How to decode a 2003 Hyundai Sonata VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Hyundai Sonata VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code designated to every automotive manufacturer worldwide, serving as the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which helps in recognizing the vehicle’s make. For instance, Hyundai Motor Co., a well-known manufacturer from Seoul, South Korea, is assigned the WMI “KMH” for specific models of its cars, such as the Hyundai Sonata produced in 2003. This code is crucial in identifying the vehicle’s origin, the manufacturer, and the vehicle type, in this case, a passenger car. The WMI not only assures the authenticity and identification of the vehicle but also provides essential information about where the vehicle was made. For models spanning from 1989 through 2024, including the 2003 Hyundai Sonata, “KMH” reflects vehicles specifically produced by Hyundai Motor Co. for various international markets.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Hyundai Sonata

WMI: KMH

Model Years Covered: 1989, 1997, 1999-2006, 2011-2024
Example VIN: KMHWF25S03A729009
Manufacturer Name: Hyundai Motor Co.
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Seoul Korea
State or Province:
Country: South Korea

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2003 Hyundai Sonata 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 2003 Hyundai Sonata:

Known VDS for a 2003 Hyundai Sonata
WF25S	WF35H	WF25H

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 2003 Hyundai Sonata 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 2003 Hyundai Sonata VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
3	2003

11th Character in the 2003 Hyundai Sonata VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 Hyundai Sonata Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
A	Asan		South Korea		KMHWF25S03A729009

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Hyundai Sonata

The final 6 characters in a 2003 Hyundai Sonata’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Hyundai Sonata’s VIN below:

How to find a 2003 Hyundai Sonata’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2003 Hyundai Sonata is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Hyundai Sonata. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield on a plate near where the dashboard meets the glass.
Look inside the driver’s side door frame for a VIN plate or sticker where the door latches when it is closed.
Check under the hood of your Hyundai Sonata; the VIN may also be located on a plate or sticker on the engine bay’s firewall.
Inspect the trunk area, sometimes there’s a VIN number in the spare tire well or on the trunk lid.
The vehicle registration documents for your 2003 Hyundai Sonata will also list the VIN number.
Your insurance card/policy will contain the VIN information for your Sonata, as it’s required for policy identification.

What info can a 2003 Hyundai Sonata VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as the year 2003, providing insights into the age of the vehicle and potential market value.
Engine Type: It can indicate that the vehicle has a V-shaped engine configuration with a displacement of 2.7 Liters, capable of generating up to 170 horsepower, and featuring six cylinders, which may contribute to its performance and power capabilities.
Body Class and Doors: The VIN specifies the body class as a Sedan/Saloon with four doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s size and type, potentially influencing its practicality and passenger capacity.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which can be a key factor for potential owners concerned with fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Safety Features: Information on safety features includes depowered airbags located in the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger), alongside a manual seat belt type, which may contribute to passenger safety and protection.
Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was manufactured in Asan, South Korea, providing potential insights into manufacturing standards and vehicle origin, which may be of interest to some buyers.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN suggests the vehicle falls within Class 1, indicating a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 lb or less, which may influence usage and regulatory considerations.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 Hyundai Sonata

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	2656
Displacement (CI)	162.079064315
Displacement (L)	2.7
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	170
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Model	EF
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model	Sonata
Model Year	2003
Other Restraint System Info	Depowered Airbags
Plant City	Asan
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	South Korea
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Deluxe (GL)
Vehicle Descriptor	KMHWF25H*3A
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	KMHWF25H03A755260