Free Kia Forte VIN Decoder

How to decode a Kia Forte VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Kia Forte VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) serve as unique codes assigned to vehicle manufacturers to distinguish their products globally. Each WMI reveals the manufacturer’s identity, the vehicle type, and the country of origin. For instance, Kia Forte vehicles assembled in South Korea from 2010 to 2018 carry the WMI KNA, identifying Kia Corporation in Seoul, South Korea. Conversely, those produced in Mexico from 2017 to 2024 possess the WMI 3KP, denoting Kia Mexico S.A. de C.V. based in Pesqueria, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. This system aids in tracking, registration, and identification efforts globally, providing transparent vehicle origin data.

List of WMI Codes for a Kia Forte

WMI: KNA

• Model Years Covered: 2010-2018
• Example VIN: KNAFW4A30A5048365
• Manufacturer Name: Kia Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Seoul
• State or Province: Seocho-Gu
• Country: South Korea

WMI: 3KP

• Model Years Covered: 2017-2024
• Example VIN: 3KPFN5A30HE056878
• Manufacturer Name: Kia Mexico S.A. de C.V.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Pesqueria
• State or Province: Nuevo Leon
• Country: Mexico

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

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 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte VIN — Year Code

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

Known Kia Forte Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Kia Forte

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

What info can a Kia Forte VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN decodes to a 2020 model year, likely assembled in Tijuana, Mexico by Kia Motors Mexico S.A. De C.V. (KMM), possibly indicating a newer vehicle with potential global manufacturing ties.
• Body Class and Doors: This VIN reveals that it pertains to a Kia Forte GT, potentially a sedan/saloon body class, possibly offering in-depth insights into the vehicle’s size and shape.
• Engine Type and Performance: The VIN indicates an engine type of 1.6-liter T-GDI GAMMA with an output starting from 201 horsepower, possibly demonstrating the VIN’s ability to provide detailed powertrain specifics such as engine size, type, and performance metrics.
• Safety Features: Standard safety equipment may include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), and several airbag locations (1st and 2nd rows, and 1st row for the driver and passenger), indicating the vehicle’s built-in protective measures.
• Drive Type and Transmission: The VIN specifies a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) with a 7-speed automatic transmission, potentially offering a specific understanding of drivetrain and handling characteristics.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: With a primary fuel type of gasoline, the data might convey crucial information about the vehicle’s environmental and economic characteristics, possibly aiding in assessing fuel-related expenditures.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Features such as Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) are standard, while Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are optional, suggesting modern safety and convenience technologies available for this vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Kia Forte