How to decode a 2008 Kia Optima VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Kia Optima VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences of characters that specifically identify the manufacturer of any given vehicle. In the case of the 2008 Kia Optima, the WMI is “KNA,” indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by Kia Corporation. This manufacturer is based in Seoul, in the Seocho-Gu district of South Korea, and specializes in producing passenger cars. The WMI is the first section of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides information about the vehicle’s manufacturer and vehicle type, among other details. This coding system is essential for accurately identifying and registering vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 Kia Optima

WMI: KNA

Model Years Covered: 2001-2020
Example VIN: KNAGE123085167046
Manufacturer Name: Kia Corporation
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Seoul
State or Province: Seocho-Gu
Country: South Korea

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2008 Kia Optima 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 2008 Kia Optima:

Known VDS for a 2008 Kia Optima
GE123	GE124

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 2008 Kia Optima 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 2008 Kia Optima VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
8	2008

11th Character in the 2008 Kia Optima VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 Kia Optima Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
5	Hwasung		South Korea	Kia Motors Corporation	KNAGE123085167046

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Kia Optima

The final 6 characters in a 2008 Kia Optima’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2008 Kia Optima’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2008 Kia Optima is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2008 Kia Optima. It’s typically visible through the windshield.
Examine the driver’s side door jamb on your Kia Optima. There’s usually a label or sticker where the door latches.
Inspect the frame of the car door on the driver’s side when it’s open; the VIN may be stamped onto the frame of your 2008 Kia Optima.
Check under the hood of your Kia Optima; the VIN might be located on the front of the engine block.
Peek inside the trunk area of your 2008 Kia Optima, as the VIN may also be found on the trunk’s lid or near where the spare tire is stored.

What info can a 2008 Kia Optima VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 2008, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Type and Power: The vehicle is equipped with a 2.4-liter engine with an Inline configuration, capable of generating up to 162 horsepower, which may indicate the car’s performance capacity.
Fuel Type: This Kia Optima runs on Gasoline, a detail that can help in understanding fuel consumption and possibly its environmental impact.
Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates the body class as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering clues to the vehicle’s size, space, and practicality for family or individual use.
Safety Features: The presence of Front Air Bags for both the Driver and Passenger in the 1st row highlights the vehicle’s commitment to safety.
Drive Type: The vehicle features a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) system, suggesting how power is distributed to the wheels, which might influence the car’s handling and efficiency.
Transmission Details: It has a 5-speed Automatic transmission, which may provide insights into the vehicle’s drivability and responsiveness.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Kia Optima

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	2400.0
Displacement (CI)	146.45698582735
Displacement (L)	2.4
Doors	4
Drive Type	FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Engine Brake (hp) From	162
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
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	Optima
Model Year	2008
Number of Seats	5
Plant City	Hwasung
Plant Company Name	Kia Motors Corporation
Plant Country	South Korea
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	MG
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Transmission Speeds	5
Transmission Style	Automatic
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	KNAGE123*85
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	KNAGE123085167046