Free 2017 Kia Optima VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2017 Kia Optima VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2017 Kia Optima VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) serves as a unique identifier for automobile manufacturers globally, encapsulating key information about the vehicle, including its country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. For the 2017 Kia Optima, the WMI indicates whether it was manufactured by Kia Corporation in Seoul, South Korea with the WMI “KNA,” highlighting its production in Asia, or by Kia Georgia, Inc. in West Point, Georgia, USA, under the WMI “5XX,” denoting its American manufacturing roots. Both instances signify the vehicle as a passenger car, reflecting the global footprint of the Kia brand through its diverse manufacturing locations. This system not only ensures the traceability of vehicles but also aids in identifying specifications and compliance with regional standards.

List of WMI Codes for a 2017 Kia Optima

WMI: KNA

• Model Years Covered: 2001-2020
• Example VIN: KNAGU4LE0H5009231
• 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: 5XXGW4L20HG125141
• 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Kia Optima VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2017 Kia Optima VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2017 Kia Optima Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2017 Kia Optima

The final 6 characters in a 2017 Kia Optima’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Kia Optima’s VIN below:

What info can a 2017 Kia Optima VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2017, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle is a Sedan/Saloon, possibly with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN. In this case, it might be a 4x2, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Engine Type: The VIN suggests an in-line engine configuration with 4 cylinders, possibly offering a power output starting from 154 hp.
• Fuel System: The VIN details include the unique aspect of a dual fuel system, supporting both electricity and gasoline, which might indicate that the vehicle is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
• Battery Specifications: The VIN reveals the type of battery used as Lithium-Ion/Li-Ion, along with its voltage (270 Volts) and other specifics like a 6.5Ah battery capacity and a 38 kW electric motor, emphasizing the vehicle’s electrification level.
• Safety Features: Critical safety information is encoded within the VIN, such as the presence of curtain airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows, front airbags for the driver and passenger, and a knee airbag for the driver’s seat, indicating comprehensive occupant protection.
• Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Friendliness: By detailing that the primary fuel type is electric, complemented by gasoline as a secondary source, the VIN suggests enhanced fuel efficiency and a potential reduction in carbon footprint due to the PHEV configuration.
• Manufacturing Information: It mentions that the vehicle was assembled in Hwasung, South Korea, possibly by engine manufacturer KMC, providing insights into its origin which may influence perceptions of build quality and availability of parts.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2017 Kia Optima

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