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Nissan VIN Decoder

Nissan sold cars in the US as Datsun until the early 1980s, then changed the badge to Nissan. It builds cars in Smyrna, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi.

Built before 1981?

Can I decode a Nissan VIN from before 1981?

Not yet. A Nissan built before 1981 used a shorter, manufacturer-specific number rather than the 17-character standard, and our classic decoder does not cover Nissan so far. Every VIN searched there is recorded, and the makes people look up most are the ones we add next.

Try the classic decoder
Classic Nissan VINs Not yet Every VIN searched is recorded, and the makes people look up most are added next.
Reading a Nissan VIN

What do the first three characters of a Nissan VIN mean?

Japanese-built Nissans begin JN1, US-built cars 1N4, and US-built SUVs and trucks 5N1. Older cars badged Datsun predate standardized VINs.

What each of the 17 positions means

The 17 positionsJN1 …
  • 1–3Manufacturer
  • 4–8Vehicle details
  • 9Check digit
  • 10Model year
  • 11Plant
  • 12–17Serial number
Have a Nissan VIN in hand?Decode it free — no account needed.
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