Decode Nissan VIN Number - Lookup and History Check

Nissan VIN Decoder

Nissan is a fascinating automobile brand with a global standing. The company is firmly committed to reliability, innovation, and the quality of its cars and SUVs. A 1958 Datsun 1000 Sedan was the first car introduced into the American market. Datsun and Nissan shared various models that were co-produced and imported to the US until Nissan released the Datsun name in 1986

The Datsun brand is a classic, with collectors using the last six of the 17-digit code to locate parts for as many vintage automobiles as possible.

Prospective owners and fleet managers use the industry-grade GoodCar VIN Decoder to find out as much information as possible on a specific Nissan. Nissan fully supports the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Assocation) 17-digit code from 1981 to the present.

With the unique GoodCar VIN Decoder tool, users can obtain engine specs., vehicle styles and trim levels, interior and exterior colors, and much more. Users can find the latest NHTSA Crash test ratings on a specific automobile and if the VIN has any attached recalls.

Deciphering a Nissan VIN

Every Nissan car, truck, or SUV comes with its unique 17-digit code, standardized in 1981 and enforced in the United States by the NHTSA.

Manufacture Identifier

region

automaker

manufacturer

Vehicle descriptor section

body type

restraint system

engine

checksum DIGIT

model year

manufacturing plant

production sequence number

VIN Digit

Meaning

1^st

Position one indicates the region or country where the specific vehicle was built. The vast majority of Nissans are produced in Japan, the United States, and Mexico.

2^nd

Position two of the Nissan VIN, in combination with the first digit, tells the users the manufacturer.

3^rd

The third letter or number gives the vehicle manufacturer.

4^th - 8^th

Positions four through eight offer the most information on a specific vehicle. Position four is the vehicle type and model, combined with position five.

6^th

Position six is the body type, such as a two, four-door, or hatchback.

7^th

The restraint system is reserved for position seven. The description may include front or side airbags or seatbelt pretensioners.

8^th

Position eight is the engine type; Nissan has several engine types with differing liter sizes, four- and six-cylinder engines, and turbo or non-turbo engines.

9^th

Position nine of every vehicle produced is the checksum digit. A pre-determined algorithm in combination with the ninth position digit, validates the VIN.

10^th

The tenth position tells the model year and this character may be different than the year the vehicle was manufactured.

11^th

Position eleven conveys a specific plant location where the vehicle was built.

12^th - 17^th

The following six positions describe unique information about the vehicle. Some automakers use this sequence of numbers to describe add-ons and sensor-based technologies. Many collectors can use the last six characters to identify needed parts from the original vehicle.

Where Can I Find the VIN on My Nissan?

Nissan VINs are located in the standard NHTSA-designated areas, the first being on the driver’s side dashboard at the windshield. The VIN must be visible through the glass. The second location is on the driver’s side door jam. The VIN is affixed to a plate or sticker and contains other vehicle information, such as the model year, tire sizes, pressures, and GVWR.
The Nissan VIN may also be attached to a plate on the firewall inside the engine compartment. Look for your VIN on ownership, insurance documents, and registration papers.

Popular Nissan Models

Nissan’s Maxima has always been a stylish and competitive model in the four-door sedan segment. Debuted in 1982, the current eighth generation offers excellent gas mileage, a 300 hp V6 engine, and plenty of cargo and interior room. Entertainment and technology features include color displays, connectivity with a smartphone, and navigation.

Nissan introduces its own supercar into the market with the GT-R, a 565 hp beast. The stylish two-door GT-R has a top speed of over 160 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds, making it thrilling to drive. An excellent blend of power and acceleration, the GT-R has everything a driver could want.

The all-electric Nissan Leaf was first introduced in 2010, well before the EV craze that started just a few years ago. First sold only in Japan, then Europe and America, The Leaf is now marketed in over 59 countries with close to one million vehicles sold to date.

Visit the GoodCar Vehicle History Report site to discover a wealth of information on a specific Nissan vehicle. Use the GoodCar service before making a purchase, improving your insurance, or help document the car’s value. Knowing as much information as possible before you purchase a used car will save plenty of future headaches.

If you are considering buying a used car, truck, or SUV, regardless of the brand, always order a vehicle history report. Use a top-tier service such as GoodCar to get detailed information with extensive bonus coverage.

Title checks (over 50 title brand checks), liens, and sales records are pulled from private and public databases from all 50 states. Transactions between dealers, mechanic shops, wholesalers, and others are recorded along with title transfers.

Salvage, branded, and other unique titles are disclosed, along with a timeline of odometer readings and sales records. Mechanic shop visits, dealer recalls, and service bulletins are documented, along with a complete timeline of ownership.

Any report includes accident and total loss records, along with severity, location, and title change. For example, a car deemed unsalvageable due to fire or water/flood damage will have a salvage or rebuilt title.

Nissan VIN Lookup

Quality reporting services such as GoodCar offer extensive pricing data such as comparable used car values, trade-ins, wholesale prices, and retail values. History reports also explain the many title brands a car can have, such as vandalism, junk, or rebuilt.

A significant alert will appear on the report if the vehicle is deemed a lemon. Any new vehicle that develops a problem and the dealership has tried to fix the issue on repeated occasions can be designated a Lemon by the owner to the State, and the manufacturer must purchase the vehicle back from the owner at 100%.

NHTSA Crash test ratings are reported so potential owners can make the right decision. NHTSA recalls for a specific VIN are documented along with the reason for the recall and what should immediately be done: either park the vehicle or bring it into the dealership when convenient.

Nissan Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

Recalls happen when the manufacturer or the NHTSA determines a vehicle or a part inside has created a safety issue and must be fixed. Manufacturers are required to repair the problem by way of replacement or refund.

The Nissan Leaf, years 2018 to 2022, is being recalled due to damage in the camera harness. The problem can cause loss of vision or distortion of the display image. The Nissan Leaf does not meet federal standards for rear vision requirements, increasing the chances of a crash. The remedy to this recall is still under investigation, and the affected VINs will be notified.
The 2023 Nissan Ariya is being recalled because the inverter software may detect a short circuit and shut down the EV system. The defect results in a loss of drive power, which could cause a crash. Dealers will reprogram the inverter free of charge.
The largest Nissan recall involves over 236,000 2020 to 2023 Sentras. This serious recall concerns tie rods in the front suspension, which may break or bend, causing the driver to lose steering control. If drivers feel their steering is off-center or they feel a vibration, owners should take the car to the closest dealer for repair, free of charge.
The Takata Air-bag disaster has affected the Nissan brand along with 33.8 million vehicles. The models affected are the 2007 to 2012 Versa Hatchback, 2007 to 2011 Versa Sedan, 2002 to 2006 Sentra, 2002 to 2004 Pathfinder, and the 2001 to 2003 Maxima. If you believe your car or SUV may be involved in the recall, head to the Nissan Recall Lookup Tool, enter your 17-digit code, and the application will return the needed information.

Correctly using a Nissan VIN can help the owner determine value, improve their insurance standing, and expedite any traffic or accident documentation.