Decode Kia VIN Number - Lookup and History Check

KIA VIN Decoder

Like many other automakers, KIA started from humble beginnings to become the fifth largest vehicle manufacturer in the world. However, KIA began its business back in 1944 by making motorcycles and bicycles. Complex shareholder agreements and other financial arrangements have created the global power of the Hyundai-KIA Automotive Group. Hyundai owns 33.7% of KIA.

KIA builds over 1.4 million vehicles annually from 14 manufacturing locations in eight countries. Its vehicles are sold through a global network of 3000 dealers and wholesalers in 172 countries.

Every KIA manufactured in the United States has a unique 17-digit alphanumeric identifier called the VIN or vehicle Identification number. Inputting the code into the GoodCar VIN Decoder tool yields a lot of build information, including details such as the manufacturing plant, engine type, transmission, and more.

A VIN is a comprehensive vehicle identification system made available to automakers since 1981. The code is a random assortment of numbers and letters applied to a specific vehicle when it is built; you can learn the types of restraint systems or other safety equipment included in the vehicle.

Deciphering a KIA VIN

Positions one through three of the KIA VIN describe the manufacturer, the vehicle's location, and the manufacturing division type.

Manufacture Identifier

region

country

type

Vehicle descriptor section

model code

body type

engine

checksum digit

model year

manufacturing plant

production sequence number

VIN Digit

Meaning

1^st

Position one of the KIA VIN identifies the country or region where a specific KIA model was built.

2^nd

Position two provides the country where the vehicle was built and assembled. Manufacturers sometimes combine the second and third positions to offer clarity to the VIN.

3^rd

The third position identifies the type of vehicle; KIA uses this slot to describe whether it is a car or an SUV.

4^th - 8^th

Digits four through eight are the meat of a VIN code, offering vital information to different buyers and businesses. Performance buyers may be interested in only the engine size and type or the transmission; fleet Managers want to know the different models and options.

4^th - 5^th

Positions four and five provide the model code of the specific KIA, such as the Optima models GD, GM, GN, or the Sportage JA.

6^th - 7^th

Positions six and seven give the body type and its restraint system. The KIA may be a sedan, three- or five-door hatchback, two- or four-door coupe, SUV, VAN, or MPV.

8^th

Position eight is the engine type for a specific vehicle. KIA features several different models with different engines and trim levels.

9^th

The ninth position of any KIA VIN is always reserved for the check-sum digit. Sometimes referred to as the Security Digit, this character uses a pre-determined algorithm to validate the VIN’s authenticity.

10^th

Position ten is the model year of a specific KIA model. The actual build date may be different from the model year.

11^th

The eleventh character is known as the manufacturing identifier. This is the exact plant where the specific vehicle was built and assembled.

12^th - 17^th

Positions twelve through seventeen are an assortment of numbers and letters, the sequence of which is a vehicle’s serial number or security code. KIA uses a combination of these numbers to describe technology add-ons such as sensor-based items or lane assist technologies.

Where Can I Find the VIN on My Kia?

There are two NHTSA-mandated locations where the VIN must be stamped. Check the lower driver’s side dashboard against the windshield. The VIN must be visible through the glass. The second required location is stamped on a plaque located on the driver’s side doorjamb or pillar B. Open the door to view the information. Always check the vehicle documents, such as the title, insurance, registration, and any mechanic and dealership documents.

Popular KIA Models

KIA is following the ultra-popular trend for sporty subcompacts and SUVs. The Sorento is a good-looking small three-row SUV with up to 281 hp available. The Sorento has five primary trim levels with this hybrid and full electric SUV. The KIA Sorento comes with advanced safety and performance features.

Every automaker has its own version of a sporty two-seater with a lot of horsepower. The KIA Stinger is a great-looking car with up to 368 hp available. The Stinger provides plenty of performance and luxury features for any prospective buyer.

The KIA Optima is another model that upgrade buyers should have a look at. The Optima is a sporty sedan with 4-cylinder engine choices that provide plenty of horsepower and fuel efficiency.

When businesses, fleet managers, and prospective owners want as much information as possible on a specific car or truck, they turn to a vehicle history report. The GoodCar Vehicle History Report is a valuable resource for making automotive decisions.

Vehicle History services pull their reports from a vast number of data points located in state, federal, and local agencies. The NMVTIS or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, is a major contributor to most services. The agency was created under the Anti-Car Theft Improvements Act of 1996 and combines automobile theft and fraud to verify title and brand information.

Prospective owners, car dealers, fleet managers, and businesses that extensively use quality reporting can use the GoodCar service to help with critical decision-making. Depending on the history, brand, model, and so on, a report may contain dozens of data points.

KIA Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

Prospective owners get a complete rundown of the specific installed and additional factory equipment. Engine and transmission types are described in detail, along with any entertainment and technology packages installed. Exterior and interior features are given, along with colors and trim levels. Valuable features such as any safety equipment and current EPA numbers are provided in detail.

Business owners find the title records invaluable when making a purchasing decision on a specific vehicle. Over fifty title brands are searched for in large law enforcement databases across the United States. GoodCar reports any sales transactions along with available ownership records. Odometer fraud is a skyrocketing automotive crime statistic. Top-tier services document each recorded instance of the odometer from mechanic shops and dealerships.

Fleet Managers can discover how a specific model was treated by its oil changes and regular visits to a dealership for service. Knowing how often and when the oil was changed in a fleet vehicle determines how long the car or truck stays on the road.

KIA is recalling over 120,000 Sportage and Carnival models because the roof trim may come off the vehicle, causing a safety hazard for other drivers. The company advises that any affected vehicles be taken to the dealership to have the defective trim pieces replaced.
In one of the largest recalls ever, KIA is recalling 1.7 million vehicles for fire-related issues. The NHTSA announced the recall in September 2023. An electrical short in one of the electronic control units may cause an engine fire. Owners of the affected vehicles should park them until they can head to the dealership for a free inspection and repair.