Infiniti VIN Decoder: How to Read an Infiniti VIN (JN1, JN8, 5N1)

An Infiniti VIN often starts with JN1 or JNK on Japan-built cars, JN8 or JNR on Japan-built SUVs, or 5N1 on U.S.-built models such as many QX60s. Positions 4-8 carry the model, body and engine, 9 is the check digit, 10 is the model year, and 11 is the plant. Infiniti shares platforms and plants with Nissan, so the WMI and plant letter are how you tell a QX60 from a Pathfinder twin without guessing from photos. Decode it on vPIC, then run recalls and a history report before you pay.

We ran Infiniti patterns through NHTSA's free vPIC decoder in mid October 2026 because QX60 listings still get sold as "Japanese-built" when plenty of them left Smyrna, Tennessee. Infiniti is Nissan's luxury badge; the Nissan side of the same plants is in our Nissan VIN decoder. Cross-shopping a used Rogue against a QX60? Our used Nissan Rogue buying guide covers that lane. If the 17 positions are new, start with how to decode a VIN.

Positions 1-3: JN1, JN8, 5N1, JNK and JNR

vPIC's DecodeWMI call lists JN1 and JN8 under Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. for Nissan and Infiniti, 5N1 under Nissan North America, and JNK / JNR as Infiniti-specific Japan codes. A 2014 Q50 pattern starting JN1BV7AR decoded to Tochigi, Japan, with a 3.7-liter engine. A 2021 Q50 starting JN1EV7AR returned Tochigi again, PURE trim, 3.0-liter, four-wheel drive. A 2015 QX80 starting JN8AZ2NF came back from Nissan Shatai Kyushu in Fukuoka with a 5.6-liter. A 2015 QX60 starting 5N1AL0MM decoded to Smyrna, Tennessee, under Nissan North America, 3.5-liter V6. A 2017 QX60 starting 5N1DL0MN also pointed at Smyrna. So a QX60 with 5N1 is a U.S. plant story even when the brand is Infiniti.

Positions 4-8: model, trim and engine

The middle block is Nissan/Infiniti's vehicle descriptor. In our runs, Q50 patterns returned sedan body class and the engine displacement vPIC had on file. QX80 patterns returned crossover utility with the 5.6. QX60 patterns returned 3.5-liter sixes and 4x2 or AWD notes. Honestly, Infiniti's vPIC rows are thinner on named trim packages than GM's Buick or Cadillac files, so you still want the window sticker or a build sheet when the listing claims a rare package. A blank model field is a door-jamb check, not automatic proof of a fake VIN.

Positions 9-11: check digit, year and plant

Position 9 is the check digit under 49 CFR 565.15. A mistyped character usually fails; a cloned VIN can still pass. Position 10 is the model year (E was 2014, F was 2015, H was 2017, K was 2019 and M was 2021 in our samples). Position 11 is the plant. In our decodes, Tochigi handled Q50 cars, Kyushu handled QX80, and C pointed at Smyrna for the QX60 patterns we tested. If a seller markets a QX60 as a Japan import and position 11 plus the WMI say Smyrna, the VIN wins that argument.

Recalls that follow Infiniti VINs

Run the full VIN every time. NHTSA recall 24V-470 covers certain 2014-2018 Infiniti Q50 two-wheel-drive models (and related M35 Hybrid builds) where a propeller shaft with reduced fatigue strength can fracture, causing loss of motive power and, in some cases, trouble holding Park. Earlier recall 16V-430 covered 2014-2016 Q50 models with optional Direct Adaptive Steering where software could leave the steering visually off-center after start-up. On the SUV side, recall 23V-108 covers certain 2023 QX60s whose second-row seat track stopper was formed with the wrong tool, so the seat can travel past the intended stop and fail to lock. Look, a Q50 with an open propeller-shaft campaign is not a weekend project. Get the dealer order with the VIN on it.

We've watched sellers hand over old printouts that stop before the latest campaign. Check NHTSA yourself the morning you buy.

After the decode: history, and what it costs

For model context, Car and Driver's Q50 page, Car and Driver's QX60 page, and IIHS QX60 ratings are decent places to start. None of a VIN decode shows salvage brands, odometer gaps, auction damage or insurance claims. Those come from DMV, insurer, auction and shop records, which CARFAX describes as the basis of its reports. Pull your own; seller PDFs get edited. As of mid October 2026, a CARFAX report through us is about $5.50 as a guest or about $4.50 as a member, and a CARFAX plus AutoCheck bundle is about $6.75, against roughly $39.99 to $44.99 at retail. Prices move, so confirm at checkout. We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck, or Experian.

Sources

• NHTSA vPIC VIN Decoder
• 49 CFR 565.15 VIN requirements
• NHTSA: Infiniti recall report 24V-470 (Q50 propeller shaft)
• NHTSA: Infiniti recall report 16V-430 (Q50 Direct Adaptive Steering)
• NHTSA: Infiniti recall report 23V-108 (QX60 second-row seat)
• Car and Driver: Infiniti Q50
• IIHS: Infiniti QX60 ratings
• CARFAX: Vehicle History Reports