Where is the VIN number in Nissan Qashqai II (J11) [2013-2020]?

This guide shows the VIN (chassis number) locations on the Nissan Qashqai II (J11) produced between 2013 and 2020, including the easy “through-the-glass” VIN and the hidden stamped chassis VIN.

Chassis Number Locations

1) Engine Bay – Stamped on Firewall/Bulkhead (under scuttle access flap)

• Where to look: Open the bonnet. At the base of the windshield, find the plastic cowl/scuttle panel. In the center there’s a rectangular plastic flap/cover—lift/unclench it to expose the VIN stamped into the metal firewall/chassis underneath.
• Access: Expect dirt/grime buildup here and poor lighting under the cowl lip. The flap can feel brittle on older cars or in cold weather—lift it gently.
• Note: This stamped VIN is central and does not change between LHD/RHD.
• Tip: If the stamping looks dusty or the characters fade into shadows, use High Contrast + flashlight and scan the stamped VIN directly with ScanVin.app instead of trying to read it at an awkward angle.

2) Windshield VIN (dashboard corner, viewed from outside)

• Where to look: Stand outside the car and look through the lower corner of the windshield at the VIN plate on the dashboard.
  On LHD cars it’s typically on the left (driver side). On RHD cars it’s typically on the right.
• Access: Quick to check, but glare/reflections and dirty glass can hide characters.
• Note: The side can swap with LHD/RHD, but it’s always meant to be readable from outside through the glass.
• Tip: If reflections wash out the text, change your viewing angle and capture it instantly with the VIN scanner to avoid transcription mistakes.

3) B-Pillar Manufacturer Label (right-side center pillar on the example shown)

• Where to look: Open the front passenger door (LHD context). On the B-pillar (the post between front and rear doors), locate the black manufacturer sticker—the VIN is printed at the top of that label.
• Access: Usually clean and easy, but the sticker can get scraped, torn, or faded over time from door-jamb wear.
• Note: The example shown places the label on the right-side center pillar; use the vehicle’s left/right orientation (as viewed from the rear) when checking.
• Tip: This is a high-contrast label—use the free VIN reader on ScanVin.app to scan it cleanly without typing 17 characters by hand.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Nissan Qashqai Vin Number Location - YouTube

▶ Watch Nissan Qashqai VIN Location Guide

• Close-up demonstration of lifting the scuttle access cover to reveal the stamped firewall VIN.

Video Tutorial: Where is the VIN number of my Nissan Qashqai II ( 2014 - YouTube

▶ Watch Nissan Qashqai VIN Location Guide

• Clear walkthrough of all three VIN locations: firewall stamp, windshield VIN, and B-pillar label.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Engine bay stamp unreadable: Mud/grease and heavy shadows under the cowl are common—wipe the stamping clean and use a flashlight for a straight-on view.
• Windshield VIN hard to see: Glare/reflections (especially in sun) can wash out the plate—move to a different angle or shade the area with your body.
• Sticker VIN doesn’t “prove” identity alone: Door-jamb labels can be replaced—always cross-check the stamped VIN (firewall) against the windshield/label VIN when verifying a vehicle.

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