Free 2018 Kia Optima VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2018 Kia Optima VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2018 Kia Optima VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. The first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) serve as the WMI, pinpointing the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For example, the 2018 Kia Optima manufactured in Georgia, United States, bears the WMI “5XX,” denoting it as a passenger car produced by Kia Georgia, Inc. Similarly, a 2018 Kia Optima manufactured by Kia Corporation in Seoul, South Korea, carries the WMI “KNA,” also indicating its status as a passenger car. These WMIs are critical for vehicle identification, recovery, and registration purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2018 Kia Optima

WMI: 5XX

• Model Years Covered: 2012-2020
• Example VIN: 5XXGU4L30JG179740
• 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: KNAGV4LD0J5021972
• 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 Kia Optima VIN — Year Code

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

Known 2018 Kia Optima Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2018 Kia Optima

The final 6 characters in a 2018 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 2018 Kia Optima VIN reveal?

• Model Year and Manufacturing Details: The VIN can reveal the model year and manufacturing details, identifying the vehicle as a 2018 Optima that was manufactured in Hwasung, South Korea, indicating international production origins.
• Body Class and Doors: The vehicle is classified as a Sedan/Saloon with detailed insights into its design and structure, indicating a traditional 4-door configuration for passenger access.
• Engine Type: The VIN can provide information about the engine type, revealing that the 2018 Optima is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) with a sophisticated Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine model GDI NU, possibly suggesting advanced engine technology for enhanced performance.
• Fuel and Battery Specifications: The vehicle primarily operates on electric fuel with a secondary gasoline option, supported by a Lithium-Ion/Li-Ion battery with a voltage of 360 volts, reflecting its eco-friendly design and potentially indicating energy-efficient performance.
• Safety Features: Standard safety features may include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB), emphasizing passenger safety. Optional safety enhancements might include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW), potentially offering additional safety measures.
• Interior and Comfort: Standard features may comprise a backup camera, keyless ignition, and seat belts for all seating positions, ensuring convenience and safety for all passengers. Additional safety may be provided by Curtain Airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows.
• Drive and Transmission: The drive type and transmission can be identified from the VIN, revealing Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) with an automatic transmission featuring 6 speeds, possibly indicating a balance between drivability and efficiency.
• Pricing and Trim: The trim level is reported as PHEV EX, with an estimated base price of $35,210, indicating a mid to high-end model within its class, possibly offering advanced features for a comprehensive driving experience.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2018 Kia Optima

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