How to decode a 2003 Nissan Murano VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Nissan Murano VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle internationally. The WMI for the 2003 Nissan Murano is “JN8,” indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. This code is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), with “JN8” also revealing that the vehicle was manufactured in Japan, specifically in the city of Chuo-Ku, Tokyo. As part of the VIN, the WMI provides specific information, including that the 2003 Nissan Murano is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV). These codes are standardized across the automotive industry, allowing for consistent identification of vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Nissan Murano

WMI: JN8

Model Years Covered: 2003-2007, 2009-2015
Example VIN: JN8AZ08T03W101697
Manufacturer Name: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Chuo-Ku
State or Province: Tokyo
Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2003 Nissan Murano 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 2003 Nissan Murano:

Known VDS for a 2003 Nissan Murano
AZ08T	AZ08W

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 2003 Nissan Murano 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 2003 Nissan Murano VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
3	2003

11th Character in the 2003 Nissan Murano VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 Nissan Murano Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
W	Miyawaka	Fukuoka	Japan	Kyushu Plant	JN8AZ08T03W101697

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Nissan Murano

The final 6 characters in a 2003 Nissan Murano’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2003 Nissan Murano’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2003 Nissan Murano is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Nissan Murano near where the dashboard meets the windshield; the VIN is commonly placed in this area and can be seen from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb or the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). Your Nissan Murano’s VIN should be on a label or plaque in this area.
Lift the hood of the Nissan Murano and inspect the front of the engine block; this is another common place where the VIN might be stamped.
Look at the rear wheel well. Sometimes the VIN is stamped above the tire on the frame.
Check beneath the spare tire in the trunk or cargo area of your Nissan Murano; some manufacturers place a VIN sticker in that spot.
Peruse your vehicle’s paperwork, such as the title, registration, or insurance documents, which should all list the VIN of your Nissan Murano.

What info can a 2003 Nissan Murano VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting it was manufactured in the year 2003, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was assembled in Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan, at the Kyushu Plant, possibly indicating its geographical production origin.
Vehicle Specifications: This Nissan Murano features a V-Shaped, 3.5-liter engine with a displacement of 3500.0cc, manufactured by Nissan under the engine model VQ35DE, which may indicate it’s built for performance and efficiency.
Drive Type and Body Class: The Nissan Murano is characterized as a Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) with 4x2 drive type, implying its structure and driving capabilities are suited for versatile use.
Engine and Performance: With a 6-cylinder engine and Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design, coupled with a 4-Wheel ABS hydraulic brake system, this vehicle might be designed for robust performance and safety.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, indicating the engine’s compatibility and efficiency with standard fuel types.
Safety and Weight Class: The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating falls within Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), suggesting its size and safety features are possibly designed for substantial passenger and cargo capacity.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 Nissan Murano

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV)
Brake System Description	4-Wheel ABS
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	3500.0
Displacement (CI)	213.58310433156
Displacement (L)	3.5
Doors	4
Drive Type	4x2
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	Nissan
Engine Model	VQ35DE
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Model	Murano
Model Year	2003
Plant City	Miyawaka
Plant Company Name	Kyushu plant
Plant Country	Japan
Plant State	Fukuoka
Series2	Wagon body style
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	JN8AZ08T*3W
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	JN8AZ08T03W101697