Free 1989 Hyundai Sonata VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1989 Hyundai Sonata VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1989 Hyundai Sonata VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is an essential code used to identify every vehicle manufacturer globally and the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The 1989 Hyundai Sonata has a WMI of “KMH,” indicating that it was manufactured by Hyundai Motor Co. This code not only reveals the manufacturer but also provides key information about the vehicle, including its manufacturing country, which for the 1989 Hyundai Sonata, is South Korea, specifically in the city of Seoul. The WMI is a critical tool used by industries and consumers alike to trace vehicle origins, ensuring authenticity and compliance with international standards. With the WMI, the Hyundai Sonata’s lineage and specifications can be tracked, showcasing the rich tapestry of global vehicle manufacture and distribution.

List of WMI Codes for a 1989 Hyundai Sonata

WMI: KMH

• Model Years Covered: 1989, 1997, 1999-2006, 2011-2024
• Example VIN: KMHBF22S2KU091653
• Manufacturer Name: Hyundai Motor Co.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Seoul Korea
• State or Province:
• Country: South Korea

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1989 Hyundai Sonata VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1989 Hyundai Sonata:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1989 Hyundai Sonata VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 1989 Hyundai Sonata VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1989 Hyundai Sonata VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1989 Hyundai Sonata Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1989 Hyundai Sonata

The final 6 characters in a 1989 Hyundai Sonata’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1989 Hyundai Sonata VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1989, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic make and model information reveal the vehicle as a Sonata, which can help in identifying the type, engine details (such as a 2.351 L engine), and other specific attributes.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can indicate the body class of the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon, offering insights into the vehicle’s design, size, and potential usage.
• Fuel Type: It specifies the primary fuel type as Gasoline, which is essential for understanding the vehicle’s operational costs and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Information such as the seat belt type being manual and the presence of a passive restraint system provides a glimpse into the vehicle’s safety features and compliance with safety standards.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN reveals manufacturing specifics, like the plant city being Ulsan and the country as South Korea, hinting at the geographical origin of the vehicle’s production.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): It falls under Class 1, indicating a 6,000 lb or less rating, which helps in assessing the vehicle’s load capacity and possibly its classification for regulatory and usage purposes.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1989 Hyundai Sonata