Need A Repair Shop?
Find local automotive repair shops in your area.
CarZone Auto | Nissan and Infiniti Service Center
Do-It-Yourself Nissan Tutorials Home | Nissanhelp.com DIY DIY
 
Nissan VIN Decoder

Nissan VIN Decoder

What is a VIN?
The VIN is the "Vehicle Identification Number" for your automobile or truck. This number breaks down your vehicle to illustrate such things as engine size, body style, model year, transmission type, color, etc. For vehicles newer than 1980, this is a 17 digit alphanumeric number.

Where to Find VIN Numbers?
The most common place to find your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is on a small metal plate attached to the driver side top of the dashboard. The tag is designed to be visible through the windshield for easy access. Every car is required to have one of these and all of them are located in this one place. It is illegal to remove or change this plate. If the tag is missing, chances are the vehicle has been repaired, or was most likely, stolen.

Other places where you might find your vehicles' VIN number:

  • Vehicle Identification Label in your Owner's Manual
  • Stamped on the frame under the front hood
  • On a sticker on the driver's side door pillar
  • On state vehicle registration certificate
  • On the vehicle title of ownership
  • New cars have the VIN on the price sticker
  • A label in the luggage/spare tire area

Why is this VIN so important?
The VIN gives a detailed breakdown of your vehicle so any guesswork on the application of the vehicle to find the correct parts, repair information, service procedures, etc.

Are all the letters and numbers necessary when entering my VIN?
Yes, the VIN sequence as well as properly entering each number and letter is critical. Each alphanumeric entry represents a particular feature of your vehicle so please take your time while entering the VIN and double-check it.

Still have questions? Post your questions on the Nissanhelp.com Forums

Related Links
Nissan Engine Decoder
Nissan Model Line Decoder

Example 5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001
5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Manufacturer
JN1 Japan Produce Nissan Passenger Vehicle
JN3 Japan Produce Nissan Passenger Vehicle
JN6 Japan Produce Nissan Truck & Van
JN8 Japan Produce Nissan Multi-Purpose Vehicle
1N4 USA Produce Nissan Car
1N6 USA Produce Nissan Truck
5BZ USA Produce Nissan Truck & Van
5N1 USA Produce Nissan Multi-Purpose
3N1 Mexico Produce Nissan Car
JN1 Japan Produce Nissan Car
JN3 Japan Produce Nissan Convertible
JN6 Japan Produce Nissan Van
JN8 Japan Produce Nissan Multi-Purpose Vehicle
5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001 Engine Type Extended Engine Type
A VG30D, VK45DE, VQ35DE, VK56DE, VQ40DE, QR25DE
B KA24DE, SR20DE, VQ35HR, MR18DE, QR25DE
C SR20DE, VG30DETT, QG18DE
D KA24DE, QG18DE, VQ35DE,
E VE30DE, GA16DE, VG33E
F KA24E
H VG30E
M KA24DE, VG33ER
N VH45DE
R VG30DE
S KA24E
T VG33E
Z HR, VHR
Extended Engine Type
5N1-N-G-1-C-8-S-T-000001 Model Line Extended Model Line
A Armada, Titan, Maxima
B Sentra, 200SX
C Versa (07-11)
D Truck, Xterra (00-04), Frontier
J Maxima
N Xterra (05-11)
R Pathfinder
S 240SX, Rogue (08-11)
U Altima
Z 300Z, 350Z, Murano
Extended Model Line
5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Model Change (0-9)
0 No Change
Example
6 Frontier King Cab
7 Frontier Crew Cab
5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Body Type
1 4-Door Sedan, Standard Body Truck
4 2-Door Coupe
5 4-Door Wagon
6 2-Door Convertible, Fastback, King Cab Truck
7 Crew Cab Truck
8 8- Door Wagon
5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Miscellaneous
A Air Bag System
C Air Bag System
D Driver & Front Passenger Air Bag  + 3 Point Seat Belt
E Driver and front passenger SRS air bags, SRS side air bags, SRS curtain air bag & 3 point manual seat belt
P Passive Restraint System
S 2 Wheel Drive (2WD) - Rear ABS
T 2 Wheel Drive (2WD) - 4-Wheel ABS
Y 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) - 4-Wheel ABS
U 2WD
W AWD (4WD)
5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Check Digit
5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Model Year
L 1990
M 1991
N 1192
P 1993
R 1994
S 1995
T 1996
V 1997
W 1998
X 1999
Y 2000
1 2001
2 2002
3 2003
4 2004
5 2005
6 2006
7 2007
8 2008
9 2009
A 2010
B 2011
C 2012
D 2013
E 2014
F 2015
G 2016
H 2017
J 2018
K 2019
L 2020
5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Plant Code
C Smyrna, Tennessee, USA
L Aguas Calientes, Mexico
M Tochigi, Japan
N Canton, Mississippi, USA
T Tochigi, Japan
T Oppama, Japan
W Kyushyu, Japan
5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Serial Number

* For a more accurate detailed information of the VIN please see the "General Information" (GI) section of the service manual.