If you’ve ever stood at a parts counter with a Nissan coil pack in hand, squinting at a worn-away sticker, you know the drill. The Nissan VQ and MR engine families are notorious for coil failures that present as misfires, rough idle, and—worst of all—intermittent limp mode. But before you order a replacement, there’s a five-digit code that decides everything: the OE number.
For Nissan, the OE numbering system follows a logical but often confusing pattern. Take 224481KC0A, the OEM reference for the ignition coil used across multiple Nissan platforms. The “22448” prefix designates it as an ignition coil in Nissan’s parts hierarchy. The middle characters indicate the engine family iteration, and the suffix letter denotes revision level. In this case, “1KC0A” points to the coil designed for the 2.5L QR25DE and, in some applications, the 1.6L HR16DE engines. But here’s the catch: Nissan supersedes part numbers. The same physical coil may carry three or four different OE numbers across model years, depending on connector housing changes or internal epoxy formulation updates.
That’s where cross-referencing becomes a shop’s best friend. The aftermarket has consolidated Nissan’s overlapping OE numbers for this coil into a single SKU: the OSRAM OS1213. What makes this unit particularly valuable is that it bridges the gap between Nissan’s confusing revision history. Instead of chasing down whether your 2014 Rogue needs 224481KC0A or the newer 224481KC0B, the OS1213 is engineered to meet or exceed the original spec while fitting the same mounting footprint and electrical connector. For a shop that sees a mix of Nissan models, stocking one part that covers the entire revision lineage is an operational win.
When decoding any Nissan OE number yourself, remember the structure: [five-digit component code] + [model-specific identifier] + [revision suffix]. A “B” or “C” suffix doesn’t always mean a physical change—sometimes it’s a supplier change or a manufacturing plant relocation. Verify with a cross-reference tool before assuming incompatibility. And if you’re dealing with a coil that has “JAPAN” stamped on the bracket but a VIN that says Tennessee? It doesn’t matter. The OE number is the only truth.
Key Specs — OS1213 Ignition Coil (OSRAM)
- OE Cross-Reference: 224481KC0A, 224481KC0B, 224481KS0A
- Primary Fitment: Nissan 2.5L QR25DE (Rogue, Altima, Sentra SE-R)
- Secondary Fitment: Select 1.6L HR16DE applications (Note: always verify)
- Coil Type: Pencil-style, direct ignition
- Connector: Standard Nissan 2-pin, 90-degree boot
- Output: Matches OEM dwell requirements; no ECM reflash needed
Market Outlook and Buyer Takeaway
Nissan’s parts cataloging has never been a model of clarity, and with the continued production of the QR25DE in emerging markets, the 224481KC0A lineage will stay relevant for years. For the independent shop, the smart play isn’t chasing used OEM coils online—it’s standardizing on a reputable aftermarket cross-reference. The OSRAM OS1213 not only simplifies inventory but also eliminates the guesswork on revisions. Check your customer’s VIN against the application list, confirm the connector orientation, and you’re done. No rabbit holes, no returned parts.
For Nissan owners, the lesson is simpler: don’t buy a “cheap no-name” coil just because the plug looks the same. Internal coil winding insulation and the quality of the epoxy potting compound vary wildly. A coil that fails at 20,000 miles will cost you more in labor than you saved on the part. The OS1213 is the one to grab when you want OE-grade performance without paying the dealer premium. Keep one on the shelf, and you’ll find it fitting more Nissans than you expected.
Recommended Part: OS1213 – OE-grade replacement, in stock now.
