The 4th character of a VIN encodes the start of the vehicle descriptor — model line, body or platform. It falls in the VDS (4–8) block of the 17-character VIN. Below is exactly what it means, with a real sample VIN highlighting the 4th position.
Here it is B, part of the descriptor block BU5JR for this Toyota 4Runner.
The 4th character begins the five-character Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), positions 4–8. It is manufacturer-defined and commonly encodes the model line, platform, body class, or restraint/brake system.
Unlike the WMI, the VDS has no single industry-wide table: each automaker publishes its own scheme, so the exact meaning of character 4 depends on the make identified in positions 1–3.
Decode a full VIN → · See all 17 positions →
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It encodes the start of the vehicle descriptor — model line, body or platform. In the sample JTEBU5JR9J5447370 the 4th character is B.
It is the first VDS character — manufacturer-defined, often the model line, body class or restraint system.
No. Positions 4-8 are assigned by each manufacturer, so the meaning varies by make.