Free 2012 Kia Forte VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 Kia Forte VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Kia Forte VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It includes key information about the vehicle’s maker, such as the name and location of the manufacturer. For the 2012 Kia Forte, the WMI indicates that the car was manufactured by Kia Corporation, based in Seoul, South Korea, specifically in the Seocho-Gu district. This identifier not only confirms the vehicle’s origin but also signifies that it is classified as a passenger car, offering insights into the type of vehicle being registered. The WMI is essential for vehicle registration, identification, and verification processes globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Kia Forte

WMI: KNA

• Model Years Covered: 2010-2018
• Example VIN: KNAFW5A30C5478499
• Manufacturer Name: Kia Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Seoul
• State or Province: Seocho-Gu
• Country: South Korea

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2012 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte:

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 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 Kia Forte VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Kia Forte Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Kia Forte

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

What info can a 2012 Kia Forte VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially providing insights into the age and market value of the vehicle, such as the year 2012.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN can indicate the vehicle type as a Passenger Car and specify its body class as a Coupe, offering detailed information about the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: Details about the engine model, such as DOHC MPI THETA II with a displacement of 2.0 L (2000.0 CC or 122.05 CI) and equipped with Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI), showcase specific engine characteristics.
• Safety Features: Safety features such as curtain airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for the driver and passenger in the 1st row, and a direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are detailed, possibly enhancing safety measures for the vehicle.
• Fuel Type: The VIN clarifies that the primary fuel type for the vehicle is Gasoline, possibly highlighting its fueling compatibility.
• Manufacturing Details: Insight into the manufacturing location is provided, indicating the vehicle was produced in Hwasung, South Korea by Kia Motors Corporation, potentially offering a glimpse into the geographical origin of the vehicle.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The vehicle falls into Class 1, indicating a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), offering information on the vehicle’s weight classification.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Kia Forte

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