Where the hell is my VIN?! Missing Windshield VIN

[userdude]

They talked about Broncos that didn't have VINs because they were pre-production versions at the Texas Off Roadeo. They also talked about how they got sent to a crusher and weren't allowed on the roads.

Let's hope it's just not visible for some reason. But I would definitely get someone to confirm what's going on. Just wondering, have you asked the guy you bought it from? I may have missed that.

Sponsored

 

[Dtronic]

Did you buy a used vehicle from South Florida online and have it shipped to CA?

South Florida is the mecca of vin alteration/stolen vehicles, usually shipped overseas.

 

[timhood]

A lot of very complex scenarios presented here. The simplest answer is usually most likely the correct one. I am curious to hear the final outcome, though.

 

[Bugkillah]

Like someone mentioned earlier, no one looks at their VIN in the windshield. But it was also mentioned that 3 recalls were done, isn’t the windshield the go to VIN for recalls and oil changes, usually using a scanner? If so, whatever happened must have happened recently, or it would have been noticed then.

 

[FatsWaller]

These are all good points. I appreciate everyone's input and advice so far. Its been less than 16 hours but I've still not heard back from the PO (not looking good on that front), and I've let Autotraders PSX department know of the problem and they are handling things on their end. I also sent a message to my local ford dealer asking what options are at this point.

Is the window VIN a sticker? Could it have come loose and slid toward the passenger side in that channel? Since mine is missing, I am not sure what I am even really looking for.

 

[cbrenthus]

I just checked and my VIN is there!

 

[Phil Brown]

When you take it to CHP they will take it back and go over it looking at all of the "hidden vin #'s", they might even pull the windshield to see what's up and be looking for discrepancies. They are very good at what they do which is to find stolen cars and fraudulent #'s.
If everything looks ok to them and your windshield vin is just missing for whatever reason they will probably just issue and install a "blue tag vin" tag most likely in the door jamb area that will have your new vin # to use and all will be good for you.

 

[vrtical]

I would say maybe 2% of buyers would ever look at the windshield vin tag.

I quadruple checked when I picked up my braptor, base on past experience I wasn't leaving unless everything was correct. How this ever originally left a dealer is amazing which is the first red flag.

 

[Dadsquatch]

Doing some detective work by zooming in on your photo, there is a faint line (see my red arrow) of where the QR code on the VIN tag/label seems to line up.

 

[Crusty Tanker]

Move?

 

[FatsWaller]

When you take it to CHP they will take it back and go over it looking at all of the "hidden vin #'s", they might even pull the windshield to see what's up and be looking for discrepancies. They are very good at what they do which is to find stolen cars and fraudulent #'s.
If everything looks ok to them and your windshield vin is just missing for whatever reason they will probably just issue and install a "blue tag vin" tag most likely in the door jamb area that will have your new vin # to use and all will be good for you.

Thank you Phil, this makes me feel a bit better as there is a possible solution. Sounds like Ford will not issue new VINs even if there is substantial proof so getting a VIN from CHP that I can use to register the vehicle is a relief if all works out. So far every VIN on the car has matched including the one in the App/FordSYNC and the engine block. Unfortunately as it goes in California, the next available appointment for a VIN inspection isn't until March 12th so until then I suppose we wait.

 

[FatsWaller]

Move?

I was waiting for this reply and was surprised it didn't come earlier in the thread, bravo sir, always one.

 

[FatsWaller]

next available appoint

Doing some detective work by zooming in on your photo, there is a faint line (see my red arrow) of where the QR code on the VIN tag/label seems to line up.

Ya I saw that as well. So not sure if that is where the QR should have been or where it was and now its gone.

 

[BigJim1957]

Check for VIN tags along the top of your Driver and Passenger fenders. If they are not there, contact your nearest Ford Dealer for advice on correcting the issue. I hope everything works out.

 

[FatsWaller]

Check for VIN tags along the top of your Driver and Passenger fenders. If they are not there, contact your nearest Ford Dealer for advice on correcting the issue. I hope everything works out.

From what I can tell from your window VIN, it looks to be actually printed onto the FoMoCo label? So that means mine couldn't have simply 'fell off' or been ripped away? Mine looks as if it was never printed onto to the FoMoCo sticker.

Sponsored