Nissan VIN Decoder
Nissan VIN Decoder
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the VinWhere Vehicle Data Team · Source: NHTSA vPIC
A Nissan VIN decoder reads a 17-character Nissan Vehicle Identification Number to identify factory data such as model year, make, model, body style, engine, drivetrain, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available. The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) — for example, 1N4 identifies nissan built in the united states.
What a Nissan VIN can tell you
A Nissan VIN can reveal the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available.
Nissan VIN prefixes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Nissan VIN identify the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. Common Nissan prefixes include:
| WMI prefix | Identifies |
|---|---|
| 1N4, 1N6 | Nissan built in the United States |
| 3N1 | Nissan built in Mexico |
| JN1, JN8 | Nissan built in Japan |
Reading a Nissan VIN
Country of build
The first character shows the build country — 1 for the USA, 3 for Mexico, J for Japan.
Position 10: model year
The 10th character encodes the Nissan model year code.
Infiniti link
Nissan's Infiniti luxury brand uses its own WMIs but follows the same VIN standard.
Sample Nissan VIN decode
An example decode for a Nissan VIN, showing the factory fields VinWhere returns:
- Year
- 2018
- Make
- NISSAN
- Model
- Altima
- Body
- Sedan
- Engine
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drive
- 4x2
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Built in
- Smyrna, UNITED STATES (USA)
Example VIN for illustration. Decode your own Nissan VIN above for exact results.
How to read a Nissan VIN
Every 17-character Nissan VIN follows the same position structure. The 10th character is the model year (see the VIN year chart) and the 11th is the assembly plant.
| Position(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Country or region of manufacture (WMI) |
| 2 | Manufacturer (WMI) |
| 3 | Vehicle type or manufacturing division (WMI) |
| 4–8 | Vehicle attributes: model, body, engine, restraints (VDS) |
| 9 | Check digit (validates the VIN) |
| 10 | Model year |
| 11 | Assembly plant |
| 12–17 | Production sequence / serial number |
Common Nissan models
VinWhere decodes VINs across the Nissan lineup, including:
Nissan build sheet by VIN
Can I get a Nissan build sheet by VIN?
Yes. A Nissan build sheet is the factory record of how a specific vehicle was originally built — its installed options, packages, and paint and trim codes. VinWhere reconstructs this from the VIN: it decodes the factory specification, then checks the original Nissan window sticker (Monroney label), which lists the as-built options and original MSRP.
Start with the Nissan window sticker lookup to see the original as-built options and MSRP for your VIN.
Where to find your Nissan VIN
- Driver-side dashboard, through the windshield
- Driver door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance card and policy
Data sources and limitations
Nissan VIN decoding is based on manufacturer-reported vehicle data from the official NHTSA vPIC database, plus brand-specific window sticker providers where available. Some fields — trim, options, or window sticker — may be unavailable depending on the model year, vehicle type, and source. A VIN decode shows factory specifications only, never owner names, addresses, or private DMV records.
Nissan VIN decoder FAQ
How do I decode a Nissan VIN for free?+
Enter your 17-character Nissan VIN into VinWhere's free decoder to see the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, and assembly country when available.
What does a Nissan VIN starting with 3N1 mean?+
A Nissan VIN starting with 3N1 was built in Mexico. A VIN starting with 1N was built in the United States, and JN indicates Japan.
Where is the VIN on a Nissan?+
Check the driver-side dashboard through the windshield, the driver door jamb, and your registration, title, and insurance documents.