 5 | P / Premium, Wrangler Sahara or Wrangler Sahara Unlimited |
| 6 | S / Sport, Wrangler Rubicon or Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited |
| B | 4-speed automatic VLP, sales code DGV |
| C | 6-speed manual, sales code DEH |
| E | 5-speed automatic, sales code DGQ |
VIN Position 7: Body Style on Wrangler JK
| Code | Body style |
|---|---|
| 4 | Short open body, JK 72 |
| 9 | Extended open body, JK 74 |
| B | Short open body, JK 72 |
| C | Extended open body, JK 74 |
| D | Short open body, JK 72 |
| H | Extended open body, JK 74 |
VIN Position 8: Engine Code on Wrangler JK
| Code | Engine |
|---|---|
| 5 | 2.8 L 16V 4-cylinder turbo diesel ENS |
| 9 | 2.8 L 16V 4-cylinder turbo diesel Next Generation, ENS |
| 1 | 3.8 L V6 gasoline ETG |
| G | 3.6 L V6 gasoline ERB |
VIN Positions 9 to 17: Check Digit, Model Year, Plant and Serial Number
| VIN position | Meaning | Code / value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Check digit | 0–9 or X | VIN control character |
| 10 | Model year | B | 2011 |
| 10 | Model year | C | 2012 |
| 10 | Model year | D | 2013 |
| 10 | Model year | E | 2014 |
| 10 | Model year | F | 2015 |
| 10 | Model year | G | 2016 |
| 10 | Model year | H | 2017 |
| 10 | Model year | J | 2018 |
| 11 | Assembly plant | L | Toledo South Assembly, Ohio |
| 12–17 | Serial number | six-digit number | Vehicle build sequence |
VIN Codes Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2: Model Years 2011–2018
The following tables help decode the Vehicle Identification Number for the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 from model years 2011 to 2018. Engine code, trim level, left-hand-drive or right-hand-drive configuration and model year are particularly important for correct part fitment.
VIN Positions 1 to 4: Country, Manufacturer, Vehicle Type and GVWR on Grand Cherokee WK2
| VIN position | Meaning | Code | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Country | 1 | USA |
| 2 | Manufacturer | J | Jeep |
| 2 | Manufacturer | C | Chrysler Group LLC |
| 3 | Vehicle type | 4 | MPV / multi-purpose vehicle |
| 4 | GVWR | A / G / N / V | 1815–2267 kg / 4001–5000 lb |
| 4 | GVWR | B / H / P / X | 2268–2721 kg / 5001–6000 lb |
| 4 | GVWR | C / J / R / Y | 2722–3175 kg / 6001–7000 lb |
| 4 | GVWR | D / K / S / Z | 3176–3628 kg / 7001–8000 lb |
| 4 | GVWR | E / L / T / 1 | 3629–4082 kg / 8001–9000 lb |
VIN Positions 5 to 7: Vehicle Line, Drive Type and Trim on Grand Cherokee WK2
On the Grand Cherokee WK2, the exact meaning of individual VIN positions can vary by model year. From model years 2012 to 2014 in particular, vehicle line, drive type and trim level are encoded in more detail.
| VIN position | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | S | Grand Cherokee 2WD |
| 5 | R | Grand Cherokee 4WD |
| 5 | 2 | Grand Cherokee right-hand drive 4WD |
| 5 | J | Jeep, used as brand position on certain WK2 model years |
| 6 | 4 | Grand Cherokee Laredo |
| 6 | 5 | Grand Cherokee Limited |
| 6 | 6 | Grand Cherokee Overland |
| 6 | 7 | Grand Cherokee SRT8 / SRT |
| 6 | E | 2WD, used as drive-type code on certain WK2 model years |
| 6 | F | 4WD, used as drive-type code on certain WK2 model years |
| 7 | G | Sport Utility 4-door |
| 7 | A / E | Grand Cherokee Laredo, left-hand drive or right-hand drive depending on model year |
| 7 | B / F | Grand Cherokee Limited, left-hand drive or right-hand drive depending on model year |
| 7 | C / G | Grand Cherokee Overland, left-hand drive or right-hand drive depending on model year |
| 7 | D / H | Grand Cherokee SRT8 / SRT, left-hand drive or right-hand drive depending on model year |
| 7 | K | Grand Cherokee Summit right-hand drive, model year 2014 |
VIN Position 8: Engine Code on Grand Cherokee WK2
| Code | Engine |
|---|---|
| G | 3.6 L V6 gasoline ERB |
| M | 3.0 L V6 turbo diesel EXF |
| J | 6.4 L V8 gasoline ESG |
| T | 5.7 L V8 gasoline EZH |
| P | 4.7 L V8 gasoline MPI, depending on model year |
| 2 | 5.7 L V8 gasoline MDS, depending on model year |
VIN Positions 9 to 17: Check Digit, Model Year, Plant and Serial Number on Grand Cherokee WK2
| VIN position | Meaning | Code / value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Check digit | 0–9 or X | VIN control character |
| 10 | Model year | B | 2011 |
| 10 | Model year | C | 2012 |
| 10 | Model year | D | 2013 |
| 10 | Model year | E | 2014 |
| 10 | Model year | F | 2015 |
| 10 | Model year | G | 2016 |
| 10 | Model year | H | 2017 |
| 10 | Model year | J | 2018 |
| 11 | Assembly plant | C | Jefferson North Assembly / Jefferson Assembly |
| 12–17 | Serial number | six-digit number | Vehicle build sequence |
Note on Grand Cherokee WK2 Model Years 2012–2014
On the Grand Cherokee WK2, individual VIN positions can be structured slightly differently depending on the model year. Model years 2012, 2013 and 2014 in particular may provide more detailed information about Laredo, Limited, Overland, SRT8, Summit, LHD and RHD versions.
For spare part identification, the model name “Grand Cherokee WK2” alone is not always enough. The exact model year according to the VIN, the engine code and the trim / configuration should also be checked.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeep VINs 2011–2018
Which VIN position shows the Jeep model year?
The model year is shown by the 10th character of the 17-character Jeep Vehicle Identification Number. For this guide, the codes are B = 2011, C = 2012, D = 2013, E = 2014, F = 2015, G = 2016, H = 2017 and J = 2018.
Why is the model year more important than the first registration date?
Many Jeep vehicles are registered later than their actual technical model year. For spare parts and accessories, the model year according to the VIN is often more important than the first registration date.
Which Jeep models are covered in this VIN guide?
This guide mainly covers the Jeep Wrangler JK, Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited and Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 for model years 2011 to 2018.
Can I identify my Jeep engine from the VIN?
Yes. The 8th VIN character provides the engine code. On the Wrangler JK, relevant engines include 2.8 CRD, 3.8 V6 and 3.6 V6. On the Grand Cherokee WK2, important engines include 3.0 V6 diesel, 3.6 V6, 5.7 V8 and 6.4 V8.
Does the VIN help me find the correct Jeep spare parts?
Yes. The VIN helps identify model year, vehicle line, engine, drive type, body style, trim level and market version. This makes it easier to choose the correct Jeep spare parts and Jeep accessories.
