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:

Known VDS for a 1998 Kia Sportage
JB723	JA723

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

Year Code	Year
W	1998

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

Known 1998 Kia Sportage Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
5	Whasung		South Korea		KNDJB7238W5551948

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.

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How to find a 1998 Kia Sportage’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1998 Kia Sportage is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Kia Sportage, especially near the bottom of the windshield where the VIN can usually be seen from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and examine the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). Often, there will be a sticker or plate with the VIN on the Kia Sportage.
Check under the hood; the VIN can sometimes be found on the front of the engine block or on the frame rail within the engine bay of your 1998 Kia Sportage.
Inspect the rear wheel well; occasionally, the VIN can be found stamped above the tire.
Don’t forget to look at the vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or title/deed, as the VIN of your Kia Sportage will be printed on all official vehicle documentation.

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.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Kia Sportage

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	2000
Displacement (CI)	122.0474881894
Displacement (L)	2
Doors	4
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Number of Cylinders	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)
Model	Sportage
Model Year	1998
Plant City	Whasung
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	South Korea
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	KNDJA723*W5
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	KNDJA7230W5563854