Free 2012 Nissan Leaf VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 Nissan Leaf VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Nissan Leaf VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing insight into where and by whom a vehicle was made. For the 2012 Nissan Leaf, the WMI “JN1” specifically denotes that this car was manufactured by Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., one of the leading vehicle manufacturers based in Tokyo, Japan. This electric passenger car, marked with this WMI, signifies its production origins and certifies its compliance with global manufacturing standards. The distinctive code is the first component of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which further encodes specific information about the vehicle, including its model and production year. For anyone researching or validating the authenticity of their vehicle, understanding the WMI is crucial, especially for identifying the make and model, such as the 2012 Nissan Leaf in this case.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Nissan Leaf

WMI: JN1

• Model Years Covered: 2011-2012
• Example VIN: JN1AZ0CP0CT015199
• 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 Leaf 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 Leaf:

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 Leaf 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 Leaf VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 Nissan Leaf VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Nissan Leaf Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Nissan Leaf

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

Check your Nissan Leaf’s VIN below:

What info can a 2012 Nissan Leaf VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2012, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 2012 Leaf, this may indicate a Passenger Car, particularly a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN. In the case of the 2012 Leaf, it is a 4x2, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can provide information on the fuel type of the vehicle, and in the case of the 2012 Leaf, it is an electric vehicle (BEV), highlighting its eco-friendly propulsion mechanism.
• Manufacturing Plant: The VIN may also provide details about where the vehicle was manufactured. In the case of the 2012 Leaf, it was manufactured in Yokosuka, Japan, at the Oppama Plant, showcasing its origins and providing insights into its manufacturing background.
• Safety Features: The VIN report indicates the presence of comprehensive safety features, including curtain airbags covering both the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for the driver and passenger, and side airbags for added protection in the 1st row, contributing to the overall safety profile of the vehicle.
• TPMS and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Additionally, the VIN suggests that the 2012 Leaf is equipped with a Direct TPMS for constant tire pressure monitoring and falls within Class 1 for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, indicating a lightweight structure designed for efficiency.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Nissan Leaf

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