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Nissan VIN decoder

Enter a Nissan VIN to decode it. Unlike some makers, Nissan gives almost every position between 4 and 8 a single job, so you can read a lot from the VIN once you know the order.

By Tayron Bram

Updated October 2026 · 3 min read

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Letters and numbers, no I, O or Q. It decodes as soon as all 17 are in.

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On this page
  1. What the decoder reads from a Nissan VIN
  2. Nissan manufacturer codes (WMI)
  3. How Nissan uses positions 4 to 8 and 11
  4. Nissan-specific checks
  5. Before you buy a used Nissan

What the decoder reads from a Nissan VIN

As soon as the VIN is 17 characters long, the decoder asks NHTSA’s free vPIC database what Nissan reported: model year, model, grade, body, engine, drive, GVWR class, plant and restraint system. It then lists recalls NHTSA has for that year and model. The decode is the car as it left the factory. Title brands, accident and total-loss records, and odometer readings over time come from a history report. Use the VIN decoder for other brands, or see pricing.

Nissan manufacturer codes (WMI)

Source: NHTSA vPIC, WMIs registered to Nissan, checked October 25, 2026. Main codes only; the full list is longer.
WMIManufacturer as registeredVehicle type
JN1NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY, LTDPassenger car
JN8NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY, LTDMultipurpose passenger vehicle
1N4NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Passenger car
1N6NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Truck
5N1NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Multipurpose passenger vehicle
3N1NISSAN MEXICANA, S.A. DE C.V.Passenger car
3N6NISSAN MEXICANA, S.A. DE C.V.Truck
3N8NISSAN MEXICANA, S.A. DE C.V.Multipurpose passenger vehicle

Position 1 tells you the country: J for Japan, 1 and 5 for the United States, 3 for Mexico. Nissan’s 2027 filing also covers Infiniti, which uses the same codes: the Smyrna-built QX60 starts 5N1 and the QX80 starts JN8.

How Nissan uses positions 4 to 8 and 11

Nissan’s 2027 VIN coding charts, filed with NHTSA, give each position its own label. On passenger cars: 4th engine type, 5th line or series, 6th model change number, 7th body type (listed with the grade), 8th restraint system. On SUVs and trucks the same first four labels apply, and the later characters also take in GVWR class, brake system and 2WD or 4WD. Position 9 is the check digit, 10 the model year (V for 2027) and 12 to 17 a number from 000001 to 999999.

Source: Nissan North America, Model Year 2027 VIN coding system filed with NHTSA (September 16, 2026).
Position 11Plant2027 models in the filing
NCanton, USAAltima, Frontier
CSmyrna, USAMurano, Pathfinder, Rogue, Infiniti QX60 and QX65
WKyushu, JapanRogue, Rogue Hybrid
9Nissan Shatai Kyushu, JapanArmada, Infiniti QX80
MTochigi, JapanLEAF, Z
LAguascalientes, MexicoKicks
DAguascalientes 2, MexicoSentra

The Rogue shows why the plant matters: Nissan’s 2027 chart lists it from Smyrna under 5N1 and from Kyushu under JN8, so two Rogues of the same year can start differently and both be correct.

Nissan-specific checks

  • Nissan’s recall lookup searches by VIN and covers safety recalls initiated after March 15, 1994.
  • Nissan says the VIN is on the driver’s side where the windshield meets the dashboard, on a sticker on the driver’s door post, and on the insurance card and registration.
  • The decoder’s recall list is for the model. Check this car’s VIN with Nissan or NHTSA to see what’s still unrepaired.
  • For the model-year letter in position 10, see VIN year codes.
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Letters and numbers, no I, O or Q. It’s on the dashboard by the windshield, on the driver’s door frame, and on the title.

Before you buy a used Nissan

  • Match the VIN on the dash, the door post and the title.
  • Check that the decoded engine and drive match the car: Nissan puts the engine in position 4.
  • Get a history report for title brands and mileage. See salvage title check and odometer rollback check.
  • Search the VIN for unrepaired recalls before you hand over money.

A CARFAX report on a Nissan costs $8.99 with us.

Questions

What is the model change number in a Nissan VIN?

It’s the 6th character in Nissan’s coding charts, between the line or series code and the body type. Nissan lists it for every model in its 2027 filing.

Why does one Rogue VIN start with 5N1 and another with JN8?

Nissan’s 2027 chart lists the Rogue from two plants: Smyrna in the US (5N1, plant C) and Kyushu, Japan (JN8, plant W).

How far back does Nissan’s recall search go?

Nissan says you can search all safety recalls initiated after March 15, 1994.

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About the author

Tayron Bram

Data Validation Officer

Tayron Bram is the Data Validation Officer at Smart VIN Check, with 41 years of experience in used-car sales, auto auctions and vehicle data. Tayron has checked thousands of vehicle history reports and worked with dealers importing cars from the US. At Smart VIN Check, Tayron checks that every fact in our guides matches its source, from state title rules to NMVTIS and NHTSA records, and goes back to those sources when they change. Before a guide is published, Tayron reads it the way a buyer would, looking for anything unclear, out of date or not backed by a source. Tayron also keeps the prices we quote from other sellers current, so the comparisons on our pages stay accurate.

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