Free Cadillac VIN Decoder

Decode any Cadillac VIN in seconds. See the model, engine, drivetrain, assembly plant and model year, plus open recalls from NHTSA, before you buy, sell or service your Cadillac.

  • 100% free
  • Data from NHTSA
  • Instant results

What our free Cadillac VIN decoder shows

One VIN, the key facts about any Cadillac. When you enter a Cadillac VIN, the decoder reads the codes built into those 17 characters and matches them to records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In a few seconds you see:

  • Model and trim: which Cadillac model it is, and the trim when it is encoded.
  • Model year: taken from the 10th character of the VIN.
  • Engine and powertrain: engine size, fuel type and transmission when available.
  • Body style: sedan, coupe, SUV, minivan, van or pickup.
  • Assembly plant: the factory that built the vehicle.
  • Open safety recalls: any recall on record with NHTSA for that exact VIN.

This helps when you are checking a used Cadillac for sale, ordering the right parts, comparing a listing to the real vehicle or getting an insurance quote.

How to look up a Cadillac VIN

  1. Find the 17-character VIN on the vehicle or its paperwork (see where to find it below).
  2. Type it into the box at the top of this page. Letters are not case-sensitive.
  3. Select Decode VIN.
  4. Compare the results with the seller’s listing: model, year, engine and drivetrain should all match.

A valid VIN never contains the letters I, O or Q, because they look too much like 1 and 0. If the decoder rejects a VIN, check for those letters first.

How to read a Cadillac VIN

Every Cadillac built since 1981 has a 17-character VIN that follows the same international standard. Here is an example:

1GY S4BKL 4 M R 123456

CharactersIn this VINWhat it tells you
1–3 · WMI1GYThe manufacturer and country. 1GY is a Cadillac SUV built in the United States.
4–8 · Vehicle descriptorS4BKLModel line (here, Escalade), body, engine and restraint systems.
9 · Check digit4A calculated number that confirms the VIN is valid.
10 · Model yearMThe model year: M is 2021.
11 · Plant codeRThe assembly plant.
12–17 · Serial number123456The unique production number of that vehicle.

Cadillac WMI codes

Cadillac is General Motors’ luxury brand and builds most of its models in the United States. These are the codes you will see most often:

WMIBuilt inTypical vehicles
1G6United StatesCars such as CTS, CT4 and CT5
1GYUnited StatesSUVs such as Escalade, XT4 and XT5
3GYMexicoSUVs built in Mexico, such as the SRX

Source: NHTSA vPIC.

Cadillac model year codes

The 10th character shows the model year. The letters I, O, Q, U, Z and the number 0 are never used for the year.

CodeYearCodeYearCodeYear
G2016K2019P2023
H2017L2020R2024
J2018M2021S2025
N2022T2026

Where to find the VIN on a Cadillac

Where to find the VIN on a vehicle: on the dashboard by the windshield and on the label inside the driver’s door jamb
The VIN is usually on the dashboard (seen through the windshield) and on the label inside the driver’s door.
  • Dashboard: on the lower corner of the dashboard on the driver’s side. Look through the windshield from outside the vehicle.
  • Driver’s door jamb: on the label on the door pillar, visible when the door is open.
  • Documents: the title, registration and insurance card all list the VIN.

Make sure the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN on the title. If they are different, do not buy until you know why: it can be a sign of a stolen or rebuilt vehicle.

Popular Cadillac models

Pick a model to decode its VIN and see recalls by model year:

  • Cadillac Escalade: the full-size luxury SUV built in Arlington, Texas.
  • Cadillac XT5: the midsize luxury SUV that replaced the SRX.
  • Cadillac XT4: the compact luxury SUV.
  • Cadillac CTS: the midsize sport sedan, replaced by the CT5 from the 2020 model year.
  • Cadillac SRX: the midsize SUV, replaced by the XT5 from the 2017 model year.
  • Cadillac CT5: the midsize sport sedan, also sold as the CT5-V.

Cadillac recalls and how to check them

NHTSA lists 123 recall campaigns for the Cadillac models on this page. Recalls are issued for specific VINs, so two vehicles of the same model and year can have different results. The repair for a safety recall is free at any Cadillac dealer, even if you are not the first owner. Because the Escalade shares many parts with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, recalls on those models often apply to it too.

To check a Cadillac for recalls, enter its VIN above. If a recall is open, contact a Cadillac dealer to book the repair, and ask the seller of a used vehicle for proof that past recalls were completed.

Free VIN decoder vs full vehicle history report

The decoder tells you what the vehicle is. A history report tells you what happened to it.

InformationFree decoderFull history report
Model, year, engine, plantYesYes
Open safety recallsYesYes
Title brands (salvage, flood, rebuilt)NoYes
Odometer readingsNoYes
Accident and damage recordsNoYes
Sales and ownership historyNoYes

If you are about to buy a used Cadillac, run a full vehicle history check or see a sample report first.

Buying a used Cadillac: what to check

  • The VIN on the dashboard, door jamb and title all match.
  • No open safety recalls, or proof that they were repaired.
  • No salvage, flood or rebuilt title brand.
  • Odometer readings that go up steadily over the years.
  • Ask whether driver-assistance features such as Super Cruise are active and transfer to the new owner.
  • Check what is left of the factory or certified pre-owned warranty.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Cadillac VIN FAQs

How do I decode a Cadillac VIN?

Type the 17-character VIN into the box at the top of this page and select Decode VIN. We read the manufacturer, model, engine and year codes and match them to NHTSA data.

Is the Cadillac VIN decoder free?

Yes. Decoding the specs and checking for open recalls is free and does not require an account. A full vehicle history report is a separate paid option.

Is a Cadillac VIN decoded the same way as a Chevrolet or GMC VIN?

Yes. All three brands are part of General Motors and use the same VIN structure. Cadillac has its own WMI codes, such as 1G6 for cars and 1GY for SUVs.

Which character shows the Cadillac model year?

The 10th character. L stands for 2020, P for 2023 and S for 2025.

Does a Cadillac VIN show recalls?

Yes. Safety recalls are issued by VIN, so checking the exact VIN tells you whether a recall applies to that vehicle and whether it is still open.

Can a Cadillac VIN show if it has Super Cruise?

Not reliably. Super Cruise is an option, not part of the VIN. A Cadillac dealer can confirm the features from the build record.

VIN decoder for other makes

Choose another brand to decode its VIN and see recalls by model.

Source: NHTSA public data, updated October 8, 2026. HistoryByVIN is not affiliated with Cadillac. Cadillac and the Cadillac logo are trademarks of their owner.