Where is the VIN number in Audi A3 (8Y)?

This guide covers the VIN (vehicle identification number) locations on the Audi A3 (8Y) produced between 2021–2021, including the quick-to-check dashboard plate and the more hidden body stamping in the engine bay.

Chassis Number Locations

Lower windshield (dashboard VIN plate)

• Where to look: Stand outside the car and look through the bottom corner of the windshield on the left side (driver’s side). The VIN is on a plate visible behind the glass.
• Access: Low to Medium. No tools needed, but reflections/glare from the windshield can block the characters.
• Note: This location is consistent and easy to verify during inspections.
• Tip: If glare washes out the digits, scan it instantly with your phone camera so you don’t misread similar characters like B/8 or S/5.

B-pillar / door jamb VIN sticker

• Where to look: Open a front door and check the door aperture (B-pillar/door jamb area) for a black or silver VIN sticker that also lists paint codes and axle weights.
• Access: Low. Usually clean, vertical, and easy to photograph.
• Note: Sticker placement can vary by market (left or right side of the car), so check both door openings if you don’t see it immediately.
• Tip: This is one of the easiest spots to capture—use the free VIN reader to grab the full 17 characters cleanly without typing.

Front right strut tower (chassis stamping in engine bay)

• Where to look: In the engine bay on the front-right strut tower / fender apron area (right side of the vehicle). The VIN is stamped into the metal, but it’s hidden under a plastic trim flap and the rubber weather seal. Locate the small “window” area in the plastic near the fender, lift the rubber seal, then peel the plastic flap back to expose the stamping.
• Access: High. The stamping is obscured, often dusty, and the flap casts a shadow—bring good light and be ready to move trim carefully.
• Note: On RHD cars the “easy-to-stand-at” side changes, but the stamping is still on the front-right of the vehicle (right side as viewed from the driver’s seat).
• Tip: Because this spot is dark and the characters can look faint, scan it with Flashlight + high-contrast OCR after lifting the flap so the camera can pick up the stamped text.

Trunk / spare wheel well VIN sticker

• Where to look: Open the trunk and lift the floor carpet/cover. Look for a paper VIN sticker attached to the metal floor of the spare wheel well (or near the tire repair kit area).
• Access: Medium. You may need to clear cargo and lift a heavy floor panel; paper stickers can be scuffed or moisture-damaged.
• Note: This sticker is commonly identical to the one found in the service documentation.
• Tip: If the sticker is worn or partly torn, capture it with the phone scanner so you can zoom and confirm characters without guessing.

VIN in the infotainment (MMI)

• Where to look: On the infotainment screen, the VIN can be displayed in the vehicle/service information area.
• Access: N/A. Menu layouts vary by model year and system version.
• Note: Use this as a cross-check only—always match it against a physical VIN on the body.
• Tip: After you find a physical VIN, scan it and compare the decoded result to what the car shows in the menus to catch mismatches.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: How to find the locations of your Vehicle identification number (VIN

▶ Watch Audi A3 VIN Location Guide

• Shows the windshield VIN, door jamb sticker, trunk sticker, and how to lift the trim to reveal the engine-bay strut-tower stamping.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield VIN glare: If sunlight reflects off the glass, change your viewing angle, shade it with your hand, or scan it from closer range.
• Engine-bay stamping is hidden/dark: Lift the rubber seal and plastic flap fully, wipe dirt off the metal, and use a strong light so the stamped characters stand out.
• Sticker vs. stamped VIN mismatch: Door/trunk stickers can be replaced—when buying a car, always confirm the stamped body VIN matches the windshield plate and paperwork.

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