On Ford vehicles built in Europe you'll find the vehicle identification number (VIN) at several standardised locations. The most easily accessible position is the lower corner of the windscreen on the driver's side, where the VIN is stamped so it can be read from outside through the glass or visible on a data plate. A second, stamped or stickered VIN sits in the engine bay — usually on the strut tower cap or the cross member. In addition, the number is entered in the registration certificate Part I (field E) and Part II. For vehicles built in Europe, Ford primarily uses the WMI code WF0, which identifies the Cologne plant and other European sites.
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Where do I find the VIN on a Ford?
Whether it's a Ford Focus, Fiesta, Kuga or Mustang: the 17-character vehicle identification number sits at several fixed locations. We show you every spot, explain the European WMI code WF0 and give you all the pointers you need for a sound visual inspection before you buy.
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All VIN positions on Ford vehicles
When fitting the vehicle identification number, Ford follows the European standard and places the VIN at several locations at once, so that it remains traceable even if one position is damaged. The most visible and quickest position to check is the lower left corner of the windscreen on the driver's side, where the VIN can be read from outside on a metal plate or stamped directly. In the engine bay, on most Ford models the VIN is stamped or applied as a sticker on the cross member behind the left headlight or on the strut tower cap; a torch is recommended here, as the number can be hard to read due to dirt and engine heat. On the B-pillar or in the driver's-side door frame there is often a further sticker showing the VIN, vehicle data and tyre pressure figures. Anyone buying a Ford should cross-check all three accessible positions: if the numbers don't match, that's an immediate warning sign.
VIN positions on a Ford — overview with inspection tips
| Position | Visibility | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Windscreen, lower left (driver's side) | Clearly visible from outside through the glass | Number-plate / torch trick: light from inside, read from outside. Compare with the vehicle registration document. |
| Engine bay (cross member or strut tower cap) | Accessible after opening the bonnet, sometimes dirty | Open the bonnet, use a torch. With stickers, check whether the film looks untouched — tampering leaves adhesive marks. |
| B-pillar / driver's-side door frame | Visible with the driver's door open | Open the driver's door, check the sticker in the door pillar or on the B-pillar. Often combined with the tyre-pressure and paint-code sticker. |
| Registration certificate Part I (field E) | Always present, entered in the document | Field E contains the officially registered VIN. Must match the numbers stamped on the vehicle character for character. |
| Registration certificate Part II (Fahrzeugbrief) | Entered in the document, should be kept by the seller | Always inspect the vehicle registration document (Part II) in person — never accept photos only. Compare the VIN in field E. |
WMI code Ford — European manufacturer identifier
| WMI code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| WF0 | Ford Motor Company Europe / Germany (Cologne, Saarlouis). WF0 is the primary European WMI code for Ford passenger cars from Germany and other European plants; internationally known as Ford Europe. |
Special considerations when checking the VIN on Ford vehicles
Ford has traditionally built its European models in Germany (Cologne, Saarlouis), which explains the WMI code WF0. On Ford vehicles produced outside Europe — such as Ranger models from South Africa or certain Transit variants — the WMI deviates from WF0; the first letter indicates the country of production. Buyers should check whether the WMI in the vehicle registration document matches the VIN actually stamped on the vehicle. On older Ford models (pre-2000) the VIN can sit in slightly different positions; here a look at the owner's manual or a call to the Ford dealer helps. For vehicles with a double cab or commercial-vehicle bodies (Transit, Transit Custom): the VIN can sometimes also be found on the vehicle frame or under the driver's seat. During a visual inspection before purchase, the VIN should match at at least two positions; any discrepancy, any visibly reworked stamping or any missing sticker film is a reason for further investigation.
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Frequently asked questions about the VIN on a Ford
On a Ford Focus you'll find the VIN in the lower left corner of the windscreen (readable from outside), in the engine bay on the cross member behind the left headlight, and on a sticker in the driver's-side door frame. All three positions, as well as the entry in the vehicle registration document, must match character for character.
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