Free 2017 Kia Sportage VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2017 Kia Sportage VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2017 Kia Sportage VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence of characters assigned to a vehicle manufacturer to precisely identify the vehicle brand, type, and manufacturing location. In the case of the 2017 Kia Sportage, the WMI indicates that it is manufactured by Kia Corporation, a renowned automotive company based in South Korea. Specifically, the WMI reveals that the Sportage is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), hinting at its versatile design suitable for various passenger and cargo needs. The manufacturing plant is located in Seoul, within the Seocho-Gu district, emphasizing its origins in South Korea. This identifier is crucial for vehicle registration, identification, and regulatory compliance, serving as a vehicle’s “DNA” on a global scale.

List of WMI Codes for a 2017 Kia Sportage

WMI: KND

• Model Years Covered: 1995, 1997-2002, 2005-2024
• Example VIN: KNDPMCAC0H7031782
• 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Kia Sportage VIN — Year Code

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

Known 2017 Kia Sportage Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2017 Kia Sportage

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

What info can a 2017 Kia Sportage VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2017, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Type: The VIN provides information indicating that the vehicle belongs to the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) body class and type, offering insights into its versatile design and use.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN data may include engine details such as a 2-liter displacement and a T-GDI THETA II model with turbocharging and 240 horsepower, providing a glimpse into the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: Safety features like the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and multiple airbags are commonly included in the VIN data, enhancing the vehicle’s safety profile.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The primary fuel type, such as gasoline, can be discerned from the VIN, potentially offering insight into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Drive Type and Transmission: Details on the drivetrain, like a 4x2 drive type, and transmission specifics, including a 6-speed automatic style, can offer a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN may include manufacturing details, such as the plant city and country, pinpointing the vehicle’s production location to Gwang-Ju, South Korea, for this particular model.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2017 Kia Sportage