Enter a Kia VIN to Get Unique Info, Specs, and Details for the Vehicle…

Enter a 17-digit Kia VIN to get instant results from the global database

Get instant, free insights about any Kia VIN with VINvaquero.com – a Free VIN Decoder Tool

How to Use this Free Kia VIN Lookup

Checking a Kia VIN has never been easier with VINvaquero.com!

All Kia vehicles manufactured since 1981 will feature a 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) that can be used to quickly decode information about the vehicle, such as:

  • Location of manufacture and the manufacturing plant.
  • Body type and styling options. 
  • Details about the engine and transmission. 
  • Additional features and add-ons. 

The Kia VIN can also be used for:

  • Ordering Vehicle History Reports.
  • Getting the value of a specific Kia.
  • Finding Kia recalls.
  • Searching for compatible parts for the specific Kia year and model. 
  • Learning about the vehicle’s ownership history.
  • Finding out the vehicle’s accident and repair history. 
  • Getting free, customized insurance quotes. 
  • Checking if the Kia is stolen. 

Whether you have a Kia vehicle you own or are looking to buy one, decoding the VIN and using the VIN for a variety of tasks can come in handy. 

Our free Kia VIN decoder is here for you to get started. 

Simply enter your Kia VIN into the search bar above to check the global database. We’ll run the search and return all the pertinent information we can find. 

If you have an older VIN from a vehicle that was produced prior to 1981, the VIN decoder may not work. 

How to Know What Kia you Have?

You can use the VIN number to determine exactly what type of Kia you have.

Not only can you learn about the model and trim but you can also find information on the engine, transmission, and other features for your specific car.

The 4th through 8th character in your Kia VIN is the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS). These codes contain information about the model, trim, style, engine, transmission, and other features.

The model code is typically the 4th digit (sometimes the 4th and 5th), and may read:

  • G/JF/K5/DL: OPTIMA
  • B/JA: PICANTO
  • D/YB: RIO
  • H/RP: CARENS
  • N/QL: SPORTAGE
  • P/UM/MQ: SORENTO
  • M/YP/KA: CARNIVAL
  • BD: CERATO
  • AB: SOLUTO
  • SP: SELTOS

When & Where Your Kia was built by VIN

Your Kia’s VIN contains information about when it was built (model year), where it was built (Country of Origin and Assembly Plant), plus who build it (Make and Manufacturer).

There are a few important VIN characters to check to quickly determine these details.

The first digit will tell you the country of origin. (1, 4, 5 = USA, K = Korea, M = Myanmar).

The second digit represents the manufacturer. (N = Kia, S = Super Seven Stars Motors Industry).

The 3rd digits is used for the vehicle type, which will likely read A for passenger vehicles or D for multi-purpose vehicles.

The 10th digit represents the model year.

If you look at the 11th digit, you can learn which assembly plant made the vehicle. This may read:

  • 1: Hwaseong, S. Korea
  • 2: Gwangju, S. Korea.
  • 3: Gwangmyeong, S. Korea.
  • 4: Seosan, S. Korea.
  • 5: Slovakia.
  • G: West Point, Georgia.

Where to find a VIN on a Kia?

Your Kia VIN will typically be found in a handful of locations on the vehicle. The common ones include:

  • On a VIN plate attached to the dashboard.
  • Stamped onto the frame. 
  • Near the engine. 
  • On the door jamb. 

Additionally, the Kia VIN can be found on your DMV and insurance paperwork, such as the:

  • Registration card.
  • Vehicle title. 
  • MCO. 
  • Insurance policy documents. 
  • Insurance ID cards. 

WMIs for Kia Vehicles

The WMI, or World Manufacturer Identifier, is the first 3 digits of the Kia VIN. 

These digits provide you with:

  • The country where the Kia was built. 
  • The Manufacturer name.
  • The vehicle type and manufacturer division. 

Kia WMIs

The first 3 digits in the VIN, or the WMI, can be used to quickly find out where a specific vehicle was produced, who produced it, and the type of vehicle it is. 

WMICountry of OriginManufacturer NameVehicle Type 
KMHSOUTH KOREAHYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)Passenger Car
KNASOUTH KOREAHYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)Passenger Car
5XXUNITED STATES (USA)HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)Passenger Car
U5YUNITED STATES (USA)HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)Passenger Car
KNDSOUTH KOREAHYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
5XYUNITED STATES (USA)HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
5NPUNITED STATES (USA)HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)Passenger Car
KM8SOUTH KOREAHYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
5NMUNITED STATES (USA)HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
KMUSOUTH KOREAHYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
KNJSOUTH KOREAKIA MOTORS (FORD IMPORTS)Passenger Car

Kia Models in the VIN Decoder Database

Below you’ll find a list of all Kia models manufactured since 1981 that you can decode with our VIN checker. 

Kia models in the database include:

  • Amanti
  • Borrego
  • Cadenza
  • Carnival
  • Forte
  • Forte Koup
  • K5
  • K900
  • Niro
  • Optima
  • Rio
  • Rondo
  • Sedona
  • Seltos
  • Sephia
  • Sephia II/Spectra
  • Sorento
  • Soul
  • Soul EV
  • Spectra
  • Spectra LD
  • Sportage
  • Stinger
  • Telluride