How to decode a 2004 Kia Spectra VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 Kia Spectra VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the maker and country of origin for motor vehicles. Comprising the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the WMI reveals important details about the automobile, such as the manufacturer name, vehicle type, and the location where the vehicle was built. For instance, the 2004 Kia Spectra has a WMI that indicates it was manufactured by Kia Corporation. This specific vehicle was produced in South Korea, with the manufacturing facility located in Seoul, in the Seocho-Gu district. The WMI for the 2004 Kia Spectra not only underscores Kia’s identity as its manufacturer but also pinpoints the car’s assembly location within South Korea, providing a clear trace of its origins.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 Kia Spectra

WMI: KNA

Model Years Covered: 2000-2004, 2006-2009
Example VIN: KNAFB121045311210
Manufacturer Name: Kia Corporation
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Seoul
State or Province: Seocho-Gu
Country: South Korea

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2004 Kia Spectra 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 2004 Kia Spectra:

Known VDS for a 2004 Kia Spectra
FB121	FB161

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 2004 Kia Spectra 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 2004 Kia Spectra VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
4	2004

11th Character in the 2004 Kia Spectra VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 Kia Spectra Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
5	Whasung		South Korea	Kia Motors Corporation	KNAFB121045311210

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 Kia Spectra

The final 6 characters in a 2004 Kia Spectra’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Kia Spectra’s VIN below:

How to find a 2004 Kia Spectra’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2004 Kia Spectra is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2004 Kia Spectra, near where it meets the windshield; the VIN is typically visible from outside the vehicle through the glass.
On the door frame of the driver’s side of your Kia Spectra, there should be a label or a sticker that has the VIN printed on it, specifically where the door latches when closed.
The vehicle identification number may also be found on the engine block of your Kia Spectra; you’ll need to open the hood and locate the number engraved on the engine itself.
Check the trunk area of your 2004 Kia Spectra. Often, there’s a label in the spare tire area or on the trunk lid with the VIN on it.
Look at your vehicle registration documents, title, or insurance card/policy as they should have the VIN listed for your Kia Spectra.

What info can a 2004 Kia Spectra VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 2004, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN outlines the vehicle as a Passenger Car with a specific body class of Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback, potentially offering insights into the design and functionality.
Engine Specifications: The VIN indicates the engine displacement to be 1.8 liters (1800 CC or 109.84273937051 CI) with a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design, potentially illustrating the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The VIN states that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, indicating what kind of fuel the engine is designed to operate on.
Safety Features: The VIN specifies the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger, pointing to the potential inclusion of these safety features in the vehicle.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides information on the vehicle’s manufacturing location in Whasung, South Korea, by Kia Motors Corporation, potentially offering insight into the origin of assembly.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN indicates that the vehicle falls within Class 1, which may indicate a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), potentially helping categorize the vehicle’s size and weight classification.

Don’t have your 2004 Kia Spectra’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 Kia Spectra

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	1800.0
Displacement (CI)	109.84273937051
Displacement (L)	1.8
Doors	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model	Spectra
Model Year	2004
Plant City	Whasung
Plant Company Name	Kia Motors Corporation
Plant Country	South Korea
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	KNAFB121*45
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	KNAFB121045311210