Free 1998 Kia Sportage VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Kia Sportage VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Kia Sportage VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and important details about it. For the 1998 Kia Sportage, the WMI is “KND,” indicating that it was manufactured by Kia Corporation. This specific identifier tells us that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), designed and produced in Seoul, South Korea, particularly in the Seocho-Gu district. WMIs are crucial for obtaining accurate information about a vehicle’s origin, type, and the company responsible for its production. For this model, the given WMI emphasizes its South Korean roots and classification under Kia’s diverse range of passenger-centric vehicles.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Kia Sportage

WMI: KND

• Model Years Covered: 1995, 1997-2002, 2005-2024
• Example VIN: KNDJB7238W5551948
• 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 1998 Kia Sportage 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 1998 Kia Sportage:

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 1998 Kia Sportage 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 1998 Kia Sportage VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Kia Sportage VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Kia Sportage Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Kia Sportage

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Kia Sportage’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Kia Sportage VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating it was made in 1998, offering insights into its age and potentially its design generation.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: It specifies that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, specifically a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), providing insights into its design and intended use.
• Drive Type and Engine Details: The vehicle features a 4WD (4-Wheel Drive/4x4) system paired with a 4-cylinder engine, likely highlighting its capability for off-road or adverse weather conditions. The engine is further detailed with a displacement of 2 liters and a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design, indicating its performance characteristics.
• Safety Features: The presence of front air bags in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger suggests a focus on safety for front occupants, potentially enhancing the vehicle’s safety profile.
• Fuel Type: The vehicle utilizes gasoline, a critical aspect for potential owners concerning fuel economy and environmental impact, offering essential information regarding its fuel efficiency.
• Plant Details: Manufactured in Whasung, South Korea, this detail adds to the vehicle’s history, potentially affecting perceptions of quality and design influences, contributing to an understanding of its manufacturing origins.
• Model Identification: The model is identified as a Sportage, which, combined with the VIN, can aid owners in finding specific parts, service manuals, or understanding the vehicle’s features and specifications better.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Kia Sportage