How to decode a 2016 Kia Soul VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 Kia Soul VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes form the initial three characters of a vehicle’s unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), revealing significant details about the car. The WMI for a 2016 Kia Soul identifies Kia Corporation as the manufacturer, originating from Seoul, Seocho-Gu, South Korea. These codes denote the vehicle’s type as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), catering to various passenger and light cargo uses. The specific WMI for the Kia Soul indicates that the vehicle was produced between 2010 and 2024, showcasing Kia’s commitment to manufacturing vehicles tailored to meet diverse consumer needs. Through WMIs, each vehicle’s heritage, including its manufacturer and place of origin, is transparently conveyed to consumers and regulatory bodies worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 Kia Soul

WMI: KND

Model Years Covered: 2010-2024
Example VIN: KNDJN2A20G7237865
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 2016 Kia Soul 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 2016 Kia Soul:

Known VDS for a 2016 Kia Soul
JN2A2	JP3A5	JP3AE	JX3A5	JX3AE

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 2016 Kia Soul 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 2016 Kia Soul VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
G	2016

11th Character in the 2016 Kia Soul VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 Kia Soul Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
7	Gwangju		South Korea	Kia Motors Corporation	KNDJN2A20G7237865

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 Kia Soul

The final 6 characters in a 2016 Kia Soul’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2016 Kia Soul’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2016 Kia Soul is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side if you are searching for the VIN on your 2016 Kia Soul. Look through the windshield at the corner where the dashboard meets the glass.
Inspect the driver’s side door jamb on your Kia Soul. The VIN can usually be found on a sticker or metal plate where the door latches when it is closed.
Look at the vehicle registration card or insurance documents for your 2016 Kia Soul. These documents should have the VIN listed.
For further identification on your Kia Soul, open the hood and check the front of the engine block for the VIN stamp.
Some Kia Soul models may have the VIN located inside the rear hatch area. Check beneath where the spare tire is stored or on the sides of the cargo compartment.

What info can a 2016 Kia Soul VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2016, providing insights into the age of the Kia Soul and potentially its market value.
Electrification and Engine Specs: The Kia Soul is identified as a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) with a single motor electric drive unit, highlighting its zero-emission propulsion system, and reflecting a move towards sustainable driving solutions.
Battery Specifications: It is equipped with a Lithium-Ion battery, supporting 360 volts, which underlines the vehicle’s efficiency and capacity for electric power storage.
Body Type: The vehicle is classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), offering ample space and versatility for various passenger and cargo needs.
Safety Features: The Kia Soul includes safety features such as curtain airbags in the 1st and 2nd rows and front airbags for both driver and passenger, ensuring comprehensive protection.
Plant Information: Manufactured in Gwangju, South Korea, by Kia Motors Corporation, the VIN discloses the vehicle’s production location, providing insight into its manufacturing origin.
Fuel Type and Vehicle Type: The primary fuel type is electric, indicating the vehicle’s reliance on electricity as a power source. It is designed for multipurpose passenger usage, appealing to families or individuals seeking versatile transportation options.
Trim and Additional Features: The trim level is described as TOP, suggesting high-grade features including a panoramic roof, which points to luxury and comfort enhancements in this particular Kia Soul model.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 Kia Soul

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st and 2nd Rows
Displacement (CC)	1600.0
Displacement (CI)	97.63799055157
Displacement (L)	1.6
Doors	4
Engine Model	GDI GAMMA
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Stoichiometric Gasoline Direct Injection (SGDI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg)
Model	Soul
Model Year	2016
Plant City	Gwangju
Plant Company Name	Kia Motors Corporation
Plant Country	South Korea
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series2	Wagon body style
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	Plus
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	KNDJN2A2*G7
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	KNDJN2A20G7237865