Free 2018 Kia Niro VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2018 Kia Niro VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2018 Kia Niro VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), used to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For example, a 2018 Kia Niro, a multipurpose passenger vehicle, has a WMI indicating it was manufactured by Kia Corporation. This particular model’s WMI begins with ‘KND’, specifying that the vehicle was produced in Seoul, South Korea, by the manufacturer. The designation is part of a standardized system that facilitates the tracking and regulation of vehicles worldwide. As such, the WMI is crucial for distinguishing the vehicle’s make, ensuring its authenticity, and providing vital information for registration, insurance, and safety purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2018 Kia Niro

WMI: KND

• Model Years Covered: 2017-2024
• Example VIN: KNDCB3LC0J5109044
• 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 2018 Kia Niro 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 2018 Kia Niro:

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 2018 Kia Niro 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 2018 Kia Niro VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2018 Kia Niro VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2018 Kia Niro Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2018 Kia Niro

The final 6 characters in a 2018 Kia Niro’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Kia Niro’s VIN below:

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What info can a 2018 Kia Niro VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, possibly indicating the year 2018, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: It can specify the vehicle type and body class, possibly highlighting vehicles like a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) for multipurpose use.
• Engine Specifications: Details like engine type, including specifics such as a 1.6L engine with possibly a dual overhead cam (DOHC) design and engine model GDI, can be determined.
• Safety Features: Information on standard safety features, such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and possibly airbag locations (e.g., 1st and 2nd Rows for curtain airbags), may be included.
• Electrification Level and Fuel Types: The VIN can possibly point out electrification levels, like PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and identify primary and secondary fuel types, such as Electric and Gasoline.
• Transmission and Drivetrain: Insights into transmission style and drive type are possible, showing features like a 6-speed Automatic transmission and possibly 4x2 drive.
• Plant and Manufacturing Details: The manufacturing location, including plant city and country (e.g., Hwasung, South Korea), can often be identified, providing insight into the vehicle’s production origin.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2018 Kia Niro