Free 2005 Kia Sportage VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2005 Kia Sportage VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2005 Kia Sportage VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a critical component of a vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), comprising the first three characters that specify the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For instance, Kia Corporation uses the WMI “KND” for their vehicles, indicative of the company’s base in South Korea, particularly focusing on Seoul, in the Seocho-Gu district. The WMI “KND” specifically identifies a range of vehicles as Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs), encompassing models such as the 2005 Kia Sportage. This designation is vital for vehicle tracking, registration, and identification purposes across the globe. Thus, the WMI code ensures that each vehicle can be accurately traced back to its manufacturer, vehicle type, and origin.

List of WMI Codes for a 2005 Kia Sportage

WMI: KND

• Model Years Covered: 1995, 1997-2002, 2005-2024
• Example VIN: KNDJF724057045174
• 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 2005 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 2005 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 2005 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 2005 Kia Sportage VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2005 Kia Sportage VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2005 Kia Sportage Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2005 Kia Sportage

The final 6 characters in a 2005 Kia Sportage’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Kia Sportage’s VIN below:

What info can a 2005 Kia Sportage VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the specific year 2005, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN can specify the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, likely in the form of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), offering insights into its intended use and design structure.
• Engine and Fuel Specifications: Information such as the VIN indicating the engine’s displacement of 2 liters (122.047 cubic inches) and being powered by gasoline can be discerned, providing details about the vehicle’s power and fuel efficiency.
• Drive Type and Doors: The VIN indicates the vehicle has a 4x2 drive type and comes with 4 doors, contributing to its utility and accessibility.
• Manufacturing Details: Insights into the vehicle’s manufacturing, including its production in Kwangju, South Korea, can be obtained, potentially offering insights into its origin and manufacturing history.
• Safety Features: The presence of a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is suggested, offering details about the vehicle’s safety equipment.
• Additional Specifications: Other details like the vehicle having a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design and belonging to the “KM Project” series enhance understanding of its engineering and design lineage.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2005 Kia Sportage