Articles - VIN Decoder

VIN Decoder

What is a VIN?
The VIN is the "Vehicle Identification Number" for your automobile or truck. This number breaks down your vehicle to illustrate such things as engine size, body style, model year, transmission type, color, etc. For vehicles newer than 1980, this is a 17 digit alphanumeric number.

Where to Find VIN Numbers?
The most common place to find your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is on a small metal plate attached to the driver side top of the dashboard. The tag is designed to be visible through the windshield for easy access. Every car is required to have one of these and all of them are located in this one place. It is illegal to remove or change this plate. If the tag is missing, chances are the vehicle has been repaired, or was most likely, stolen.

Other places where you might find your vehicles' VIN number:
  • Vehicle Identification Label in your Owner's Manual
  • Stamped on the frame under the front hood
  • On a sticker on the driver's side door pillar
  • On state vehicle registration certificate
  • On the vehicle title of ownership
  • New cars have the VIN on the price sticker
  • A label in the luggage/spare tire area


Why is this VIN so important?
The VIN gives a detailed breakdown of your vehicle so any guesswork on the application of the vehicle to find the correct parts, repair information, service procedures, etc.

Are all the letters and numbers necessary when entering my VIN?
Yes, the VIN sequence as well as properly entering each number and letter is critical. Each alphanumeric entry represents a particular feature of your vehicle so please take your time while entering the VIN and double-check it.
Vehicle Identification Number
Example 5-N-1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001
5-N-1-N-Z-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Country
1 USA
2 Canada
3 Mexico
4 USA
5 USA
J Japan
K Korea
S England
V France
W Germany
Y Sweden/Finland
5-N-1-N-Z-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Manufacturer
A Audi, Jaguar or Misubishi
B BMW or Dodge
C Chrysler
D Mercedes-Benz
F Ford or Subaru
G General Motors, Pontiac or Saturn
H Honda or Acura
J Jeep
N Nissan
R Audi
T Toyota or Lexus
V Volkswagen or Volvo
1 Chevrolet
4 Buick
6 Cadillac
5-N-1-N-Z-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Vehicle's Type or Manufacturing Division.
Example
3 Convertible
6 Van
5-N-1-N-Z-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001 Engine Type
Nissan Example
N VH45DE
5-N-1-N-Z-1-C-8-S-T-000001 Model Line
Nissan Example
Z 300Z, 350Z, Murano
5-N-1-N-Z-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Model Change (0-9)
0 No Change
Nissan Example
6 Frontier King Cab
7 Frontier Crew Cab
5-N-1-N-Z-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Body Type
Example
1 4-Door Sedan, Standard Body Truck
4 2-Door Coupe
5 4-Door Wagon
5-N-1-N-Z-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Miscellaneous
A Air Bag System
C Air Bag System
D Driver & Front Passenger Air Bag  + 3 Point Seat Belt
E Driver and front passenger SRS air bags, SRS side air bags, SRS curtain air bag & 3 point manual seat belt
P Passive Restraint System
S 2 Wheel Drive (2WD) - Rear ABS
T 2 Wheel Drive (2WD) - 4-Wheel ABS
Y 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) - 4-Wheel ABS
U 2WD
W AWD (4WD)
5-N-1-N-Z-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Check Digit
5-N-1-N-Z-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Model Year
A 1980 or 2010
B 1981 or 2011
C 1982 or 2012
D 1983 or 2013
E 1984 or 2014
F 1985 or 2015
G 1987 or 2016
H 1987 or 2017
J 1988 or 2018
K 1989 or 2019
L 1990 or 2020
M 1991
N 1992
P 1993
R 1994
S 1995
T 1996
V 1997
W 1998
X 1999
Y 2000
1 2001
2 2002
3 2003
4 2004
5 2005
6 2006
7 2007
8 2008
9 2009
5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Plant Code
Nissan Example
C Smyrna, Tennessee, USA
L Aguas Calientes, Mexico
T Tochigi, Japan
T Oppama, Japan
5N1-N-G-0-1-C-8-S-T-000001Serial Number