Free 2012 Hyundai Sonata VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 Hyundai Sonata VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Hyundai Sonata VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to pinpoint the vehicle’s place of origin, the manufacturer, and the type of vehicle. For the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, the WMI could be either “KMH” indicating it was manufactured by Hyundai Motor Co. in Seoul, South Korea, or “5NP” if the vehicle was produced by Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc (HATCI) in Superior Township, Michigan, USA. These codes are integral to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving as the VIN’s first three characters, and provide essential information about the vehicle’s manufacturing details. The distinction between the two WMIs highlights the global footprint of Hyundai’s manufacturing operations, encompassing both its home base in South Korea and its technical center in the United States. Recognizing the WMI helps in understanding the vehicle’s origin and specifications tied to its manufacturing location.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Hyundai Sonata

WMI: KMH

• Model Years Covered: 1989, 1997, 1999-2006, 2011-2024
• Example VIN: KMHEC4A40CA019759
• Manufacturer Name: Hyundai Motor Co.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Seoul Korea
• State or Province:
• Country: South Korea

WMI: 5NP

• Model Years Covered: 2006-2022
• Example VIN: 5NPEB4AC0CH308809
• Manufacturer Name: Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc (HATCI)
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Superior Township
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2012 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 2012 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 2012 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 2012 Hyundai Sonata VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 Hyundai Sonata VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Hyundai Sonata Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Hyundai Sonata

The final 6 characters in a 2012 Hyundai Sonata’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Hyundai Sonata’s VIN below:

What info can a 2012 Hyundai Sonata VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The vehicle appears to be a 2012 model, potentially indicating its age and technological advancements for that time period.
• Battery and Fuel Type: The car features a robust HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) system that is powered by both gasoline and a lithium-ion (Li-Ion) electric battery. This showcases a focus on energy efficiency and lower emissions, potentially offering a blend of power and eco-friendliness.
• Body Class and Size: The vehicle is classified as a Sedan/Saloon with four doors, suggesting its suitability for family or multi-passenger use, providing comfort and convenience for occupants.
• Engine and Performance: Equipped with an MPI DOHC engine with a displacement of 2.4 Liters and features like Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI), the vehicle may boast strong performance capabilities and fuel efficiency, potentially offering a balance of power and economical operation.
• Safety Features: The car is equipped with curtain airbags for both 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for the driver and passenger in the 1st row, and side airbags for 1st row occupants, emphasizing a focus on occupant safety during transportation.
• Manufacturing Details: Manufactured by Hyundai Motor Company in Asan, South Korea, these details may provide insights into the manufacturing quality and the brand’s reputation behind the vehicle.
• Electrification and Environmental Consideration: The presence of a Strong HEV system and detailed battery information demonstrates the vehicle’s commitment to environmental sustainability while still maintaining performance, possibly attracting environmentally conscious consumers.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Hyundai Sonata

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