How to decode a 2000 Kia Spectra VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2000 Kia Spectra VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally. This alphanumeric code is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For instance, Kia Corporation, based in Seoul, South Korea, manufactures passenger cars including models like the 2000 Kia Spectra. The WMI for this vehicle indicates that it was produced by Kia Corporation, with “KNA” specifying the manufacturer’s identity and location, as well as the general vehicle type. This form of identification is crucial for vehicle tracking, registration, and recall purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2000 Kia Spectra

WMI: KNA

Model Years Covered: 2000-2004, 2006-2009
Example VIN: KNAFB1613Y5200182
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 2000 Kia Spectra 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 2000 Kia Spectra:

Known VDS for a 2000 Kia Spectra
FB161

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 2000 Kia Spectra 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 2000 Kia Spectra VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
Y	2000

11th Character in the 2000 Kia Spectra VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2000 Kia Spectra Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
5	Whasung		South Korea		KNAFB1613Y5200182

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2000 Kia Spectra

The final 6 characters in a 2000 Kia Spectra’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Kia Spectra’s VIN below:

How to find a 2000 Kia Spectra’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2000 Kia Spectra is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Kia Spectra; you can usually see the VIN through the windshield.
Inspect the door frame or door post of the driver’s side door (where the door latches when it is closed) for a label with the VIN on your Kia Spectra.
Open the hood of your Kia Spectra and check the front of the engine block; the VIN may sometimes be stamped onto the engine itself.
Examine the rear wheel well above the tire; in some vehicles, the VIN can be found in this location.
For the Kia Spectra, check inside the driver-side glove box for a sticker that might hold the VIN information.

What info can a 2000 Kia Spectra VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type and Body Class: A VIN can specify the type of vehicle, such as a Passenger Car, and more specifically, the body class like Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
Engine Specifications: Engine details such as a 1.8L DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) engine with 4 cylinders can be decoded from the VIN, giving insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Drive Type: The drive type, such as FWD/Front-Wheel Drive, can be ascertained, offering information on the vehicle’s drivetrain configuration.
Safety Features: The VIN may include crucial safety information, like the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, enhancing understanding of the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, is often specified, aiding in understanding the vehicle’s fuel requirements and efficiency.
Manufacturing Details: Information about the vehicle’s manufacturing, including the plant city of Whasung and plant country South Korea, provides insight into the origin of the vehicle.

Don’t have your 2000 Kia Spectra’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2000 Kia Spectra

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Displacement (CC)	1800.0
Displacement (CI)	109.84273937051
Displacement (L)	1.8
Doors	5
Drive Type	FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Engine Model	DOHC
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	Spectra
Model Year	2000
Plant City	Whasung
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	South Korea
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	KNAFB161*Y5
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	KNAFB1613Y5200182