Free Datsun VIN Decoder & Lookup

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5 min read

Why Choose EpicVIN's Datsun VIN Decoder?

  • ≈ 40,000 Datsuns still carry active U.S. registrations - yet every imported classic VIN is indexed the same day.
  • Only 18% of auction Datsuns wear salvage titles - the rest are clean-title donation or charity cars; always double-check with an EpicVIN report before bidding.
  • Official NMVTIS feeds - titles, liens, mileage direct from state records refresh nightly.
  • Instant VIN decode free - pay only when you need the full EpicVIN history.

What is a Datsun VIN and Why Decode It?

A Datsun VIN serves as your Datsun vehicle's unique fingerprint, standardized by the ISO Institute in 1981. Every car manufactured since then carries this 17-character sequence containing detailed information about manufacturing specs, safety features, and production history that our VIN decoder can instantly reveal for accurate vehicle identification.

How to Decode a Datsun VIN Number?

Our streamlined VIN lookup process makes vehicle history verification simple:

Find the VIN
Enter the VIN
Click "Decode VIN free"
Review the Results

Find the VIN

Locate your Datsun VIN number.

Enter the VIN

Input the complete Datsun VIN number into our Datsun VIN decoder field.

Click "Decode VIN free"

Press decode to instantly access basic specs.

Review the Results

Examine the free results, then upgrade to our comprehensive vehicle history report to get detailed accident records and title information.

Popular Datsun Models for VIN Check

How to Find a Datsun VIN?

How to Find a VIN?

Several locations on your Datsun vehicle display this crucial information for easy access through our online service. Find your VIN number located in the following places:

  • Dashboard near the windshield: On the driver's side.
  • Driver's door frame or door jamb sticker: Containing manufacturing details.
  • Engine bay: On various metal surfaces, typically stamped into firewall areas.
  • Vehicle registration documents and insurance paperwork: Official ownership records.
  • Original window sticker: If still available from dealership purchase.

Datsun Key Risk Statistics (2024–2025)

Key Risk Impact on Buyers Mitigation Steps
Theft Risk Classic-import thefts rose 12% for 1970–1985 models even as the overall rate fell 17% in 2024 (NICB). Store indoors, use a visible wheel lock and a hidden kill switch; run an EpicVIN theft check before buying.
Unrepaired Safety Recalls NHTSA lookups show 57% of open campaigns on pre-1986 Datsuns remain unfixed. Check recalls via NHTSA and EpicVIN; book the free dealer repair before regular driving.
Depreciation Over Time Z-car prices rose 28% (2020–2024) but dipped ~4% in 2025 when rust is present. Get a lift inspection for frame/floor rust; document service history; favor cars with matching VIN tags and original Datsun parts.
Odometer Rollback Fraud NICB flags ≈4% of 1970–1983 VINs with mileage anomalies and odometer fraud. Compare NMVTIS/EpicVIN mileage with service records and auction photos; check wear on pedals, wheel, and seats.
Hidden Flood or Salvage History 18% of Datsuns on Copart show flood or total-loss brands. Pull EpicVIN + NMVTIS title history; inspect under-carpet and seat tracks for silt/corrosion; avoid branded titles unless priced accordingly.

Risk Reduction: Minimize risk by performing a Datsun VIN check in EpicVIN plus NMVTIS, preserving archival photos, comparing odometer readings, and conducting lift inspections for corrosion detection.

Top-3 Common Datsun Failures

Issue Affected Models, Symptoms, Avg. Repair Cost
Structural rust in frame rails & floor pans 240Z/260Z/280Z (1970–1978), 75k–150k mi; soft jack points, bubbling paint; ≈ $3,000 Datsun parts + labor
Timing-chain stretch & rattle 510, Z-series L-engine cars (1968–1983), 90k–160k mi; metallic clatter at cold start; ≈ $2,300 replacement
Fuel-injector clog/leak 280Z/280ZX (1975–1983 EFI), 85k+ mi; hard hot-start, raw-fuel smell; ≈ $600 for full injector kit

How to Read a Datsun VIN Number

VIN Description

Each character in your Datsun vehicle's unique production number tells a specific story:

  • WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier - Positions 1-3): Datsun vehicle manufacturer and country of origin for Nissan/Datsun models.
  • VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section - Positions 4-9): Body style, engine size, specific details, and check digit based on a mathematical formula for VIN validation.
  • VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section - Positions 10-17): Model year designation, assembly plant code showing production location, and serial number unique to each Datsun vehicle.

Here's how our Datsun VIN decoder interprets a sample sequence (1N4AB42D3TC504010):

Symbols Sample What It Reveals
1 J Japan as the country of origin
2 N Nissan as a manufacturer
3 1 Passenger car vehicle type
4-8 AB42D Body style, engine type, restraint system, model line, and trim level
9 3 Check digit for validation
10 T 1996 model year
11 C Assembly plant location
12-17 504010 Individual vehicle serial number

What Information Can You Get from a Datsun VIN Number?

Results for VIN Decoding for
VIN# JN1HZ04S5BX279396

1981 DATSUN 280ZX

BLOCKCHAIN Confirmed Data Approved NMVTIS Data Provider
1981 DATSUN 280ZX
  • Odometer

    No problems

  • Safety Recalls

    No records

  • Accidents

    1 problem

  • Last mileage

    137,640 km

  • Auction Sales

    1 sale found

  • Owners

    2+ owners found

  • Year

    Year 1981

  • Make

    Make Datsun

  • Model

    Model 280ZX

  • Fuel Type

    Fuel Type Gasoline

  • Engine

    Engine

  • Made in

    Made in JAPAN

Our comprehensive Datsun VIN check reveals extensive Datsun vehicle details:

  • Model year & exact trim - Identifies specific Datsun models, including 240Z, 280ZX, and 510 variants.
  • Engine and drivetrain - Shows L-series inline engines, carburetor or fuel injection systems.
  • Body style & platform - Specifies coupe, sedan, wagon, or pickup configuration with chassis details.
  • Assembly plant & country of origin - Lists Japanese manufacturing facilities and import documentation.
  • Paint & interior trim - Shows factory colors and upholstery materials from Nissan records.
  • Protection equipment profile - Details available safety features and emissions equipment.
  • Verified odometer readings - Mileage records prevent odometer fraud through our vehicle history report.
  • Accident and damage history - Police reports, insurance claims, and collision repair documentation.
Only 1 in 5 Copart-listed Datsuns shows a clean history. EpicVIN layers NMVTIS, auction photos, and insurer data so you see the other four. — Alex Black, CMO, EpicVIN

Useful Resources for Datsun and Safety

  • NHTSA VIN Lookup - Check open safety recalls on 1981-1986 17-digit VIN number for your vehicle's safety compliance.
  • IIHS Historic Crash-Test Data - Safety ratings and test summaries for the later 280ZX and 720 pickup variants from the ISO Institute.

Get Your Complete Datsun Vehicle History Today

Don't let hidden problems cost you thousands. Our results include accident history, mileage verification, title issues, auction photos, and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Position 8 reveals engine type: L20B, L24, L28E appear in Z-cars and 510 Datsun models. Check your VIN lookup results to decode specific engine specifications.

Position 11 shows the assembly plant: Oppama (O), Kyushu (K), or other Japanese facilities for imported models. Our VIN decoder instantly identifies the exact manufacturing location.

No, pre-1981 Datsuns used shorter VIN formats; complete towing specifications appear in our detailed Datsun vehicle history report. Modern Nissan-era VIN number formats provide more comprehensive equipment sequences.

Compare title mileage progression in EpicVIN reports; check pedal wear against recorded readings. Our system flags inconsistent mileage patterns and provides historical verification.

Yes, major structural repairs appear in insurance claims and auction records within our damage history section. These repairs often indicate previous accident involvement requiring assessment.

Position 8 sometimes indicates emissions equipment; complete CARB compliance details appear in our full decode. California-specific emission sequences help identify Datsun vehicles meeting stricter standards.

Previous insurance total-loss claims create permanent title brands; EpicVIN shows complete title history. These designations remain permanently attached to the VIN regardless of repairs.

Yes, our system cross-references NHTSA databases and notifies users of open safety campaigns affecting their VIN. Automated alerts ensure you stay informed about crucial recalls.

You can perform a Datsun VIN lookup to retrieve the vehicle engine type, size, and configuration, along with some other vehicle information:

– Power seating, window, windshield, and sunroof details.
– Entertainment center.
– Trim color.
– Any other specifications unique to the car.

Enter the VIN of any Datsun vehicle into the Datsun VIN decoder. Then, check the vehicle history, including its production year. A Datsun VIN lookup also uncovers data on all Datsun or Nissan cars (Nissan previously owned Datsun). Enter the VIN into the online service tool to retrieve the vehicle's history and Datsun manufacturing details.

Yes. The VIN decoder is an online service that allows you to:

– Use a VIN number to look up the vehicle history of a Datsun.
– Check on the Datsun accident, damage, and repair histories.

This information ensures the vehicle's safety and helps you plan for possible future repair costs involving Datsun parts. It is important to check on this information for any Datsun model to ensure the vehicle is worth the price listed before making a used car purchase.

A Datsun VIN decoder or Datsun VIN lookup uses a VIN to retrieve important data on a Datsun or Nissan that can prevent used car buyers from falling for scams and make the best car buying decision. We provide Datsun odometer readings to prevent odometer fraud, previous ownership history, damage accidents and recall histories photos, title information, and more. Boasting an absolutely massive amount of data, we have records on a vast selection of more than 500 million VIN records, which covers the majority of the used vehicles in the US and Canada.

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