Free 2003 Kia Sorento VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2003 Kia Sorento VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Kia Sorento VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code designated to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe, serving as the initial sequence of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This alphanumeric code precisely identifies the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and country of origin. For example, Kia Corporation, with its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, uses the WMI “KND” for their multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs), which includes models like the 2003 Kia Sorento. The WMI not only signifies the brand but also reveals the vehicle’s assembly location, which for Kia’s “KND” series falls under Seocho-Gu, Seoul. This system plays a critical role in vehicle identification, regulation, and traceability worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Kia Sorento

WMI: KND

• Model Years Covered: 2003-2009, 2021-2024
• Example VIN: KNDJC733035038653
• Manufacturer Name: Kia Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Seoul
• State or Province: Seocho-Gu
• Country: South Korea

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2003 Kia Sorento 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 2003 Kia Sorento:

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 2003 Kia Sorento 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 2003 Kia Sorento VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2003 Kia Sorento VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 Kia Sorento Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Kia Sorento

The final 6 characters in a 2003 Kia Sorento’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Kia Sorento’s VIN below:

What info can a 2003 Kia Sorento VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2003, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN may include details about the engine, such as a 3.5-liter displacement with Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) design, indicating a considerable amount of power and efficiency.
• Body Type and Size: It can reveal the vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) or Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, suitable for families or off-road adventures.
• Drive Type and Fuel Efficiency: A VIN might provide insights into the drive type, such as 4x2, and the primary fuel type, gasoline, important for understanding the vehicle’s performance capabilities and fuel consumption.
• Manufacturing Details: The production details, including plant city Whasung and plant country South Korea, can be deduced, offering clues about the manufacturing location and possibly affecting the vehicle’s overall quality and design.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Information such as Class 1D, indicating a weight range from 5,001 to 6,000 lb, offers insights into the vehicle’s size, payload capacity, and possibly its handling characteristics.
• Safety and Design Features: VIN details like valve train design can point toward advanced engineering in safety and performance features, which for a Kia Sorento could mean enhanced reliability and driving experience.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 Kia Sorento

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