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Saab VIN Decoder

Saab began as an aircraft maker and built its first car in 1949. General Motors owned it through the 2000s before it stopped production in 2011.

Built before 1981?

Can I decode a Saab VIN from before 1981?

Not yet. A Saab built before 1981 used a shorter, manufacturer-specific number rather than the 17-character standard, and our classic decoder does not cover Saab so far. Every VIN searched there is recorded, and the makes people look up most are the ones we add next.

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Classic Saab VINs Not yet Every VIN searched is recorded, and the makes people look up most are added next.
Reading a Saab VIN

What do the first three characters of a Saab VIN mean?

Swedish-built Saabs begin YS3. Two late models break that rule: the 9-7X SUV was built in Ohio and the 9-2X was built by Subaru in Japan, so neither carries a Swedish prefix.

What each of the 17 positions means

The 17 positionsYS3 …
  • 1–3Manufacturer
  • 4–8Vehicle details
  • 9Check digit
  • 10Model year
  • 11Plant
  • 12–17Serial number
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