How to decode a 2006 Kia Sorento VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2006 Kia Sorento VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a code unique to every vehicle maker around the globe, serving as the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The WMI reveals key details about the vehicle, including its manufacturer, vehicle type, and production location. For instance, vehicles manufactured by Kia Corporation between 2003-2009 and 2021-2024, specifically the 2006 Kia Sorento, carry the WMI “KND”. This denotes that the vehicle is a multipurpose passenger vehicle (MPV), assembled by Kia in Seoul, South Korea, specifically within the Seocho-Gu district. Understanding the WMI is crucial for identifying vehicle specifics directly from the VIN.

List of WMI Codes for a 2006 Kia Sorento

WMI: KND

Model Years Covered: 2003-2009, 2021-2024
Example VIN: KNDJD733065507578
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 2006 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 2006 Kia Sorento:

Known VDS for a 2006 Kia Sorento
JD733	JC733

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 2006 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 2006 Kia Sorento VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
6	2006

11th Character in the 2006 Kia Sorento VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2006 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	KNDJD733065507578

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2006 Kia Sorento

The final 6 characters in a 2006 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 2006 Kia Sorento’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2006 Kia Sorento is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2006 Kia Sorento. It’s usually visible through the windshield.
Examine the door frame on the driver’s side where the door latches when closed; there might be a sticker with the VIN on your Kia Sorento.
Under the hood, check for a plaque or sticker that could contain the VIN on the engine block or on the chassis of your vehicle.
Look inside your Kia Sorento’s service book or owner’s manual; the VIN is often recorded there by the dealership.
Inspect the rear wheel well; sometimes the VIN is stamped above the tire.
Check beneath the spare tire in the trunk area; occasionally, the VIN is located here on your 2006 Kia Sorento.

What info can a 2006 Kia Sorento VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2006, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN details can reveal the vehicle’s purpose and form, identifying it as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle with the specific classification of Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
Engine Specifications: Through the VIN, one can learn about a vehicle’s engine size, such as a 3.5-liter displacement, possibly reinforcing the Sorento’s power capacity and performance characteristics.
Drive Type and Fuel: Characteristics like a vehicle being 4x2 drive and using gasoline as the primary fuel source are identifiable, showing how a VIN might specify a car’s operation mode and energy requirements.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN provides insights into a vehicle’s place of manufacture, revealing the Sorento’s production in Whasung, South Korea by Kia Motors Corporation, possibly adding to its heritage and brand identity.
Safety and Capacity Standards: Through the VIN, regulatory classifications like Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) can be seen, categorizing vehicles into classes such as Class 1 for those weighing 6,000 lb or less, indicating its design to possibly meet specific safety and efficiency standards.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2006 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	4x2
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model	Sorento
Model Year	2006
Plant City	Whasung
Plant Company Name	Kia Motors Corporation
Plant Country	South Korea
Series	BL
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	KNDJD733*65
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	KNDJD733065507578