Maserati VIN Check
Every Maserati vehicle manufactured for the North American market since 1981 carries a standardized 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) regulated by NHTSA under FMVSS 565 and ISO 3779. This code is unique to each vehicle and encodes the country of assembly, manufacturer identity, model attributes, engine configuration, model year, assembly plant, and production sequence number. Decoding a Maserati VIN helps you verify a used-vehicle listing, confirm the correct parts and service history, check for open recalls, and detect potential title fraud.
Maserati uses manufacturer-specific encoding in the Vehicle Descriptor Section (positions 4–8). Position 4 typically identifies the model line — for example, popular Maserati models include Ghibli, Quattroporte, Levante, MC20, Grecale, GranTurismo. Position 8 usually encodes the engine type. Position 9 is a mathematical check digit that detects typos and many forms of VIN tampering. Position 10 encodes the model year, and position 11 identifies the assembly plant. ZAM identifies Maserati passenger cars; ZN6 is used for some SUV models.
Maserati was founded in Bologna in 1914 and has built racing and luxury GT cars for over a century. Now part of Stellantis, Maserati is electrifying its lineup with the Folgore brand.
How to Read a Maserati VIN
To read a Maserati VIN manually, start with the WMI (positions 1–3) to confirm the manufacturer and country of origin. For Maserati, the WMI prefixes in our database include ZAM and others depending on where the vehicle was built.
Position 4 encodes the Model Code (positions 4-5). Common values include 18=GranTurismo / GranCabrio, 38=GranTurismo (classic), 39=Quattroporte (M139), 45=GranTurismo S, 56=Quattroporte (M156), 57=Ghibli (M157). Position 8 encodes the engine (A=North America (USA/Canada), B=Europe, C=UK, D=Middle East, E=Asia Pacific). Position 9 is the check digit — our decoder validates it automatically using the ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm. Position 10 is the model year (see our year-code reference), and position 11 is the assembly plant (0=Modena, Italy, 1=Grugliasco, Italy (historic), 7=Cassino, Italy, X=Mirafiori, Italy (Levante), A=Modena, Italy). Positions 12–17 are the unique serial number for that vehicle.
Because Maserati may change VDS encoding between model years, treat decoded attributes as informational. Always confirm critical details (engine, trim, drivetrain) against the window sticker, build sheet, or dealer records.
Maserati VIN Position Breakdown
| Pos. | Section | Standard Meaning | Maserati Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WMI | Country of manufacture | ISO 3779 region code — e.g. 1=USA, J=Japan, W=Germany |
| 2 | WMI | Manufacturer | Combined with pos. 1–3 identifies Maserati |
| 3 | WMI | Vehicle type | Maserati WMI codes: ZAM (Italy) |
| 4 | VDS | Model Code (positions 4-5) | 18=GranTurismo / GranCabrio; 38=GranTurismo (classic); 39=Quattroporte (M139); 45=GranTurismo S; 56=Quattroporte (M156); 57=Ghibli (M157); 61=Levante (M161); 62=MC20 |
| 5 | VDS | Series / trim | Trim, series, or drive configuration |
| 6 | VDS | Body / restraint | Body style and/or restraint system (varies by year) |
| 7 | VDS | Restraint / body | Supplemental restraint or body attribute |
| 8 | VDS | Engine | A=North America (USA/Canada); B=Europe; C=UK; D=Middle East; E=Asia Pacific; F=Canada |
| 9 | Check digit | Validation | ISO 3779 weighted-sum check — detects typos and tampering |
| 10 | VIS | Model year | Standard 30-year letter/digit cycle (1980–2039) |
| 11 | VIS | Assembly plant | 0=Modena, Italy; 1=Grugliasco, Italy (historic); 7=Cassino, Italy; X=Mirafiori, Italy (Levante); A=Modena, Italy; B=Modena, Italy |
| 12–17 | VIS | Serial number | Unique production sequence at the assembly plant |
Frequently Asked Questions — Maserati VIN
Where is the VIN on a Maserati?
Dashboard, driver's door jamb, and Maserati service records.
What does ZAM mean in a Maserati VIN?
The WMI prefix ZAM identifies a Maserati vehicle. ZAM identifies Maserati passenger cars; ZN6 is used for some SUV models.
How do I decode a Maserati VIN for free?
Enter your 17-character Maserati VIN in the decoder above. Our engine validates the check digit, reads the model year, identifies the assembly plant, and applies Maserati-specific rules for positions 4–8 where available.
Can a Maserati VIN tell me the engine type?
For most Maserati models, position 8 encodes the engine family or displacement. Our decoder maps this using manufacturer data. Popular models like Ghibli and Quattroporte are supported.
What plants build Maserati vehicles?
Position 11 is the assembly plant code. Maserati operates factories worldwide — our decoder translates the plant letter to a city and country. ZAM identifies Maserati passenger cars; ZN6 is used for some SUV models.
How do I verify a Maserati VIN is genuine?
Use our decoder to validate the check digit at position 9. A valid Maserati VIN like ZAM57RTAX0E112345 must pass the ISO 3779 check-digit test. Also compare the dashboard VIN with the door jamb label — mismatches may indicate tampering.
Does the model year in a Maserati VIN match the calendar year?
Not always. Position 10 encodes the model year using the standard 30-year ISO cycle. A vehicle assembled in late 2024 may carry a 2025 model-year code. Always treat position 10 as the manufacturer's designated model year.
Which Maserati models can I decode?
Our decoder supports all Maserati models with standard 17-character VINs since 1981, including Ghibli, Quattroporte, Levante, MC20, Grecale, GranTurismo. WMI lookup works for every Maserati VIN; detailed trim and engine data is available where manufacturer encoding is documented.