How to decode a 2004 Hyundai Sonata VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 Hyundai Sonata VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are the unique codes designated to identify where a vehicle was manufactured, its manufacturer, and the type of vehicle it is. They form the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), offering a quick reference to important vehicle details. For instance, Hyundai Motor Co., a renowned automobile manufacturer based in Seoul, Korea, is assigned the WMI “KMH.” This identifier specifies that the vehicle was produced by Hyundai in South Korea and is classified as a passenger car. The system plays a crucial role in global vehicle identification, ensuring a standardized method for recognizing vehicle origins and specifications across the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 Hyundai Sonata

WMI: KMH

Model Years Covered: 1989, 1997, 1999-2006, 2011-2024
Example VIN: KMHWF25S04A001563
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 2004 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 2004 Hyundai Sonata:

Known VDS for a 2004 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 2004 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 2004 Hyundai Sonata VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
4	2004

11th Character in the 2004 Hyundai Sonata VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 Hyundai Sonata Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
A	Asan		South Korea	Hyundai Motor Company	KMHWF25S04A001563

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 Hyundai Sonata

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

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How to find a 2004 Hyundai Sonata’s VIN?

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

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Hyundai Sonata, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. It’s often visible through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb. There’s usually a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches.
Inspect the engine bay of your 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The VIN might be stamped on the engine block or on a metal plate attached to the engine.
Look at the vehicle registration documents or the insurance card, as they should contain the VIN for your Hyundai Sonata.
Examine the frame of the car beneath the vehicle, around the driver’s side area. Often, the VIN is stamped directly onto the frame.
Consult the owner’s manual of the Hyundai Sonata, which might indicate additional locations where the VIN can be found.

What info can a 2004 Hyundai Sonata VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 2004, providing essential information about the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Type: The VIN details the engine with a V-Shaped configuration, having 6 cylinders and a displacement of 2.7 liters, which may indicate the vehicle’s performance capabilities and power.
Body Class and Doors: Described as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, the VIN offers insights into the vehicle’s body type and size, guiding potential usage and passenger capacity.
Fuel Type: The VIN indicates the primary fuel type as Gasoline, which is crucial for understanding the vehicle’s environmental impact and fuel economy.
Safety Features: Safety features indicated include front air bags located at the 1st row for both driver and passenger, and manual seat belts, highlighting the vehicle’s protection measures.
Plant Details: The VIN mentions the manufacturing details such as the Hyundai Motor Company in Asan, South Korea, providing a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin and production quality.
Vehicle Series: The Series is identified as Super Deluxe (GLS), which may indicate additional features or trim levels, offering a hint towards the vehicle’s comfort and luxury specifications.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 Hyundai Sonata

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	2700.0
Displacement (CI)	164.76410905577
Displacement (L)	2.7
Doors	4
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
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	2004
Other Restraint System Info	Depowered air bag
Plant City	Asan
Plant Company Name	Hyundai Motor Company
Plant Country	South Korea
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Deluxe (GL)
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	KMHWF25H*4A
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	KMHWF25H04A003740