Free 2018 Kia Forte VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2018 Kia Forte VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2018 Kia Forte VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and is crucial for identifying the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. For example, the 2018 Kia Forte utilizes the WMI code “KNA” to signify a vehicle manufactured by Kia Corporation. This specific WMI indicates that the vehicle is produced in Seoul, South Korea, in the Seocho-Gu district, and classifies it as a passenger car. Such WMIs are integral in distinguishing vehicles not just by make and model, but also by their manufacturing location, implying significant aspects regarding specifications and standards. Through WMIs, each vehicle carries a signature of its origins, offering a transparent lineage right from production.

List of WMI Codes for a 2018 Kia Forte

WMI: KNA

• Model Years Covered: 2010-2018
• Example VIN: KNAFX5A81J5747695
• Manufacturer Name: Kia Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Seoul
• State or Province: Seocho-Gu
• Country: South Korea

WMI: 3KP

• Model Years Covered: 2017-2024
• Example VIN: 3KPFL4A80JE165391
• Manufacturer Name: Kia Mexico S.A. de C.V.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Pesqueria
• State or Province: Nuevo Leon
• Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 Kia Forte VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2018 Kia Forte VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2018 Kia Forte Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2018 Kia Forte

The final 6 characters in a 2018 Kia Forte’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2018 Kia Forte VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating the year 2018. This gives insights into the vehicle’s age and potential market value.
• Make: The make of the vehicle can be identified from the VIN, suggesting that it is a Forte model.
• Plant Information: The VIN can unveil where the vehicle was manufactured, possibly showing that this particular vehicle was assembled in Tijuana, Mexico by Kia Motors Mexico S.A. De C.V. (KMM).
• Engine Specifications: The VIN includes specifics like the engine’s displacement in liters (2L), its type (GDI Nu), and the cylinder count (4), possibly providing insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: Security components like airbags located in the 1st and 2nd rows, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and advanced safety options like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) being standard may highlight the vehicle’s focus on safety.
• Fuel Type: The VIN specifies the vehicle utilizes gasoline as its primary fuel source, possibly essential for understanding running costs and environmental impact.
• Drive Type and Transmission: Detailed information such as the vehicle’s Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration and a 6-speed automatic transmission can be gleaned, outlining its driving mechanics and performance.
• Body and Capacity: The vehicle’s body class is identified as a Sedan/Saloon, possibly with the ability to seat up to 5 passengers across 2 seat rows, providing a snapshot of the vehicle’s design and purpose.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2018 Kia Forte