Free 2012 Kia Optima VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 Kia Optima VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Kia Optima VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. In the case of the 2012 Kia Optima, the WMI is “5XX,” which specifies that the vehicle was manufactured by Kia Georgia, Inc., located in West Point, Georgia, United States. This code is the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), indicating not only the manufacturer but also providing insights into the vehicle type, in this instance, a passenger car. The WMI is an essential tool for tracking, registration, and recall purposes, ensuring that every vehicle can be accurately identified by its manufacturing origin. The use of WMI, including for the 2012 Kia Optima, standardizes vehicle identification worldwide, thus facilitating global automotive commerce and regulation compliance.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Kia Optima

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

WMI: KNA

• Model Years Covered: 2001-2020
• Example VIN: KNAGM4A70C5265673
• 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 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 2012 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 2012 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 2012 Kia Optima VIN — Year Code

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

Known 2012 Kia Optima Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Kia Optima

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

What info can a 2012 Kia Optima VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2012, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, such as Sedan/Saloon, and the number of doors, which is 4 in this case. This provides detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Type: Detailed engine information can be derived from the VIN, including the engine model (DOHC MPI THETA II), displacement in liters (2.4 L), and the fuel system type, which is Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI).
• Fuel Efficiency: The VIN can provide details about the primary fuel type and whether it’s a hybrid vehicle, offering insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: The VIN provides insights into the safety features installed, including specific information about airbags for the driver, passenger, and rear occupants, enhancing knowledge about the vehicle’s safety measures.
• Battery and Electrification Level: For hybrid vehicles, the VIN can offer specific details about the battery type, voltage (270 V), capacity (5.3 Ah), and the electrification level, indicating it’s a Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN reveals where the vehicle was manufactured, providing transparency about the vehicle’s origin and the manufacturing company.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Kia Optima

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