Free Nissan VIN Decoder

Decode any Nissan VIN in seconds. See the model, engine, transmission, drivetrain, assembly plant and model year, plus open recalls from NHTSA, before you buy, sell or service your Nissan.

  • 100% free
  • Data from NHTSA
  • Instant results

What our free Nissan VIN decoder shows

One VIN, the key facts about any Nissan. When you enter a Nissan VIN, the decoder reads the codes built into those 17 characters and matches them to records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In a few seconds you see:

  • Model and trim: which Nissan model it is, and the trim when it is encoded.
  • Model year: taken from the 10th character of the VIN.
  • Engine and powertrain: engine size, fuel type and transmission when available.
  • Body style: sedan, coupe, SUV, minivan, van or pickup.
  • Assembly plant: the factory that built the vehicle.
  • Open safety recalls: any recall on record with NHTSA for that exact VIN.

This helps when you are checking a used Nissan for sale, ordering the right parts, comparing a listing to the real vehicle or getting an insurance quote.

How to look up a Nissan VIN

  1. Find the 17-character VIN on the vehicle or its paperwork (see where to find it below).
  2. Type it into the box at the top of this page. Letters are not case-sensitive.
  3. Select Decode VIN.
  4. Compare the results with the seller’s listing: model, year, engine and drivetrain should all match.

A valid VIN never contains the letters I, O or Q, because they look too much like 1 and 0. If the decoder rejects a VIN, check for those letters first.

How to read a Nissan VIN

Every Nissan built since 1981 has a 17-character VIN that follows the same international standard. Here is an example:

1N4 BL4BV 8 L C 123456

CharactersIn this VINWhat it tells you
1–3 · WMI1N4The manufacturer and country. 1N4 is a Nissan passenger car built in the United States.
4–8 · Vehicle descriptorBL4BVModel line, body, engine and restraint systems.
9 · Check digit8A calculated number that confirms the VIN is valid.
10 · Model yearLThe model year: L is 2020.
11 · Plant codeCThe assembly plant.
12–17 · Serial number123456The unique production number of that vehicle.

Nissan WMI codes

Nissan builds vehicles in Japan, in Tennessee and Mississippi, and in Mexico. These are the codes you will see most often:

WMIBuilt inTypical vehicles
JN1JapanPassenger cars
JN8JapanSUVs such as Rogue and Murano
1N4United StatesCars such as Altima and Maxima
1N6United StatesPickups such as Frontier and Titan
5N1United StatesSUVs such as Pathfinder, Rogue and Murano
3N1MexicoCars such as Sentra, Versa and Kicks

Source: NHTSA vPIC.

Nissan model year codes

The 10th character shows the model year. The letters I, O, Q, U, Z and the number 0 are never used for the year.

CodeYearCodeYearCodeYear
G2016K2019P2023
H2017L2020R2024
J2018M2021S2025
N2022T2026

Where to find the VIN on a Nissan

Where to find the VIN on a vehicle: on the dashboard by the windshield and on the label inside the driver’s door jamb
The VIN is usually on the dashboard (seen through the windshield) and on the label inside the driver’s door.
  • Dashboard: on the lower corner of the dashboard on the driver’s side. Look through the windshield from outside the vehicle.
  • Driver’s door jamb: on the label on the door pillar, visible when the door is open.
  • Frame (trucks): on Frontier and Titan the VIN is also stamped on the frame.
  • Documents: the title, registration and insurance card all list the VIN.

Make sure the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN on the title. If they are different, do not buy until you know why: it can be a sign of a stolen or rebuilt vehicle.

Popular Nissan models

Pick a model to decode its VIN and see recalls by model year:

  • Nissan Altima: the midsize sedan, with available all-wheel drive.
  • Nissan Rogue: the compact SUV and one of Nissan’s best sellers.
  • Nissan Sentra: the compact sedan.
  • Nissan Pathfinder: the three-row midsize SUV.
  • Nissan Frontier: the midsize pickup.
  • Nissan Murano: the two-row midsize SUV.
  • Nissan Maxima: the full-size sedan, discontinued after the 2023 model year.
  • Nissan Versa: the subcompact sedan.
  • Nissan Titan: the full-size pickup, discontinued after the 2024 model year.
  • Nissan Kicks: the subcompact SUV.

Nissan recalls and how to check them

NHTSA lists 275 recall campaigns for the Nissan models on this page. Recalls are issued for specific VINs, so two vehicles of the same model and year can have different results. The repair for a safety recall is free at any Nissan dealer, even if you are not the first owner.

To check a Nissan for recalls, enter its VIN above. If a recall is open, contact a Nissan dealer to book the repair, and ask the seller of a used vehicle for proof that past recalls were completed.

Free VIN decoder vs full vehicle history report

The decoder tells you what the vehicle is. A history report tells you what happened to it.

InformationFree decoderFull history report
Model, year, engine, plantYesYes
Open safety recallsYesYes
Title brands (salvage, flood, rebuilt)NoYes
Odometer readingsNoYes
Accident and damage recordsNoYes
Sales and ownership historyNoYes

If you are about to buy a used Nissan, run a full vehicle history check or see a sample report first.

Buying a used Nissan: what to check

  • The VIN on the dashboard, door jamb and title all match.
  • No open safety recalls, or proof that they were repaired.
  • No salvage, flood or rebuilt title brand.
  • Odometer readings that go up steadily over the years.
  • Many Nissans use a CVT automatic transmission. Ask for transmission service records and check whether any warranty extension applies to that VIN.
  • On Frontier and Titan, check the frame for rust and ask about towing.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Nissan VIN FAQs

How do I decode a Nissan VIN?

Type the 17-character VIN into the box at the top of this page and select Decode VIN. We read the manufacturer, model, engine and year codes and match them to NHTSA data.

Is the Nissan VIN decoder free?

Yes. Decoding the specs and checking for open recalls is free and does not require an account. A full vehicle history report is a separate paid option.

Why do some Nissan VINs start with J and others with 1, 5 or 3?

The first character shows the country of manufacture. J means Japan, 1 and 5 mean the United States and 3 means Mexico. Nissan builds many US models in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Which character shows the Nissan model year?

The 10th character. L stands for 2020, P for 2023 and S for 2025.

Does a Nissan VIN show recalls?

Yes. Safety recalls are issued by VIN, so checking the exact VIN tells you whether a recall applies to that vehicle and whether it is still open.

Can a Nissan VIN show the transmission type?

Often, yes. The vehicle descriptor section can show the engine and transmission, which helps you tell whether a car has a CVT or a conventional automatic.

VIN decoder for other makes

Choose another brand to decode its VIN and see recalls by model.

Source: NHTSA public data, updated October 8, 2026. HistoryByVIN is not affiliated with Nissan. Nissan and the Nissan logo are trademarks of their owner.