API reference

VIN lookup

Decode a vehicle by VIN.

POST/api/v1/vin

Scope: dossier
Formats: JSON · SSE
Sandbox: Free fixtures

curl https://deepsearch.app/api/v1/vin \  -H "Authorization: Bearer $DEEPSEARCH_API_KEY" \  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \  -d '{        "vin": "1HGCM82633A004352"      }'

Example request

Authorization

Authorizationheaderrequired

Send Bearer $DEEPSEARCH_API_KEY with the dossier scope. The free sandbox uses the published test key.

Authentication guide

Body parameters

vinstringrequired

The 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (no I, O, or Q).

refreshboolean

Bypass the shared cache and rebuild.

Default: false

formatenum

json collects the result; sse streams progress and result events.

jsonsse

Default: json

sandboxboolean

Return deterministic, unmetered fixtures.

Default: false

Response

JSON responses preserve the operation result and include request metadata, usage, and collected events. SSE delivers progress and result events as they arrive.

Streaming & formats

{  "object": "vin_result",  "request_id": "req_01HZY8T5VINLOOKUP9F4X9J7Z1",  "cached": false,  "vehicle": {    "vin": "1HGCM82633A004352",    "year": 2003,    "make": "HONDA",    "model": "Accord",    "headline": "2003 HONDA Accord EX · Sedan/Saloon",    "engine": {      "cylinders": "6",      "displacementL": "3",      "fuelType": "Gasoline"    },    "recalls": [],    "safety": {      "airbags": [        "Front (1st Row (Driver & Passenger))"      ],      "features": [],      "ratings": []    },    "summary": "The 2003 Honda Accord is a midsize sedan… [1]"  },  "metadata": {    "api_version": "v1",    "operation": "vin",    "request_id": "req_01HZY8T5VINLOOKUP9F4X9J7Z1",    "generated_at": "2026-10-01T12:00:00.000Z"  },  "usage": {    "metered": true,    "credits": 1,    "cached": false  },  "events": []}

Example responseapplication/json

Sources & coverage

Submit a 17-character VIN and get the decoded vehicle profile - year/make/model/trim, engine & drivetrain, body, assembly plant - plus open NHTSA recalls and crash-test safety ratings. Specs/recalls/safety are official NHTSA public data; title/accident history is included only where a history provider is configured. Public vehicle information only; not an FCRA report. Cached VINs are free.

Usage & caching

A paid fresh vehicle-history report is High usage and covers all nested work. Cached reports use no usage.

Usage & rate limits

Examples illustrate the contract. Test request runs the selected deployment; sandbox fixtures are unmetered.