About Infiniti VINs
How Infiniti VINs are built
Infiniti is the luxury vehicle division of Nissan and carries VIN prefixes of JN1 for many Japan-built cars, JN8 for many Japan-built SUVs, 5N1/5N3 for US-built SUVs (Smyrna), and 3PC for Mexico-built QX50/QX55. Infiniti vehicles sold in the US are manufactured mainly in Japan or assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee; the QX50 and QX55 are built in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and carry a 3PC prefix. QX60 and Q50 models are the most common subjects of VIN number checks in the Infiniti lineup.
The first three characters identify the maker and plant region. In NHTSA's vPIC, many Japan-built cars use JN1 (Q50 from Tochigi). Many SUVs use JN8 or US-built 5N1/5N3 patterns (QX60 from Smyrna, Tennessee). QX50/QX55 from Aguascalientes, Mexico, often use 3PC. The 11th character and the full decode confirm the plant.
Infiniti vehicles manufactured for the US market carry VIN prefixes of JN1, JN8, 5N1, 5N3, 3PC. The VIN number encodes the country of manufacture (Japan), production plant, vehicle line, body style, engine type, model year, and a unique production sequence number.
Sources: Brand: Infiniti · Plants/WMIs: NHTSA vPIC
NHTSA campaign data
Which model years each recall covers
Drag the year line to your car’s model year. Bars it crosses are the campaigns to confirm on the VIN.
Coverage depends on build dates, hybrid vs gas and options. A listed year doesn't mean every vehicle from that year is included; the VIN lookup decides. Many campaigns are shared with Nissan twins but completion is per Infiniti VIN. "Takata" marks EA15-001. "Park outside" follows NHTSA's recall record.
Infiniti Recalls: How to Check a Specific VIN
- Enter the full 17-character VIN in the NHTSA recall lookup.
- Then use Infiniti owner recalls / an Infiniti retailer.
- On a 2017–2019 QX60, confirm ABS park-outside campaigns are closed before parking indoors.
- Recall repairs are free at Infiniti retailers.
Full list: every campaign in this timeline
| Campaign | Issue | Models & years |
|---|---|---|
| 18V-601 · 19V-807 | Park outside ABS actuator may leak brake fluid onto the circuit board (fire risk) | 2017–2019 QX60. Shared with Murano/Maxima/Pathfinder. 18V-601 covered 2017 QX60; 19V-807 expands unrepaired 2017–2019. Park-outside advisory. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired. Fire risk. |
| 15V-287 · 16V-349 · 20V-008 | Takata passenger air bag inflator may rupture | 2003–2008 FX, 2006–2010 M. Also covers I30/I35 and QX4 years in some filings. Zone and model-year rules apply (EA15-001). Filed under NHTSA's Takata inflator investigation (EA15-001). |
| 20V-188 | Takata driver air bag inflator may rupture | 2011–2012 QX56. 2011–2012 QX56 (shared with Titan/Armada/NV filing). Filed under NHTSA's Takata inflator investigation (EA15-001). |
| 16V-244 | Occupant classification system may misclassify the front passenger | 2014–2017 Q50, 2014–2016 QX60, 2013 JX35. Large shared Nissan/Infiniti OCS campaign. Air bag may not deploy as designed. |
| 25V-437 | VC-Turbo connecting rod / crankshaft may fail | 2019–2022 QX50, 2022 QX55. Shared with Rogue/Altima KR20/VC-Turbo filing. Engine damage / loss of drive. |
| 19V-654 | Rearview camera image may not display properly | 2018–2019 Q50, 2018–2019 Q60, 2019 QX60, 2018–2019 QX80, 2019 QX50. Wide 2018–2019 Infiniti camera campaign (shared Nissan filing). |
| 15V-033 | Hood may open while driving | 2014 QX60, 2013 JX35. 2013 JX35 and 2014 QX60 (incl. hybrid) — shared with Pathfinder. |
| 05V-555 | Fuel filler hose may crack and leak | 2003–2006 FX, 2003–2004 G37. Also covers G35 2003–2004 in the filing. Fuel leak / fire risk. |
| 14V-138 | AV control-unit software may blank the display / lose rear camera | 2014 Q50, 2014 QX60, 2013 JX35. 2013–2014 shared Nissan/Infiniti AV unit campaign. |
| 10V-517 | Radiator fan motor may fail and overheat the engine | 2004–2006 QX56. 2004–2006 QX56 (shared with Armada/Titan/Frontier/Pathfinder years). |
QX60 park-outside
ABS actuator fluid leak — fire risk while parked
Two campaigns cover QX60 ABS actuators that can leak brake fluid onto the circuit board. Confirm both before you garage a used 2017–2019 example.
18V-601
2017 QX60 (shared Murano/Maxima/Pathfinder). Park-outside advisory.
19V-807
Expands unrepaired 2017–2019 QX60 (and related Nissan models).
What to do
Park outside until closed. Ask for ABS actuator replacement records.
Sources: NHTSA recall records (parkOutSide) · Infiniti recalls
About Infiniti
A Journey into Luxury: The Rise of Infiniti
In the late 1980s, the automotive world witnessed a significant shift as Japanese car manufacturers sought to penetrate the luxury vehicle market, traditionally dominated by European and American brands. Among the key players was Nissan, which, in 1989, introduced Infiniti as its luxury vehicle division. This marked the beginning of a journey characterized by innovation, luxury, and a quest to redefine expectations in the premium automobile segment.
From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Infiniti
The idea of Infiniti was born out of Nissan's ambition to establish a foothold in the lucrative luxury car market. Nissan aimed to create vehicles that not only offered high performance and cutting-edge technology but also embodied a sophisticated design ethos. This vision gave birth to the Infiniti brand, which launched in the United States in November 1989.
The debut model, the Q45, set the tone for Infiniti's market entry. It was a luxury sedan that boasted a powerful V8 engine, a fully independent suspension, and a host of advanced features. The Q45 was Nissan's statement of intent, showcasing a commitment to quality and performance that would become synonymous with the Infiniti name.
Milestones and Market Dynamics
Infiniti's journey since its inception has been marked by notable milestones and transformations. The 1990s saw the introduction of several models that helped solidify the brand's reputation. Among these was the G20, a compact executive car that offered a blend of sporty handling and understated elegance.
However, it was the G35, launched in the early 2000s, that truly captured the imagination of automotive enthusiasts. This sports sedan quickly gained a cult following, thanks to its perfect balance of performance and luxury. The G35, and its successor the G37, represented a high point for Infiniti, showcasing the brand's ability to produce vehicles that appealed to both driving purists and luxury seekers.
Despite these successes, Infiniti has faced challenges in recent years, particularly in the US market. The brand has seen a decline in sales, attributed to increased competition and changing consumer preferences. In response, Infiniti has focused on refreshing its lineup with models like the Q50 and the QX60, aiming to reignite interest and capture the attention of modern luxury car buyers.
Notable Models and Their Impact
Infiniti's portfolio over the years has included several standout models that have left a lasting impact on the luxury car scene. The Q45, as the inaugural model, laid the groundwork for Infiniti's design and engineering philosophy. Its bold styling and advanced technology set it apart from many contemporaries.
Another notable model is the aforementioned G35, which, along with the G37, elevated Infiniti's status in the sports sedan category. These vehicles were celebrated for their dynamic performance, rear-wheel-drive architecture, and luxurious interiors, making them favorites among driving enthusiasts.
Currently, the Q50 sedan and the QX60 crossover are vital components of Infiniti's lineup. The Q50 continues the tradition of combining performance with luxury, featuring powerful engine options and sophisticated technology. The QX60, on the other hand, targets the family-oriented market with its spacious interior and advanced safety features.
Intriguing Insights and Surprising Facts
One interesting aspect of Infiniti's history is its commitment to innovation and design excellence. The brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive design, evident in its daring concept cars and distinctive styling elements.
Infiniti was also among the first luxury brands to offer a laser-guided cruise control system, a testament to its pioneering spirit. Additionally, the brand's focus on performance has led to collaborations with renowned Formula One teams, further cementing its reputation in the motorsport world.
Despite facing challenges in recent years, Infiniti has maintained a loyal customer base, thanks to its ability to deliver vehicles that resonate with both emotional appeal and practical functionality. This balance has been key to the brand's enduring presence in the competitive luxury car market.
Before You Buy a Used Infiniti
Run the VIN through our free VIN decoder to confirm what the car was when it left the factory (model, model year, engine and assembly plant, from NHTSA's vPIC database) and to see NHTSA safety recalls for that model year. The Infiniti model pages on this site add owner complaints, service bulletins, defect investigations, EPA fuel economy and crash ratings where NHTSA publishes them. We don't provide vehicle history reports, so accidents, title brands and odometer readings aren't part of the lookup. For title brands, the federal NMVTIS program is the official source, and an independent mechanic's pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Used-car checklist
What to Verify on a Used Infiniti
Five checks specific to used Infinitis.
World Manufacturer Identifier
Infiniti VIN prefixes (WMI)
Prefix registrations and example decodes come from NHTSA's vPIC database.
A 2020 QX60 decodes to Smyrna under 5N1.
A 2020 Q50 decodes to Tochigi under JN1.
A 2019 QX50 decodes to Aguascalientes under 3PC.
Worked example
Worked example: reading a Infiniti VIN
Example VIN (demo only): 5N1DL0MM0LC000000
L = 2020Buyer notes by model
Top Infiniti Models: What to Check
Open a model for the checks that matter most.
FAQ
Common questions about Infiniti VINs
What VIN prefix do Infiniti vehicles use?
Many Japan-built Infiniti cars use JN1 (for example Q50 from Tochigi). Many Japan-built SUVs use JN8. US-built SUVs such as QX60 from Smyrna, Tennessee, often use 5N1 or 5N3. QX50 and QX55 from Aguascalientes, Mexico, often use 3PC. The 11th character and the full NHTSA vPIC decode confirm the plant.
Where is the VIN on an Infiniti?
Infiniti places the VIN on a plate at the lower driver side of the windshield, readable from outside, and on a sticker inside the driver door jamb. Many models also stamp the VIN on the firewall. Match every location to the title before you buy.
Which Infiniti models have the most documented recalls?
QX60 leads recent safety volume with ABS actuator park-outside recalls 18V-601 and 19V-807, plus OCS 16V-244 and hood 15V-033. Q50 shares OCS and rear-camera 19V-654. QX50/QX55 have VC-Turbo engine recall 25V-437. Older FX/M/QX56 add Takata campaigns.
What does a free Infiniti VIN check on VinNumber.net show?
The free decoder reads the VIN in NHTSA's vPIC database and returns the model, model year, body, engine, drive type and assembly plant. Infiniti VINs in vPIC start with prefixes such as JN1, JN8, 5N3 and 3PC. The same lookup lists NHTSA safety recalls for that make, model and model year. Each of our 8 Infiniti model pages adds what NHTSA and the EPA have published: owner complaints, technical service bulletins, defect investigations, fuel economy and, where NHTSA has tested the car, NCAP crash ratings. It is not a vehicle history report: it doesn't show accidents, title brands, odometer readings or theft records.
Do Infiniti and Nissan share the same recall history?
They often share platforms and campaign hardware (ABS actuators, OCS, VC-Turbo, cameras), but NHTSA tracks completion per make and VIN. A QX60 and a Pathfinder built the same week have different VINs and separate recall status. Always look up the Infiniti VIN.
Which Infiniti models have a park-outside warning?
QX60 ABS actuator recalls 18V-601 (2017) and 19V-807 (2017–2019 unrepaired expansions), shared with certain Nissan Murano, Maxima and Pathfinder vehicles. Brake fluid can leak onto the ABS circuit board and create a fire risk while parked. Confirm both campaigns are closed before parking indoors.
What is the Infiniti QX50 VC-Turbo engine recall?
NHTSA recall 25V-437 covers certain 2019–2022 QX50 and 2022 QX55 vehicles (shared with Rogue/Altima). The connecting rod and/or crankshaft may fail, causing engine damage or loss of drive. Check the VIN and ask for engine-repair records.
Which Infinitis have Takata air bag recalls?
Passenger Takata campaigns 15V-287, 16V-349 and 20V-008 cover listed FX, M, I30/I35 and QX4 years. Driver Takata 20V-188 covers 2011–2012 QX56. Check every campaign on the VIN — zone rules may apply.
Do Infiniti and Nissan share the same recall history?
They often share platforms and campaign hardware (ABS actuators, OCS, VC-Turbo, cameras), but NHTSA tracks completion per make and VIN. A QX60 and a Pathfinder built the same week have different VINs and separate recall status. Always look up the Infiniti VIN.