Free Kia VIN Decoder & Lookup

Decode your Vehicle Identification Number for free

Try a sample VIN
  • Official data from NHTSA
  • Most recent recalls
  • Most recent complaints
Successfully Decoded
- - -
© Evox Images
VIN
Make
Model
Year
Drive Type
Style/Body
Engine
Manufactured in
Age
Manufactured By -
Plant Company Name -
Vehicle Type -
Series -
Body Class -
Doors -
Front Airbag Location -
Seat Belts Type -
Engine Displacement (CI) -
Engine Displacement (CC) -
Fuel Type -
Engine Number of Cylinders -
Additional Vehicle Info
Most Recent Recalls
Source: official gov. vehicle safety recall database
Most Recent Complaints
*NOT specific to this particular vehicle. Submitted by other owners of this model.
Source: official gov. database of complaints

What is a VIN Number?

Each motor vehicle has a unique identifier called the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), assigned at manufacture. This 17-character alphanumeric code, excluding Q, I, and O to prevent confusion with 0 and 1, offers detailed information about the vehicle's manufacturer, model, year, and production site in an unbroken sequence. Using Driving-tests.org is the easiest way to use a VIN decoder, it pulls straight from government data, and it's free to use.

How many characters:
17 (digits and capital letters)
Where to find:
Dashboard on the driver's side
First digit stands for:
Country of manufacturer

How to Find It

Finding your Kia's VIN is straightforward. Here’s where to look:

  • Passenger Cars: Check the front of the dashboard on the driver's side. View it from outside the vehicle through the windshield. Also, inspect the driver's side door pillar—open the door to find the VIN where the door latches.
  • SUVs: Look in similar locations as passenger cars, focusing on the driver's side door pillar and the front of the dashboard.

If you're unable to locate the VIN on your Kia, it can also be found on:

  • Your vehicle's title documents.
  • Liability insurance documents.

How to Check a Specific Number

Enter your Kia's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the field above to instantly access comprehensive details about your vehicle. This includes the manufacturer, make, model, body style, engine size, assembly plant, and model year. The data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), based on information provided by vehicle manufacturers. Whether you drive a Kia Sorento, a sporty Kia Soul, or any other Kia model, this VIN Decoder tool will help you get a precise build sheet or detailed chart for your vehicle. For Kia vehicles produced before 1981, note that the VIN might be shorter than 17 characters.

How to Read the Different Components

Curious about what each character in your Kia's VIN stands for? Here's a breakdown:

How to decode a Vehicle Identification (VIN) number

Model Year Character Codes

The table below shows the model year character codes used in KIA VINs. These codes help you determine the exact year of manufacture for your vehicle.

  • Example: A KIA Sportage with a VIN of KNDPN3AC7F7123456 has a model year character of 'F,' indicating it was manufactured in 2015.
  • Example: A KIA Optima with a VIN of 5XXGM4A71CG123456 has a model year character of 'C,' indicating it was manufactured in 2012.
Brand Code Year Code Year Code Year
KIA A 1980 L 1990 Y 2000
KIA B 1981 M 1991 1 2001
KIA C 1982 N 1992 2 2002
KIA D 1983 P 1993 3 2003
KIA E 1984 R 1994 4 2004
KIA F 1985 S 1995 5 2005
KIA G 1986 T 1996 6 2006
KIA H 1987 V 1997 7 2007
KIA J 1988 W 1998 8 2008
KIA K 1989 X 1999 9 2009
KIA L 1990 A 2010
KIA M 1991 B 2011
KIA N 1992 C 2012
KIA P 1993 D 2013
KIA R 1994 E 2014
KIA S 1995 F 2015
KIA T 1996 G 2016
KIA V 1997 H 2017
KIA W 1998 J 2018
KIA X 1999 K 2019

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The table below shows the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes used in KIA VINs. These codes help you determine the country of origin for your vehicle. Understanding these codes can provide insights into the manufacturing and origin of your KIA vehicle.

Brand-Specific WMIs:

  • KNA = South Korea
  • KNM = South Korea
  • 5XY = United States

Historical Context:

KIA, a major South Korean automaker, has expanded its manufacturing footprint globally to meet the increasing demand for its vehicles. Known for its quality and innovation, KIA continues to grow its presence in key markets.

Production Volume:

KIA's production is primarily based in South Korea, with significant facilities in the United States. This strategic distribution helps KIA optimize its manufacturing efficiency and supply chain logistics.

Trivia:

  • KIA's Soul is known for its distinctive design and has become a popular choice in urban areas.
  • The KIA Stinger is a performance-oriented sedan that has received acclaim for its driving dynamics and design.
Region WMI Notes
Asia KNA South Korea
Asia KNM South Korea
North America 5XY United States
Europe U5Y Slovakia

Click icon to share