Where is the VIN number in Citroen C3 (Citroen C3 III [2016-2021])?

This guide covers the Citroën C3 III (2016–2021) VIN / chassis number locations shown in the inspection videos and commonly used inspection points.

Chassis Number Locations

Engine Bay (Stamped on Chassis)

• Where to look: Open the bonnet and locate the VIN stamped into the metal on the upper bulkhead/cowl panel area, close to the shock tower side. In the footage it sits on the right-side upper structural rail (vehicle-right, looking from the rear direction of travel), between the plastic cowl trim near the windshield and the engine, running roughly parallel with the fender line.
• Access: You’ll need to lean over into the engine bay. This area often collects road grime/leaves, and the stamping is dark characters on dark paint, so it can be hard to read unless it’s clean and well-lit. Wipe with a rag and a mild cleaner; don’t scrub through the paint.
• Note: The videos show RHD cars, but this type of PSA chassis stamp is commonly found in the same general engine-bay rail/cowl area. If you can’t find it on vehicle-right, check the equivalent rail on the opposite side.
• Tip: If the stamp is hard to read due to dirt and low contrast, use ScanVin.app “High Contrast AI Mode” after wiping the surface—stamped characters pop much better on-camera than by eye.

Windshield (Lower Corner, Visible From Outside)

• Where to look: From outside the car, check the lower corner of the windshield, behind the glass, tucked near the wiper resting area. It sits at the very bottom edge of the windshield, behind a small VIN plate.
• Access: High chance of glare/reflection on the glass. On the inspected car, the wiper blade partially covers the VIN, so you may need to lift the wiper to see the full code.
• Note: The videos show a UK (RHD) car with the VIN visible at the lower windshield corner on the passenger side for that market. On many LHD vehicles this windshield plate is often on the opposite lower corner—so check both lower corners if you don’t see it immediately.
• Tip: If glare makes it unreadable, use ScanVin.app to capture it instantly—change your angle slightly to cut reflections and avoid transcription mistakes.

B-Pillar / Door Jamb Sticker (Manufacturing Label)

• Where to look: Open the front door and check the B-pillar (center pillar) door jamb area for the manufacturer sticker/label (often positioned lower down on the pillar).
• Access: Usually quick and tool-free, but stickers can be scratched, faded, or peeled from cleaning or wear.
• Note: This label is great for matching details (paint codes/weights/options), but it’s not always the legally “primary” VIN in disputes.
• Tip: Stickers are the easiest for phone OCR—use ScanVin.app scan mode to grab the VIN cleanly without manually typing.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: 2021 Citroen C3 - How to Find VIN

▶ Watch Citroen C3 VIN Location Guide

• Shows the windshield VIN plate and calls out the wiper blade obstruction on a UK-spec (RHD) C3.

Video Tutorial: Citroen C3 (2020) Chassis Vin Number Location pr/blk

▶ Watch Citroen C3 VIN Location Guide

• Shows the stamped chassis VIN location in the engine bay with a close-up of the metal stamping position.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield glare + wiper blockage: If the wiper rests over the plate, lift the wiper and scan from a slight angle to reduce reflections.
• Engine bay stamp unreadable: Dirt and dark paint hide the characters—wipe the rail clean, then use strong lighting to read the stamped relief.
• Sticker vs. stamped VIN mismatch: Door-jamb stickers can be replaced or damaged; if anything looks off, trust and verify the stamped chassis VIN and check the vehicle history.

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