Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/KIA/VIN Codes

VIN format 1994-2009 edit

KIA used the following VIN format and codes from the 1994-2009 model years.

Position Sample Description
1-3 KNA KIA
4 F Sephia
5 A
6 1 4-door Sedan
7 2
8 1 Gas Engine 1.6 Liter B6E I4
9 2 Check digit
10 R Model year
11 5 Hwasung plant (South Korea)
12 6 Sequential number
13 1
14 4
15 0
16 2
17 8

Vehicle Line (position 4-5) edit

VIN Code Description
DC Rio (2001-2005)
DE Rio (2006-2009)
FA Sephia (1994-1997)
FB Sephia (1998-2001), Spectra (2000 - Mid-2004)
FE Spectra (New Design) (Mid-2004 - 2009)
FG Rondo (2007-2009)
GD Optima/Magentis (2001 - Mid-2006)
GE Optima/Magentis (New Design) (Mid-2006 - 2009)
LD Amanti (2004-2009)
JA Sportage 4x4 (1995-2002)
JB Sportage 4x2 (1995-2002)
JC Sorento 4x4 (2003-2009)
JD Sorento 4x2 (2003-2009)
JE Sportage 4x4 (2005-2009)
JF Sportage 4x2 (2005-2009)
JH Borrego 4x4 (2009)
JJ Borrego 4x2 (2009)
MB Sedona (2006-2009)
UP Sedona (2002-2005)

Body Style (& GVWR for MPVs) (position 6-7) edit

VIN Code Description
12 4-door sedan (1994-2008)
13 1=Minivan (2002-2005 Sedona, 2007-2009 Sedona SWB). 3=GVWR: 5001 - 6000 lbs.
16 5-door hatchback (2000-2008)
22 4-door sedan (2009 Rio, Spectra, Optima, Amanti)
23 2=Minivan - Extended length (2006-2009 Sedona LWB). 3=GVWR: 5001 - 6000 lbs.
24 5-door hatchback (2009 Rio5, Spectra5)
52 5-door wagon (2007-2009 Rondo)
62 6=2-door SUV (Sportage 2-d). 2=4001 - 5000 lbs.
72 7=4-door SUV (1995-2009 Sportage 4-d). 2=GVWR: 4001 - 5000 lbs.
73 7=4-door SUV (2003-2009 Sorento). 3=GVWR: 5001 - 6000 lbs.
74 7=4-door SUV (2009 Borrego). 4=GVWR: 6001 - 7000 lbs.

GVWR=Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. MPV=Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicle.

Engine Type/Restraint (position 8) edit

  • 1 = 1.6 Liter B6-E SOHC I4 (Sephia 1994-1995)/Automatic Belts
  • 1 = 1.8 Liter T8D DOHC I4 (Sephia [SD] 1998-01, Spectra [SD] 2000 - Mid-2004)/Airbags
  • 1 = 2.0 Liter DOHC Beta-II G4GC ULEV-certified I4 (Spectra [LD] Mid-2004 - 2009)/Airbags
  • 1 = 2.0 Liter FE SOHC I4 (Sportage 1995)
  • 1 = 3.5 Liter DOHC Sigma G6CU V6 (Sedona [GQ] 2002-2004)/Airbags
  • 1 = 3.5 Liter DOHC Sigma G6CU Federal emissions V6 (Sedona [GQ] 2005)/Airbags
  • 1 = 3.8 Liter DOHC Lambda G6DA V6 (Borrego [HM] 2009)/Airbags
  • 2 = 2.0 Liter DOHC Beta-II G4GC SULEV-certified I4 (Spectra [LD] Mid-2004 - 2009)/Airbags
  • 2 = 2.0 Liter DOHC Beta-II G4GC Federal emissions I4 (Sportage [KM] 2005-2009)/Airbags
  • 2 = 3.5 Liter DOHC Sigma G6CU California emissions V6 (Sedona [GQ] 2005)/Airbags
  • 2 = 4.6 Liter DOHC Tau G8BA V8 (Borrego [HM] 2009)/Airbags
  • 3 = 1.6 Liter B6-D DOHC I4 (Sephia 1995)/Automatic Belts
  • 3 = 2.0 Liter FE DOHC I4 (Sportage 1995-2002)
  • 3 = 1.5 Liter B5-DE DOHC I4 (Rio 2001-2002)/Airbags
  • 3 = 1.6 Liter DOHC Alpha-II G4ED I4 (Rio [JB] 2006-2009)/Airbags
  • 3 = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta G4KC I4 (Optima/Magentis [MG] Mid-2006 - 2008)/Airbags
  • 3 = 2.7 Liter DOHC Delta G6BA V6 (Sportage [KM] 2005-2009)/Airbags
  • 3 = 3.5 Liter DOHC Sigma G6CU V6 (Sorento [BL] 2003-2006)/Airbags
  • 3 = 3.8 Liter DOHC Lambda G6DA V6 (Sedona [VQ] 2006-2009)/Airbags
  • 4 = 1.6 Liter B6-D DOHC I4 (Sephia 1996-1997)/Airbags
  • 4 = 2.5 Liter DOHC Delta G6BV V6 (Optima/Magentis [MS] 2001)/Airbags
  • 4 = 2.7 Liter DOHC Mu G6EA V6 (Optima/Magentis [MG] Mid-2006 - 2009)/Airbags
  • 4 = 3.5 Liter DOHC Sigma G6CU V6 (Amanti [GH] 2004-2006)/Airbags
  • 4 = 2.0 Liter DOHC Beta-II G4GC California emissions I4 (Sportage [KM] 2005-2009)/Airbags
  • 5 = 1.8 Liter BP DOHC I4 (Sephia 1995-1997)/Airbags
  • 5 = 1.6 Liter B6 DOHC I4 (Rio 2003-2005)/Airbags
  • 5 = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta G4KC I4 (Rondo [UN] 2007-2008)/Airbags
  • 5 = 3.8 Liter DOHC Lambda G6DA V6 (Amanti [GH] 2007-2009)/Airbags
  • 5 = 3.3 Liter DOHC Lambda G6DB V6 (Sorento [BL] 2007-2009)/Airbags
  • 6 = 2.4 Liter Sirius II DOHC I4 (Optima/Magentis [MS] 2001 - Mid-2006)/Airbags
  • 6 = 2.7 Liter DOHC Mu G6EA V6 (Rondo [UN] 2007-2009)/Airbags
  • 6 = 3.8 Liter DOHC Lambda G6DA V6 (Sorento [BL] 2007-2009)/Airbags
  • 8 = 2.7 Liter DOHC Delta G6BA V6 (Optima/Magentis [MS] 2002 - Mid-2006)/Airbags
  • 8 = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta-II G4KE I4 (Optima/Magentis [MG] 2009)/Airbags
  • 8 = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta-II G4KE ULEV-certified I4 (Rondo [UN] 2009)/Airbags
  • 9 = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta-II G4KE SULEV-certified I4 (Rondo [UN] 2009)/Airbags

VIN format Since 2010 edit

KIA has used the following VIN format and codes since the 2010 model year.

Position Sample Description
1-3 KNA KIA
4 G Optima
5 G Base Trim Level (LX)
6 4 4-door Sedan
7 A Both Side - Active seat belts with front pretensioners, Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags
8 8 Gas Engine 2.4 Liter Theta II I4
9 2 Check digit
10 A Model year
11 5 Hwasung plant (South Korea)
12 6 Sequential number
13 1
14 4
15 0
16 2
17 8

Vehicle Line (position 4) edit

VIN Code Description
A Rio (2018-2023, Mexican-built)
A EV9 (2024-)
C Niro (2017-)
C EV6 (2022-)
D Rio (2010- , Korean-built)
E Stinger (2018-2023)
E Seltos (2021-)
F Forte (2010-)
G Optima (2010-2020), Magentis (2010), K5 (2021-)
H Rondo (2010-2017)
J Soul (2010-)
K Borrego/Mohave (2010-2011 [Canada])
K Sorento (2011-2015)
K Sportage (2010)
K Sportage (2023- , US-built)
L Cadenza (2014-2020)
L K900/K9/Quoris (2013-2018)
M Sedona (2010-2021)
N Carnival (2022-)
P Sportage (2011- , Korean-built)
P Sorento (2016-2020)
P Telluride (2020-)
R Sorento (2021-)
S K900/K9/Quoris (2019-2020 [USA])

Body Style - Passenger Cars (position 6) edit

VIN Code Description
4 4-door sedan
5 5-door hatchback (Rio 5-door, Forte 5-door, Stinger)
6 2-door coupe
8 5-door wagon (2010-2017 Rondo)

Body Style/Drive Wheels/Weight Class - Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicle (position 6) edit

VIN Code Description
2 Wagon 4x2 Class B
3 Wagon 4x2 Class C
4 Wagon 4x2 Class D
5 Wagon 4x2 Class E
C Wagon 4x4 Class C
D Wagon 4x4 Class D
E Wagon 4x4 Class E
F Wagon 4x4 Class F

Engine Type (position 8) edit

  • 1 = 1.6 Liter DOHC Gamma G4FC I4 (Soul [AM] 2010-2011)
  • 1 = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Gamma-II G4FJ I4 (Optima [JF] 2016-2020)
  • 1 = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta-II G4KE I4 (Sorento [XM] 2011-2013)
  • 1 = 2.0 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Theta-II G4KH I4 (Sorento [UM] 2016-2018)
  • 1 = 3.8 Liter DOHC Lambda G6DA V6 (Borrego [HM] 2010-2011) (Canada)
  • 1 = 3.3 Liter DOHC GDI Lambda II G6DH V6 (Sedona [YP] 2015-2021)
  • 1 = 3.3 Liter DOHC GDI Lambda II G6DH V6 (Cadenza [YG] 2017-2020)
  • 1 = Electric motor (201hp) (64 kWh/180.9Ah Battery) (Soul EV [SK3] 2020-2023) (Canada)
  • 1 = Electric motor (201hp) (64.8 kWh/180.9Ah Battery) (Niro EV [SG2] 2023-)
  • 1 = Electric motor (201hp) (99.8 kWh/180.9Ah Battery) (EV9 RWD [MV1] 2024-)
  • 2 = 2.0 Liter DOHC Beta-II G4GC I4 (Soul [AM] 2010-2011)
  • 2 = 1.6 Liter DOHC GDI Gamma-II G4FD I4 (Soul [PS] 2014-2019)
  • 2 = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Gamma-II G4FJ I4 (Seltos [SP2] 2021-2023)
  • 2 = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Smartstream G1.6T G4FP I4 (K5 [DL3] 2021-)
  • 2 = 2.0 Liter DOHC Theta-II G4KD I4 (Forte [TD] 2010-2013)
  • 2 = 2.0 Liter DOHC Beta-II G4GC Federal emissions I4 (Sportage [KM] 2010)
  • 2 = 2.0 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Theta-II G4KH I4 (Optima [JF] 2016-2020)
  • 2 = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta-II G4KE I4 (Sportage [SL] 2011-2013)
  • 2 = 3.5 Liter DOHC Lambda II G6DC V6 (Sorento [XM] 2011-2013)
  • 2 = 4.6 Liter DOHC Tau G8BA V8 (Borrego [HM] 2010-2011) (Canada)
  • 2 = Electric motor (134hp) (39.2 kWh/120Ah Battery) (Soul EV [SK3] 2020-2023) (Canada)
  • 2 = Electric motor (215hp) (76.1 kWh/120.6Ah Battery) (EV9 RWD [MV1] 2024-)
  • 3 = 1.6 Liter DOHC Alpha-II G4ED I4 (Rio [JB] 2010-2011)
  • 3 = 1.6 Liter DOHC GDI Gamma-II G4FD I4 (Rio [UB] 2012-2017)
  • 3 = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Gamma-II G4FJ I4 (Forte [YD] 2014-2018)
  • 3 = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta-II G4KE I4 (Forte [TD] 2010-2013)
  • 3 = 2.4 Liter DOHC GDI Theta-II G4KJ I4 (Optima [JF] 2016-2020)
  • 3 = 2.4 Liter DOHC GDI Theta-II G4KJ I4 (Sorento [UM] 2016-2020)
  • 3 = 2.7 Liter DOHC Delta G6BA V6 (Sportage [KM] 2010)
  • 3 = 2.0 Liter DOHC GDI Nu G4NC I4 (Rondo [RP] 2014-2017) (Canada)
  • 3 = 3.8 Liter DOHC Lambda G6DA V6 (Sedona [VQ] 2010)
  • 3 = 3.8 Liter DOHC GDI Lambda II RS G6DJ V6 (K900 [KH] 2015-2018)
  • 3 = 3.5 Liter DOHC GDI Smartstream G3.5 Lambda III G6DT V6 (Carnival [KA4] 2022-)
  • 4 = 2.7 Liter DOHC Mu G6EA V6 (Optima/Magentis [MG] 2010)
  • 4 = 2.0 Liter DOHC Beta-II G4GC California emissions I4 (Sportage [KM] 2010)
  • 4 = 5.0 Liter DOHC GDI Tau G8BE V8 (K900 [KH] 2015-2018)
  • 5 = 1.6 Liter DOHC GDI Gamma-II G4FD I4 (Soul [AM] 2012-2013)
  • 5 = 2.0 Liter DOHC GDI Nu G4NC I4 (Soul [PS] 2014-2019)
  • 5 = 3.3 Liter DOHC GDI Lambda II G6DH V6 (Sorento [UM] 2016-2020)
  • 5 = Electric motors (379hp) (99.8 kWh/180.9Ah Battery) (EV9 AWD [MV1] 2024-)
  • 6 = 1.8 Liter DOHC Nu G4NB I4 (Forte [YD] 2014-2016)
  • 6 = 2.0 Liter DOHC Nu G4NA I4 (Soul [AM] 2012-2013)
  • 6 = 2.0 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Theta-II G4KH I4 (Optima [TF/QF] 2011-2015)
  • 6 = 2.0 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Theta-II G4KH I4 (Sportage [SL] 2011-2016)
  • 6 = 2.0 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Theta-II G4KH I4 (Sportage [QL] 2017-2022)
  • 6 = 2.4 Liter DOHC GDI Theta-II G4KJ I4 (Sorento [XM] 2012-2015)
  • 6 = 2.7 Liter DOHC Mu G6EA V6 (Rondo [UN] 2010-2012) (Canada)
  • 6 = 3.3 Liter DOHC twin-turbocharged GDI Lambda II RS G6DP V6 (K900 [RJ] 2019-2020)
  • 7 = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Smartstream G1.6T G4FP I4 (Seltos [SP2] 2024-)
  • 7 = 2.0 Liter DOHC Nu G4NH I4 (Forte [YD] 2017-2018)
  • 7 = 2.4 Liter DOHC GDI Theta-II G4KJ I4 (Optima [TF/QF] 2011-2015)
  • 7 = 3.3 Liter DOHC GDI Lambda II G6DH V6 (Cadenza [VG] 2014-2016)
  • 7 = 3.3 Liter DOHC GDI Lambda II G6DH V6 (Sorento [XM] 2014-2015)
  • 7 = 3.5 Liter DOHC Lambda II G6DC V6 (Sedona [VQ] 2011-2014)
  • 8 = 2.0 Liter DOHC GDI Nu G4NC I4 (Forte [YD] 2014-2018)
  • 8 = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta-II G4KE I4 (Optima/Magentis [MG] 2010)
  • 8 = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta-II G4KE ULEV-certified I4 (Rondo [UN] 2010-2012) (Canada)
  • 8 = 2.5 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Smartstream G2.5T Theta-III G4KP I4 (K5 [DL3] 2021-)
  • 9 = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta-II G4KE SULEV-certified I4 (Rondo [UN] 2010) (Canada)
  • A = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Gamma-II G4FJ I4 (Soul [PS] 2017-2019)
  • A = 2.0 Liter DOHC Nu G4NH I4 (Seltos [SP2] 2021-)
  • A = 2.0 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Theta-II G4KL I4 (Stinger [CK] 2018-2021)
  • A = Electric motor (225hp) (77.4 kWh Battery) (EV6 RWD [CV] 2022-)
  • B = 1.6 Liter DOHC GDI Gamma-II G4FD I4 (Rio [YB] 2018-2019)
  • B = Electric motor (167hp) (58 kWh Battery) (EV6 RWD [CV] 2022)
  • C = 1.6 Liter DOHC GDI Kappa-II G4LE I4 + Electric (Niro Hybrid [DE] 2017-2022)
  • C = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Gamma-II G4FJ I4 (Forte [BD] 2020-)
  • C = 2.0 Liter DOHC GDI Nu G4NG I4 + Electric (6.0Ah Battery) (Optima Hybrid [JF] 2017)
  • C = 2.4 Liter DOHC GDI Theta-II G4KJ I4 (Sportage [SL] 2014-2016)
  • C = 2.4 Liter DOHC GDI Theta-II G4KJ I4 (Sportage [QL] 2017-2022)
  • C = 2.5 Liter DOHC GDI Smartstream G2.5 Theta-III G4KN I4 (Sorento [MQ4] 2021-)
  • C = 3.3 Liter DOHC twin-turbocharged GDI Lambda II RS G6DP V6 (Stinger [CK] 2018-2023)
  • C = 3.8 Liter DOHC GDI Lambda II G6DN V6 (Telluride [ON] 2020-)
  • C = Electric motors (320hp) (77.4 kWh Battery) (EV6 AWD [CV] 2022-)
  • D = 1.6 Liter DOHC GDI Kappa-II G4LE I4 + Electric (Niro Plug-in Hybrid [DE] 2018-2022)
  • D = 1.6 Liter DOHC Gamma-II G4FG I4 (Rio [YB] 2020-)
  • D = 2.0 Liter DOHC Nu G4NH I4 (Forte [BD] 2019-)
  • D = 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta-II G4KK I4 + Electric (Optima Hybrid [TF] 2011-2016)
  • D = 2.0 Liter DOHC GDI Nu G4NG I4 + Electric (27.2Ah Battery) (Optima Plug-in Hybrid [JF] 2017-2020)
  • D = 2.5 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Smartstream FR G2.5T Theta-III G4KR I4 (Stinger [CK] 2022-2023)
  • E = 1.6 Liter DOHC GDI Smartstream G1.6 G4LL I4 + Electric (Niro Hybrid [SG2] 2023-)
  • E = 2.0 Liter DOHC GDI Nu G4NG I4 + Electric (6.5Ah Battery) (Optima Hybrid [JF] 2017-2020)
  • E = Electric motor (109hp) (Soul EV [PSEV] 2015-2019)
  • E = Electric motors (576hp) (77.4 kWh Battery) (EV6 GT AWD [CV] 2022-)
  • F = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Gamma-II G4FJ I4 (Soul [SK3] 2020-2022)
  • F = 1.6 Liter DOHC GDI Smartstream G1.6 G4LL I4 + Electric (11.1 kWh/30.8Ah Battery) (Niro Plug-in Hybrid [SG2] 2023-)
  • F = 2.5 Liter DOHC GDI Smartstream G2.5 Theta-III G4KN I4 (Sportage [NQ5] 2023-)
  • F = 2.5 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Smartstream G2.5T Theta-III G4KP I4 (Sorento [MQ4] 2021-)
  • G = Electric motor (201hp) (64kWh/180Ah Battery) (Niro EV [DE] 2019-2022)
  • G = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Smartstream G1.6T G4FT I4 + Electric (Sportage Hybrid [NQ5] 2023-)
  • G = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Smartstream G1.6T G4FT I4 + Electric (Sorento Hybrid [MQ4] 2021-)
  • H = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Smartstream G1.6T G4FT I4 + Electric (13.8kWh/38.3Ah Battery) (Sportage Plug-in Hybrid [NQ5] 2023-)
  • H = 1.6 Liter DOHC turbocharged GDI Smartstream G1.6T G4FT I4 + Electric (13.8kWh/38.3Ah Battery) (Sorento Plug-in Hybrid [MQ4] 2022-)
  • U = 2.0 Liter DOHC Nu G4NH I4 (Soul [SK3] 2020-)

GDI=Gasoline Direct Injection, Ah=Amp-hour, Kwh=Kilowatt-hour

Kia WMIs (positions 1-3) edit

  • KNA = Kia South Korea (passenger car)
  • KNC = Kia South Korea (truck)
  • KND = Kia South Korea (multi-purpose vehicle)
  • KNE = Kia South Korea (passenger car)
  • KNG = Kia South Korea (bus)
  • LJD = Dongfeng Yueda Kia
  • MZB = Kia India Pvt Ltd.
  • PNA = Kia made by Naza in Malaysia
  • TMA = Kia made by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech
  • U5Y = Kia Motors Slovakia
  • U6Y = Kia Motors Slovakia (multi-purpose vehicle)
  • XTK, XWK = Kia made by Izh Avto
  • XWE = Kia made by Avtotor
  • Z94 = Kia made by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Rus
  • 3KP = Kia Motor Manufacturing Mexico (Passenger Vehicle)
  • 5XX = Kia Motor Manufacturing Georgia (Passenger Vehicle)
  • 5XY = Kia Motor Manufacturing Georgia (Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicle)
  • 8LG = Kia made by Aymesa in Ecuador
  • 9UW = Kia made by Nordex in Uruguay

Manufacturing Plant Code (position 11) edit

  • E = Pesqueria, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
  • G = West Point, Georgia, USA
  • J = Nošovice, Czech Republic (TMA) (Hyundai plant)
  • L = Žilina, Slovakia
  • N = Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • R = Saint Petersburg, Russia (Hyundai plant)
  • T = Seosan, South Korea (Donghee Auto Co. Ltd. plant)
  • 5 = Osnabrück, Germany (Karmann, KNA)
  • 5 = Hwasung, South Korea
  • 6 = Sohari plant, Gwangmyeong, South Korea
  • 7 = Gwangju, South Korea