How to decode a 2012 Nissan GT-R VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Nissan GT-R VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes serve as the initial sequence in a vehicle’s identification number (VIN), uniquely identifying the manufacturer of the vehicle. The WMI for the 2012 Nissan GT-R, “JN1,” indicates that the car was produced by Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., based in Tokyo, Japan. This code is critical in deciphering a VIN, as it not only reveals the manufacturing company but also the vehicle type, in this case, a passenger car. The “JN1” prefix is specified for models produced between 2009 to 2021 and for future models from 2023 to 2024. By examining the WMI, one can confirm that the 2012 Nissan GT-R is a Japanese-manufactured passenger car by Nissan.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Nissan GT-R

WMI: JN1

Model Years Covered: 2009-2021, 2023-2024
Example VIN: JN1AR5EF0CM250164
Manufacturer Name: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Chuo-Ku
State or Province: Tokyo
Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2012 Nissan GT-R VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

Engine type
Transmission
Model or trim
Body style
Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2012 Nissan GT-R:

Known VDS for a 2012 Nissan GT-R
AR5EF

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2012 Nissan GT-R VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2012 Nissan GT-R VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
C	2012

11th Character in the 2012 Nissan GT-R VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Nissan GT-R Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
M	Tochigi	Kaminokawa	Japan	Tochigi Plant	JN1AR5EF0CM250164

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Nissan GT-R

The final 6 characters in a 2012 Nissan GT-R’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2012 Nissan GT-R’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2012 Nissan GT-R is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2012 Nissan GT-R; the VIN should be visible through the windshield on the lower corner.
Open the driver’s side door and examine the door pillar (door jamb); the VIN may be found on a label or metal plate where the door latches.
Check under the hood; the VIN might be stamped on a plate or sticker located on the firewall of your Nissan GT-R.
Look at the chassis. Sometimes the VIN is stamped onto the frame of the vehicle, which may be visible from underneath the car near the driver’s side.
Inspect your vehicle registration documents, insurance card, or title/ownership documents to find the VIN for your Nissan GT-R.
If your 2012 Nissan GT-R has a rear engine, the VIN may also be found on a plate or sticker near the engine block.

What info can a 2012 Nissan GT-R VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year of production, possibly 2012, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class: The VIN may uncover that the vehicle has a Coupe body style, potentially providing insights into the design and functionality of the car.
Engine Specifications: The VIN reveals engine specifications, such as a displacement of 3.8L, 3800.0 CC, or 231.89 CI and 530 horsepower from a 6-cylinder engine, providing details about the power and size of the vehicle’s engine.
Drive Type: The vehicle is characterized by a 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 system, indicating enhanced traction and capability in various driving conditions.
Fuel Type - Primary: The VIN specifies the vehicle’s primary fuel type as gasoline, which may affect fuel economy and performance.
Safety Features: The VIN reveals the presence of Curtain, Front, and Side Air Bags in the 1st row (Driver and Passenger), possibly emphasizing the vehicle’s safety measures.
Manufacturing Details: Manufacturing details provided by the VIN, including the location and plant, offer insights into the origin and quality control standards of the vehicle.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Nissan GT-R

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Displacement (CC)	3800.0
Displacement (CI)	231.89022755998
Displacement (L)	3.8
Doors	2
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Brake (hp) From	530
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model	GT-R
Model Year	2012
Other Restraint System Info	2nd row outboard and 3-pt manual belts
Plant City	Tochigi
Plant Company Name	Tochigi plant
Plant Country	Japan
Plant State	Kaminokawa
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	JN1AR5EF*CM
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	JN1AR5EF0CM250164