Free Kia Optima VIN Decoder

How to decode a Kia Optima VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Kia Optima VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences assigned to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe to identify the make and origin of their vehicles. For the Kia Optima, two notable WMIs reflect its global manufacturing footprint. The WMI KNA indicates Optima vehicles produced by Kia Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea, within the model years 2001 to 2020, signifying its origin in the bustling capital city. Conversely, Optima models bearing the WMI 5XX are manufactured by Kia Georgia, Inc., located in West Point, Georgia, USA, covering model years from 2012 to 2020. This dual WMI representation underscores the international production and distribution strategy for the Kia Optima, hinting at both its South Korean roots and significant presence in the American automotive market.

List of WMI Codes for a Kia Optima

WMI: KNA

• Model Years Covered: 2001-2020
• Example VIN: KNAGD124015075890
• Manufacturer Name: Kia Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Seoul
• State or Province: Seocho-Gu
• Country: South Korea

WMI: 5XX

• Model Years Covered: 2012-2020
• Example VIN: 5XXGN4A70CG002868
• Manufacturer Name: Kia Georgia, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: West Point
• State or Province: Georgia
• Country: United States

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

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 Kia Optima 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 Kia Optima VIN — Year Code

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

Known Kia Optima Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Kia Optima

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

What info can a Kia Optima VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 2020, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications and Fuel Type: It highlights the engine as a 2.0L GDI NU model by KMC with a displacement of 2000 CC, operating on both Gasoline and Electric fuel types, showcasing the vehicle’s hybrid nature.
• Safety Features: Numerous safety features are standard, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), indicating a focus on enhancing the driving experience with modern safety technology.
• Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Specifics: The vehicle is identified as a HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), equipped with a Lithium-Ion battery, emphasizing its environmental and fuel efficiency benefits.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Equipped with a suite of ADAS features like Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB), this vehicle supports driver awareness and road safety.
• Interior and Exterior Specifications: It provides specific details like the body class being a Sedan/Saloon and the inclusion of 4 doors, indicating the vehicle’s design and capacity.
• Manufacturing Details: Manufactured in Hwasung, South Korea, these details offer a glimpse into the global nature of vehicle production and the geographical location of manufacturing facilities.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Kia Optima