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Free Kia VIN Decoder

Decode any Kia VIN for free and read the model, engine, body and factory options in seconds, plus recalls and safety ratings, for Kia vehicles built in South Korea. No registration.

U5YH5814AGL123456See a decoded Kia VIN
WMI: KNA · KNB · KND · U5Y Plant-code decode Recall lookup NCAP safety
58 Kia models covered Free instant decode, no sign-up Official open-data sources

How to read a Kia VIN number

A Kia VIN has 17 characters. Each section tells you something different about the car.

U5Y
1–3WMI · maker & country
H5814A
4–9VDS · model, body, engine
G
10Model year
L
11Assembly plant
123456
12–17Serial number
WMI (1–3) World Manufacturer Identifier, Kia uses KNA · KNB · KND · U5Y.
VDS (4–9) model line, body, engine and restraint, position 9 is the check digit.
Model year (10) a single letter or digit for the model year.
Plant (11) the assembly plant where this Kia was built.
Serial (12–17) the unique production sequence number.

Where is Kia made?

Kia is a South Korean manufacturer, part of the Hyundai Motor Group. Many European Kias are built in Žilina, Slovakia (WMI U5Y), alongside the Korean plants.

SK ŽilinaKR GwangjuKR HwaseongUS West Point, GA

Popular Kia models we decode

All variants and years are covered, see the full list further down.

Compact SUV

Sportage

Kia’s best-selling SUV, petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

Compact hatch

Ceed

Slovak-built hatch, Sportswagon estate and ProCeed shooting brake.

Large SUV

Sorento

Seven-seat family SUV, including a plug-in hybrid.

City car

Picanto

Compact, affordable city car.

Hybrid / EV crossover

Niro

Hybrid, plug-in and fully electric crossover.

Supermini

Rio

Practical small hatchback.

Why check a Kia VIN before buying?

A Kia VIN check helps you avoid odometer fraud, confirm the car matches its documents, reveal outstanding recalls, and verify the exact specification before you commit, essential for imported or cross-border vehicles.

Free VIN decode vs full history report

The free decoder covers the basics from open data. A full history report adds the records that aren't publicly available.

Free VIN decode

This tool · €0
  • ✓ Full specifications
  • ✓ Safety recalls
  • ✓ Safety ratings (NCAP)
  • ✓ Emissions & CO₂
  • Mileage history
  • Theft / stolen check
  • Accident history
Full history

Full history report

via carVertical
  • ✓ Everything in the free decode
  • ✓ Mileage / odometer verification
  • ✓ Stolen-vehicle check
  • ✓ Accident & damage records
  • ✓ Ownership & registration history
Check full history

20% off with code vindecoderapp · the “Check full history” button is an affiliate link to carVertical, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

How to find your Kia VIN number

The 17-character VIN appears in several places on the car and its paperwork.

Windscreen & door

Through the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, and on the driver's door-jamb sticker.

Engine bay & body

Many Kia models also stamp the VIN on the engine-bay bulkhead or a strut tower.

Registration documents

The VIN is printed on the registration certificate (V5C / title) and the insurance documents.

Kia models in our spec database (58)

Every Kia model and generation we hold specifications for.

Borrego 2009+Carens 2000–2018Carnival 2025+Carnival/Sedona 2002–2021Carnival/Sedona SWB 2006–2015Ceed 2007–2021Cerato / Spectra Hatchback 2004–2009Cerato / Spectra Sedan 2004–2009Cerato/Forte 2013+EV3 2025+EV5 2024+EV6 2021+Forte 2009–2021Forte 5 Door 2010–2016Forte Koup 2010+Joice 1999+K5 2020+K7 / Cadenza 2013–2016K9 / K900 2012–2018K900/K9 2018+Niro 2016–2019Niro Plug-In Hybrid 2018+Opirus/Amanti 2003–2010Optima 2016–2019Optima (US) 2018–2020Optima / K5 2010–2016Optima / Magentis 2001–2010Optima Sportswagon 2016–2018Picanto 2004–2011Picanto - 3 doors 2011–2017Picanto 5 doors 2011–2020Picanto X-Line 2017+ProCeed 2007–2013Rio 2016–2018Rio 3 Doors 2012+Rio 5 doors 2011–2016Rio Hatchback 2005–2011Rio Sedan 2005–2011Rondo 2008–2013Sedona/Carnival LWB 2006+Seltos 2019+Shuma 1998–2004Sorento 2002–2020Sorento (US) 2018+Soul 2008–2022Soul EV 2018+Sportage 2004–2015Sportage HEV 2022+Stinger 2017+Stonic 2017+Stonic GT-Line 2020+Telluride 2019–2022Venga 2009–2019XCeed 2022+cee'd Sport Wagon 2007–2012cee'd Sportswagon 2012+e-Niro 2018+pro_cee’d GT 2013+

Decode other makes

Comparing vehicles from different brands? Open another make-specific decoder, or browse all makes.

Kia VIN Decoder FAQ

Common questions about checking Kia vehicle identification numbers.

What is a Kia VIN decoder?+
A Kia VIN decoder reads the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number and returns the model, engine, body type, model year, production plant and factory options. Our Kia VIN checker is free and needs no registration.
How do I decode a Kia VIN for free?+
Enter the 17-character VIN in the box at the top of the page and submit. The free Kia VIN checker instantly runs a lookup and returns specifications, recall information and available safety ratings.
Where is the VIN located on a Kia?+
On most Kia vehicles the VIN is visible at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, on the driver's door jamb sticker, and on the vehicle registration document (V5C / title).
How many characters is a Kia VIN?+
A valid Kia VIN has exactly 17 characters and never contains the letters I, O or Q, to avoid confusion with the digits 1 and 0.
Where is Kia made, and how do I tell from the VIN?+
Kia is associated with South Korea and is built at several plants. The country and plant are encoded in the VIN: Kia uses WMI prefixes such as KNA · KNB · KND · U5Y, and position 11 identifies the assembly plant.
Is the Kia VIN decoder really free?+
Yes. Decoding specifications, recalls and safety ratings is completely free with no account required. A paid full-history report is optional if you also need mileage and theft checks.
Can I check Kia recalls by VIN?+
Yes. The decoder cross-references Kia recall campaigns from NHTSA, Transport Canada and the EU Safety Gate so you can see whether a specific VIN is affected.
What is the difference between a free decode and a full history report?+
The free decode covers specifications, recalls, safety ratings and emissions. The full report adds mileage verification, stolen-vehicle checks, accident records and ownership history.

Decode your Kia VIN, free

Enter the 17-character VIN to get instant specifications, recalls and safety data. No registration required.

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