How to read a VIN

The Toyota sticking accelerator recall has affected eight popular models in their lineup, but certain Camry, Corolla, Highlander, and RAV4 vehicles are not affected. Toyota has asked for owners to look at their vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine if their model is part of the recall. Every passenger vehicle sold in this country has a 17-digit VIN. It's found stamped on a metal plate in a number of places, including where the windshield meets the dash in front of the driver. It's also printed on the car's title document and registration. You can confirm the vehicle's place of manufacture, model year, and other information by referring to the VIN.

The photo at right shows the VIN for our tested and recalled 2009 Toyota Avalon. Here is what the numbers mean:

The first number or letter corresponds to the country: 1 or 4 means USA, 2 is Canada, 3 is Mexico, J is Japan, K is Korea, S is England, W is Germany, and Y is Sweden. For this recall, models that start with a J (manufactured in Japan) are not affected. Avalons are built exclusively in Kentucky so its VIN starts with a 4 and therefore qualifies for the recall.

The second letter stands for the manufacturer. In this case the T is for Toyota.

The 10th letter or number indicates the model year. The digits 7, 8, 9, stand for 2007, 2008, 2009. The letter A stands for 2010. The rest of the numbers relate to the assembly plant and the model serial number. Some Camry models built at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant are included in the sticking pedal recall, while others are not, making these sedan's VINs difficult for owners to decode. The dealer will need to advise on which of these models is subject to the recall.

If your vehicle is affected, you'll receive a letter from Toyota in the coming weeks for instructions on when and how to get this repair done. In the meantime, also consider contacting your local dealer to schedule an appointment.

For more information on the Toyota recalls, see our unintended acceleration guide.

—Liza Barth