Infiniti VIN decoder reads the 17 characters on an Infiniti and returns the build record behind them: model, model year, trim, engine, body style and assembly plant. Nissan shares its numbering system with the luxury division, so the first three characters point to the manufacturing unit. Tochigi in Japan built the Q50 and Q60, and Smyrna, Tennessee builds the QX60. The tenth character gives the model year. Position nine is a check digit, and the last six characters give the build order.
Infiniti VIN decoder reports drive type, fuel type, transmission and open safety recalls attached to the number. It separates a rear-wheel-drive Q50 from an all-wheel-drive example and confirms whether a QX50 carries the variable-compression turbo engine. Japanese-built models usually open with JN1, and Tennessee-built QX60 crossovers open with 5N1. Infiniti shares engines with Nissan, so the eighth character often matches a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 or the 3.5-liter V6 in the QX60. The lookup is free, needs no account and returns a report in seconds.
What an Infiniti VIN Tells You
An Infiniti VIN is a structured record with fixed positions. Federal rules under 49 CFR Part 565 set the 17-character length and reserve certain characters for specific data. The letters I, O, and Q are excluded so they cannot be read as 1 and 0. The format is the same on a 1994 Q45 and a 2026 QX80, though the middle characters changed as the lineup moved from letters to Q names. The first three characters form the World Manufacturer Identifier. Infiniti uses JN1, JN3, JNK, and JNX for vehicles built in.
Infiniti WMI Codes
The codes below returned Infiniti as one of the makes in the NHTSA DecodeWMI service on October 19, 2026. Entries tied to trailers, tanks, and unrelated companies that use Infiniti in their names are excluded. Shared Nissan codes are labeled as such, since a WMI that lists two makes cannot settle the brand on its own. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. The details below apply to vehicles titled in the state.
| WMI | Country | NHTSA vehicle type | What it usually covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| JN1 | Japan | Passenger car | Japanese-built cars; NHTSA lists Nissan, Infiniti, and Datsun for this code |
| JN3 | Japan | Incomplete vehicle | Japanese-built incomplete units; shared with Nissan |
| JNK | Japan | Passenger car | Infiniti passenger cars built in Japan |
| JNX | Japan | Incomplete vehicle | Infiniti incomplete-vehicle code |
| JN8 | Japan | Multipurpose passenger vehicle | Japanese-built utilities; shared with Nissan |
| 5N1 | United States | Multipurpose passenger vehicle | US-built utilities; shared with Nissan |
| 5N3 | United States | Multipurpose passenger vehicle | Infiniti utilities assembled in the United States |
The country digit follows a regional scheme. 1 and 5 mean the United States, 2 means Canada, 3 means Mexico, J means Japan, K means Korea, and W means Germany. Infiniti’s Japanese models carry J codes, and its US-built utilities carry 5N codes. A VIN that starts with W or S belongs to a vehicle built in Europe, so it is not an Infiniti from these entries.
Shared codes deserve a note. JN1, JN3, JN8, and 5N1 appear under Nissan and Infiniti in the federal database. The full VIN and the door-jamb label settle the brand question. A WMI alone cannot separate an Infiniti from a Nissan when both names are registered to the same code.
Infiniti VIN Breakdown
Read an Infiniti VIN from left to right and group the characters by function. The sections below cover each group and describe what the decoder can conclude from it. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. The details below apply to vehicles titled in the state. Check the source again before a purchase or a trip to the office. Keep the title, the registration and the photo ID together for the visit.
The First Three Characters: World Manufacturer Identifier
These characters identify the maker and the assembly country. JNK and JNX are Infiniti-only codes in the federal record. JN1, JN3, JN8, 5N1, and 5N3 are shared with Nissan. The WMI does not name the model. A JNK code can sit on a Q50 or a Q60, so the middle characters carry the model detail. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. The details below apply to vehicles titled in the state.
The Fourth and Fifth Characters: Model and Series
Infiniti uses The fourth and fifth characters for the model line or series. The values changed when the brand renamed its lineup for 2014, when the G sedan became the Q50 and the JX35 became the QX60. A decoder can map the pair to a model name when the model year is known. Without the year, the same pair can point to more than one vehicle. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file.
The Sixth Character: Body Style
The sixth character describes the body style or platform class. A coupe, a sedan, a two-row crossover, and a three-row utility do not share the same character. On a Q60, this position helps confirm the coupe body. On a QX80, it helps confirm the full-size utility class that the listing claims. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. The details below apply to vehicles titled in the state.
The Seventh Character: Restraint System
The seventh character identifies the factory restraint system. The value can reflect front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and a driver knee airbag. Infiniti has added and revised these systems over the years, so a 2008 G35 and a 2024 QX60 do not use the same code. A decoder may return a short label rather than a full inventory. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file.
The Eighth Character: Engine and Drivetrain
The eighth character carries engine or drivetrain data. Infiniti has used 2.0L and 3.0L turbocharged V6 engines, 3.5L and 3.7L V6 engines, a 4.5L V8, a 5.6L V8, and a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder in the Q50. The character does not spell out displacement. A decoder translates it into a description such as a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 or a 5.6L V8. Confirm the engine with the underhood label when the exact unit matters. Check two locations on the vehicle and compare both numbers with the title.
The Ninth Character: Check Digit
The ninth character is a check character computed from the other 16 characters. Each letter maps to a number, each position carries a weight, and the sum is divided by 11. The remainder becomes 0 through 9 or X. A mismatch suggests a typo or a damaged label. Some older or imported vehicles do not follow the formula, so recheck the characters before you treat the mismatch as fraud. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file.
The Tenth Character: Model Year
The tenth character is the model year code. The code repeats every 30 years, so A can mean 1980 or 2010. A 2026 Infiniti carries T, and a 2025 model carries S. The table later on this page lists the full cycle. The model year on the VIN can differ from the calendar year of sale when a new model arrives early. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file.
The Eleventh Character: Assembly Plant
The eleventh character identifies the plant. Infiniti has drawn vehicles from plants in Japan and from US facilities such as Smyrna, Tennessee, and Canton, Mississippi. The character is a plant code, not a city name. A decoder can return a plant city or country when the mapping exists. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. The details below apply to vehicles titled in the state. Check the source again before a purchase or a trip to the office.
The Final Six Characters: Production Sequence
The final six characters are the production sequence. They separate one vehicle from every other unit built with the same WMI and build codes. The sequence does not encode paint color, options, or the selling dealer. Two consecutive numbers can leave the line with very different equipment. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. The details below apply to vehicles titled in the state. Check the source again before a purchase or a trip to the office.
Infiniti Model Year Codes at the Tenth Character
The model year character follows a 30-year cycle set by federal rule. The table shows each code with the two years it can represent in the current cycle. Use the documented model year to choose the right value. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. The details below apply to vehicles titled in the state. Check the source again before a purchase or a trip to the office.
| Code | Model year | Code | Model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1980 or 2010 | S | 1995 or 2025 |
| B | 1981 or 2011 | T | 1996 or 2026 |
| C | 1982 or 2012 | V | 1997 or 2027 |
| D | 1983 or 2013 | W | 1998 or 2028 |
| E | 1984 or 2014 | X | 1999 or 2029 |
| F | 1985 or 2015 | Y | 2000 or 2030 |
| G | 1986 or 2016 | 1 | 2001 or 2031 |
| H | 1987 or 2017 | 2 | 2002 or 2032 |
| J | 1988 or 2018 | 3 | 2003 or 2033 |
| K | 1989 or 2019 | 4 | 2004 or 2034 |
| L | 1990 or 2020 | 5 | 2005 or 2035 |
| M | 1991 or 2021 | 6 | 2006 or 2036 |
| N | 1992 or 2022 | 7 | 2007 or 2037 |
| P | 1993 or 2023 | 8 | 2008 or 2038 |
| R | 1994 or 2024 | 9 | 2009 or 2039 |
The letters I, O, Q, U, and Z do not appear as year codes, and 0 is excluded. That rule removes characters that look like other symbols. A fast check of The tenth character catches many typing errors before a full decode.
Infiniti has used this cycle for US models since the brand arrived for 1990. A 2003 G35 carries 3, a 2015 Q50 carries F, and a 2026 QX60 carries T. When a listing shows a year that does not match The tenth character, ask for the title and the door-jamb label.
Popular Infiniti Models
The NHTSA model list for Infiniti contains 34 names, from the original Q45 to the current QX lineup. The table below covers the models most often seen on US roads and in parts catalogs. Each uses the same 17-character layout, though the middle codes differ by year. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. The details below apply to vehicles titled in the state. Check the source again before a purchase or a trip to the office.
| Model | Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Q50 | Midsize sedan | Rear-drive or all-wheel-drive sedan that replaced the G sedan |
| Q60 | Sport coupe | Two-door model with rear-drive and all-wheel-drive versions |
| QX50 | Compact SUV | Two-row crossover that replaced the EX35 |
| QX55 | Compact SUV | Coupe-shaped version of the QX50 |
| QX60 | Midsize SUV | Three-row utility that replaced the JX35 |
| QX80 | Full-size SUV | Body-on-frame flagship that replaced the QX56 |
| QX30 | Subcompact SUV | Small crossover shared with Mercedes-Benz |
| G35 | Sedan and coupe | 2000s model that established the brand’s sport-sedan image |
| G37 | Sedan, coupe, convertible | Larger-engine successor to the G35 |
| FX35 | Midsize SUV | Sporty crossover from the 2000s |
| Q45 | Full-size sedan | Original flagship sedan launched with the brand |
| QX56 | Full-size SUV | Early body-on-frame utility, renamed QX80 |
Recent QX50, QX55, QX60, and QX80 models carry JN8, 5N1, or 5N3 codes. The Q50 and Q60 carry JNK or JN1. An older G35 or Q45 may carry JNK or JN1 as well. When a listing names one model but the WMI points to a different assembly region, compare the door label and the title.
Where to Find the VIN on an Infiniti
Infiniti places the VIN in several locations so that a buyer or technician can confirm the vehicle without removing parts. The windshield view is the fastest check. The door-jamb label carries the same 17 characters plus the build date and tire data. Check two locations on the vehicle and compare both numbers with the title. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. The details below apply to vehicles titled in the state. Check the source again before a purchase or a trip to the office.
- Windshield, driver side: Look through the glass at the lower corner of the dashboard. The plate sits on a small pad and is visible from outside.
- Driver door jamb: Open the door and find the certification label on the body pillar. It lists the VIN, the build date, and the tire and loading values.
- Firewall: Many Infiniti models carry a riveted plate in the engine bay near the firewall. The plate can include the model code and the engine code.
- Strut tower: Some models carry a stamped or riveted VIN near a front suspension mount.
- Floor pan: A stamped number can sit under a front seat or under a carpet flap. The stamp is often partial and can be covered by sound deadening.
- Documents: The title, registration, insurance card, buyer’s order, and window sticker all list the VIN. Compare two sources before a purchase.
The windshield plate and the door label should match character for character. A mismatch is a warning sign. So is a VIN that does not match the title. Do not rely on a photo of the dashboard alone, since a plate can be swapped between vehicles.
On a used Infiniti, check the engine and transmission stamps when a major component replacement is claimed. The full dashboard VIN remains the primary identifier for registration and recall checks. A partial stamp on a replacement part does not change the identity of the vehicle, but it can describe a service record.
How to Decode an Infiniti VIN for Free
You can decode an Infiniti VIN at vinnumber.us without an account or a payment. The home page accepts a 17-character VIN and returns the make, model, model year, body class, engine details, plant data, and other fields supplied by the NHTSA vPIC service. The output appears in plain text that you can read on a phone. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. The details below apply to vehicles titled in the state.
- Find the 17-character VIN on the windshield or door jamb.
- Check the length and confirm that the string has no letter I, O, or Q.
- Enter the VIN in the decoder field on the home page.
- Compare the make, model, year, and engine fields with the listing.
- Open the NHTSA recall page linked in the result to check for open campaigns.
The decoder uses public data that dealers, insurers, and state agencies query. It does not store a payment method since there is no charge. If the result returns a make other than Infiniti, recheck the first three characters. One mistyped character can change the WMI, the year, or the check digit.
Some VINs return partial results. A very old Infiniti, a vehicle built before 1981, or a model not sold in the United States may have fewer fields in the federal database. A partial result is not a decoder error. It means the manufacturer did not submit the detail for that combination, or the vehicle predates the current format.
Infiniti Recalls
Safety recalls are tied to the VIN, not just the model name. A campaign may cover a narrow build window, so two 2023 QX60s can have different open recalls. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the campaigns that apply. A recall notice means the manufacturer has determined that a defect or a noncompliance with a safety standard affects the vehicle. An authorized dealer performs the remedy, and federal law requires the remedy to be free for the owner. You do not need to own the vehicle to check a VIN.
What an Infiniti VIN Does Not Show
A VIN is a build identifier. It is not a title report, an accident report, or a service log. The string does not contain the owner’s name, the lienholder, the registration state, the odometer reading, or the sale price. A decoder that claims to return those details is pulling from a separate commercial database, not from the VIN itself. The VIN does not show whether an Infiniti has been in a collision, whether the airbags have deployed, or whether the vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title.
Infiniti VIN Questions and Answers
These are the questions drivers ask most about Infiniti VIN Decoder, with answers drawn from the official sources used on this page. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. The details below apply to vehicles titled in the state. Check the source again before a purchase or a trip to the office. Keep the title, the registration and the photo ID together for the visit. A second check at the counter saves a return trip.
Where Is the VIN on an Infiniti?
The easiest spot is the lower driver-side corner of the windshield, viewed from outside. The driver door jamb carries a certification label with the same VIN. Most models carry a plate on the firewall or a stamp near a front strut tower. Compare two of those locations with the title before you trust a listing. The registration should match character for character. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file.
Can I Decode an Infiniti VIN for Free?
Yes. Enter the 17 characters and the decoder returns the NHTSA vPIC record at no cost, with no account, email address, payment or paid report. The response lists the make, model, model year, engine, fuel type, plant city and open safety campaigns tied to that build. Trim often stays out of the record, so confirm it with the window sticker and the door jamb label. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file.
What Does a JNK Infiniti VIN Mean?
JNK is a World Manufacturer Identifier for Infiniti passenger cars built in Japan. It appears on models such as the Q50 and Q60. JNX is the other Infiniti-only code, and JN1, JN3, JN8, 5N1 and 5N3 are shared with Nissan. Read Characters four through eight for the model. A shared prefix needs the full pattern to confirm the brand and model. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file.
Does an Infiniti VIN Show the Trim Level?
Sometimes. Characters four through eight can carry a series or trim code, and a decoder may return a value such as Luxe, Sensory or Autograph when the manufacturer submitted that mapping. Many VINs return only the model and body class. The window sticker and the door jamb label are better sources for the full option list, and a dealer build record settles the question. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file.
Can a VIN Tell Me If My Infiniti Has an Open Recall?
A VIN is the key to the NHTSA recall lookup. Enter the 17 characters at nhtsa.gov/recalls and the site returns the campaigns that apply to that build. The VIN string itself does not list recalls, and a decode page with no recall field is not confirming that the vehicle is clear. Keep the repair order as proof that the remedy was completed. Official sources: Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file. Confirm the current rule with the official state page before you file.
- https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/api/
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
