How to decode a 2003 Nissan Xterra VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Nissan Xterra VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to distinctly identify the make of a vehicle. This three-letter or digit sequence forms the beginning of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the specific vehicle, including its manufacturing location, attributes, and year of production. For instance, the WMI for Nissan North America, Inc., specifically for models like the 2003 Nissan Xterra, is “5N1”. This indicates that the vehicle is a multipurpose passenger vehicle designed and manufactured in the United States, particularly in Franklin, Tennessee. The WMI is integral for vehicle registration, identification, and regulatory compliance, encapsulating the vehicle’s origin and manufacturer.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Nissan Xterra

WMI: 5N1

Model Years Covered: 2000-2015
Example VIN: 5N1DD28T03C663924
Manufacturer Name: Nissan North America, Inc.
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Franklin
State or Province: Tennessee
Country: United States

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

Known VDS for a 2003 Nissan Xterra
DD28T	ED28T	ED28Y	MD28T	MD28Y

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 Xterra 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 Xterra VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
3	2003

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

Known 2003 Nissan Xterra Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
C	Smyrna	Tennessee	United States	Smyrna Plant	5N1DD28T03C663924

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Nissan Xterra

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

Check your Nissan Xterra’s VIN below:

How to find a 2003 Nissan Xterra’s VIN?

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

Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2003 Nissan Xterra. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield on a small plate just below where the glass meets the dash.
Look at the driver’s side door jamb on your Nissan Xterra. The VIN may be found on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
Investigate under the hood of your Xterra; the VIN might be stamped onto the engine block or on a metal plate affixed to the engine compartment.
Check the rear wheel well; sometimes the VIN is stamped above the tire on the body of the vehicle.
Peek underneath the spare tire in the trunk or cargo area of your Nissan Xterra, as the VIN is sometimes placed there.
Review your vehicle’s documentation, such as the ownership title, registration, or insurance papers, where the VIN should be recorded for your 2003 Nissan Xterra.

What info can a 2003 Nissan Xterra VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN may indicate the vehicle’s model year, suggesting it could be a 2003 model, giving some hints about the vehicle’s age and potential market value.
Body Class and Drive Type: The VIN may reveal it as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a 4x2 drive type, potentially showcasing its design purpose and drivetrain configuration.
Engine Specifications: It might feature a Nissan KA24DE engine with an in-line configuration, possibly having 4 cylinders and delivering an engine brake horsepower of 155, suggesting its powerplant characteristics.
Fuel Type: The VIN could indicate that the vehicle primarily uses gasoline, possibly highlighting its fuel preference for operation.
Safety and Brake System: The VIN might suggest it is equipped with 4-Wheel ABS and a hydraulic brake system, potentially emphasizing the vehicle’s focus on safety features and braking capabilities.
Manufacturing Details: If manufactured in Smyrna, Tennessee, United States, by the Smyrna Plant, these details could provide insight into the geographical origin of the vehicle’s production.
Vehicle Identification: The Sample_VIN (5N1DD28T03C663924) and the specific vehicle descriptor (5N1DD28T*3C) could be used for unique identification and verification of the vehicle’s authenticity and specific characteristics.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 Nissan Xterra

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Description	4-Wheel ABS
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	2389
Displacement (CI)	146.45698582735
Displacement (L)	2.4
Doors	4
Drive Type	4x2
Engine Brake (hp) From	155
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	Nissan
Engine Model	KA24DE
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Engine Stroke Cycles	4
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Model	Xterra
Model Year	2003
Plant City	Smyrna
Plant Company Name	Smyrna plant
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Tennessee
Series2	Wagon body style
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	5N1DD28T*3C
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	5N1DD28T03C663924