---
name: api.vindexapi.dev
description: api.vindexapi.dev provides VIN decoding via the NHTSA vPIC database, returning normalized vehicle attributes (make, model, year, engine, drivetrain, body class), original factory warranty terms, and fetch provenance metadata. Each call costs $0.01 USDC and is billed per request.
host: api.vindexapi.dev
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# api.vindexapi.dev

Vindex API is a single-purpose vehicle data host targeting agents that need structured, normalized vehicle records from a 17-character VIN. It wraps the NHTSA vPIC API and layers on original factory warranty terms, making it useful for vehicle detail pages, coverage assessment workflows, and record enrichment pipelines. It does not provide recall data, emissions warranties, or remaining/extended warranty status.

## When to use this host

Use this host when an agent needs structured vehicle attributes or original factory warranty terms for a known VIN at low per-call cost ($0.01 USDC). It is appropriate for pre-purchase vehicle detail display, insurance or coverage intake forms, and vehicle record enrichment. Do not use it to check remaining warranty coverage, extended warranties, active recalls, emissions warranties, or manufacturer campaigns — the host explicitly does not support these. For recall data, the host's own documentation points to a separate /v1/recalls endpoint not exposed here. If an agent needs recall or campaign data, route to an NHTSA recall-specific API instead.

## Capabilities

### VIN Decoding and Vehicle Data

Decodes a 17-character VIN into structured vehicle attributes and original factory warranty terms, with provenance metadata indicating data fetch origin and freshness.

- **`decode-vehicle-vin`** — Decodes a 17-character VIN via NHTSA vPIC and returns normalized vehicle data (make, model, year, engine, drivetrain, body class) plus original factory warranty terms and fetch provenance, for $0.01 USDC per call.

## Skill reference

### `decode-vehicle-vin`

**Vindex VIN Decoder** — Decodes a 17-character VIN via NHTSA vPIC and returns normalized vehicle data (make, model, year, engine, drivetrain, body class) plus original factory warranty terms and fetch provenance, for $0.01 USDC per call.

*Use when:* Use when an agent needs structured vehicle attributes and original manufacturer warranty terms for a known VIN, such as before displaying vehicle details, assessing coverage, or enriching a vehicle record.

*Not for:* Do not use to check remaining warranty coverage, extended warranties, recalls, emissions warranties, or manufacturer campaigns — this returns only original factory warranty terms as sold. For recall data use /v1/recalls instead.

**Inputs:**

- `vin` (string, required) — 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (no I, O, or Q characters).

**Returns:** Returns a vehicle object (2013 FORD F-150, 3.5L V6, 4WD Pickup) with original factory warranty terms (basic 3yr/36k, powertrain 5yr/60k), NHTSA provenance, and payment confirmation.

**Example:** `GET https://api.vindexapi.dev/v1/decode?vin=1FTFW1ET5DFC10312`

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