How to decode a 2009 Kia Optima VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 Kia Optima VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer. These initial characters belong to the longer Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), revealing key information about the vehicle, including its country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. For instance, the 2009 Kia Optima, a passenger car produced by Kia Corporation, is identified by the WMI “KNA”. This code signifies that the vehicle was manufactured in South Korea, specifically in the city of Seoul, within the Seocho-Gu district. WMIs are essential for identifying and registering vehicles globally, ensuring each has a distinct identity.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 Kia Optima

WMI: KNA

Model Years Covered: 2001-2020
Example VIN: KNAGE224095287199
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 2009 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 2009 Kia Optima:

Known VDS for a 2009 Kia Optima
GE224	GE228

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 2009 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 2009 Kia Optima VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
9	2009

11th Character in the 2009 Kia Optima VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 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	KNAGE224095287199

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 Kia Optima

The final 6 characters in a 2009 Kia Optima’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Kia Optima’s VIN below:

How to find a 2009 Kia Optima’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2009 Kia Optima is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Kia Optima. The VIN should be visible through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb for a sticker or plate; your Kia Optima’s VIN is often located here.
Check under the hood; the VIN might be stamped on the engine block or on a metal plate attached to the chassis.
Examine the rear wheel well on the driver’s side; sometimes, the VIN can be found on the inside of the well.
If you have paperwork for the vehicle such as registration, insurance documents, or maintenance records, the VIN will also be printed there.

What info can a 2009 Kia Optima VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as being 2009, providing insights into the age and potential technological features of the vehicle.
Plant Information: The vehicle was assembled in Hwasung, South Korea, by Kia Motors Corporation, pinpointing the geographical origin and the manufacturer responsible for its production.
Vehicle Specifications: The sedan/saloon is equipped with a 2.4L engine known as Theta - II, conveying specific details about the engine’s size and model, which are vital for understanding performance and repair needs.
Safety Features: The VIN suggests the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, indicating a focus on frontal impact protection as a standard safety feature.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, indicating the engine’s compatibility and fuel efficiency considerations.
Body Class and Size: Classified as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, the VIN offers insights into the vehicle’s style, practicality for passenger access, and general size.
Engine and Performance Details: The mention of a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design in the engine highlights advanced engineering aimed at enhancing the vehicle’s power and efficiency.

Don’t have your 2009 Kia Optima’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

Search License Plate

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 Kia Optima

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	2400.0
Displacement (CI)	146.45698582735
Displacement (L)	2.4
Doors	4
Engine Model	Theta - II
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	2009
Plant City	Hwasung
Plant Company Name	Kia Motors Corporation
Plant Country	South Korea
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	MG
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	KNAGE228*95
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	KNAGE228095282300