ToolviaNissan VIN decoder
Nissan builds many of its US models in Tennessee and Mississippi, and imports others from Japan and Mexico. The first three characters of the VIN tell you which, and whether it’s a car, SUV or truck.
Decode a Nissan VIN below to see the model, trim, engine and plant, with recalls and owner complaints for that model year.
Nissan manufacturer codes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Nissan VIN are its World Manufacturer Identifier. These are the ones you’re most likely to see on vehicles sold in the United States:
| VIN starts with | Meaning |
|---|---|
JN1 | Nissan cars built in Japan |
JN8 | Nissan SUVs built in Japan |
1N4 | Nissan cars built in the US |
1N6 | Nissan trucks built in the US |
5N1 | Nissan SUVs built in the US |
3N1 | Nissan cars built in Mexico |
Not sure what the rest of the characters mean? Our guide to what each digit in a VIN means walks through all 17, and the VIN year chart shows how to read the model year from the 10th character.
How to read a Nissan VIN
Cars, trucks and SUVs
1N4 is used for cars built in the US, like the Altima. 1N6 is for trucks such as the Frontier and Titan. 5N1 covers US-built SUVs like the Pathfinder and Rogue, and 3N1 covers cars built in Mexico, including the Sentra and Versa.
Infiniti uses its own codes
Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury brand. Its VINs often start with JNK or 5N3, and they decode here the same way.
Check the transmission
Many Nissans use a CVT automatic. The decoder shows the transmission style when Nissan reported it, which is worth knowing if you’re comparing used cars.
Before you buy a used Nissan: what to check with the VIN
Once you’ve decoded the VIN, these are the Nissan-specific things worth comparing against the listing.
Check the transmission
Many recent Nissans use a CVT automatic. The Transmission row shows what the car has, which is worth knowing when you compare service histories.
Confirm the drivetrain
Models like the Rogue and Pathfinder have been sold in front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Drive type row shows which.
Infiniti cousins
Some Infiniti models share platforms with Nissans. If you\u2019re comparing the two, decode both VINs and look at the engine and drivetrain side by side.
Where to find the VIN on a Nissan
Check the dashboard through the windshield on the driver’s side first, then the label on the driver’s door jamb. The VIN is also printed on the title, registration and insurance card. See all the places to look.
Frequently asked questions
Where was my Nissan built?
Look at the first character: J is Japan, 1 or 5 is the US and 3 is Mexico. The decoded report shows the exact plant city.
Can I decode an Infiniti VIN here?
Yes. Infiniti VINs decode the same way as Nissan VINs.
How do I find my Nissan’s engine size?
Decode the VIN above. The Engine row shows the displacement and cylinders.
Nissan is a trademark of its owner. Toolvia is an independent site and isn’t affiliated with Nissan. Decoded details come from data the manufacturer reports to NHTSA.