How to decode a 2004 Kia Sorento VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 Kia Sorento VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are the initial three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. These codes denote not just who made the vehicle but often include information on where it was made and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, Kia Corporation uses the WMI code ‘KND’ for multipurpose passenger vehicles produced between 2003-2009 and from 2021 onwards, with manufacturing facilities located in Seoul, Seocho-Gu, South Korea. This set of characters is pivotal in providing essential information about the vehicle’s origins and its classification, making it easier for identification and registration purposes. In the context of the 2004 Kia Sorento, the WMI code helps identify it as a multipurpose passenger vehicle produced by Kia Corporation in South Korea.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 Kia Sorento

WMI: KND

Model Years Covered: 2003-2009, 2021-2024
Example VIN: KNDJC733045185136
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 2004 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento:

Known VDS for a 2004 Kia Sorento
JC733	JD733

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 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
4	2004

11th Character in the 2004 Kia Sorento VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 Kia Sorento Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
5	Whasung		South Korea	Kia Motors Corporation	KNDJC733045185136

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 Kia Sorento

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

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How to find a 2004 Kia Sorento’s VIN?

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

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Kia Sorento. The VIN should be visible through the windshield near the corner where the dash meets the glass.
Examine the door frame on the driver’s side. The VIN can typically be found on a sticker or plate where the door latches, also known as the door jamb.
Locate the Kia Sorento’s firewall inside the engine bay. The VIN might be stamped onto a plate on the firewall.
Inspect underneath the spare tire in the trunk or cargo area. Occasionally, the VIN is placed there for additional reference.

What info can a 2004 Kia Sorento VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year 2004, offering insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type: The VIN discloses the vehicle’s function as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, indicating its design and primary use.
Body Class: It specifies the vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), providing insights into its capabilities and structure.
Engine Specifications: Engine details like a 3.5-liter engine with a displacement of 3500.0 CC, featuring a Sigma Engine Model and Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) design, can be encoded within the VIN, providing valuable information about the vehicle’s power and performance.
Fuel Type: The primary Fuel Type is specified as Gasoline, offering details on the vehicle’s energy source and potential efficiency.
Drive Type: The VIN details the vehicle’s Drive Type as 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, indicating its drivetrain and potential off-road capability.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN discloses manufacturing specifics like the Plant Company Name being Kia Motors Corporation, Plant City as Whasung, and Plant Country as South Korea, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin and potential production quality.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 Kia Sorento

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	3500.0
Displacement (CI)	213.58310433156
Displacement (L)	3.5
Doors	4
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Model	Sigma
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Model	Sorento
Model Year	2004
Plant City	Whasung
Plant Company Name	Kia Motors Corporation
Plant Country	South Korea
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	KNDJC733*45
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	KNDJC733045185136