Free Kia Soul VIN Decoder

How to decode a Kia Soul VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Kia Soul VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, marking the beginning of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). In the case of Kia Corporation, the WMI is KND, which signifies vehicles produced by this South Korean automaker. Specifically, this WMI is associated with multipurpose passenger vehicles, such as the Kia Soul, and indicates that the vehicle originates from Seoul, in the Seocho-Gu district. This code is crucial for pinpointing the vehicle’s manufacturing origin, the type of vehicle, and the company responsible for its production. The WMI serves as an essential tool for tracking, registration, and recall purposes for vehicles produced from 2010 to 2024.

List of WMI Codes for a Kia Soul

WMI: KND

• Model Years Covered: 2010-2024
• Example VIN: KNDJT2A10A7028095
• 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 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 Kia Soul:

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 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 Kia Soul VIN — Year Code

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

Known Kia Soul Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Kia Soul

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

What info can a Kia Soul VIN reveal?

• Model Year and Make: A VIN can reveal the year of manufacture, such as the 2020, as well as the make of the vehicle, providing essential identification information.
• Engine Specifications: Details such as the engine type (T-GDI), manufacturer (KMC), displacement (1.6L or 1600.0CC), and horsepower (201hp) are often encoded, shedding light on the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: A VIN may indicate a comprehensive range of safety features including the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Curtain Airbags in 1st and 2nd Rows, and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), highlighting the vehicle’s commitment to occupant protection.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can indicate the primary fuel type, for example, Gasoline, which can be critical for understanding efficiency and environmental impact.
• Body Class and Design: Information such as the body class being a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) and details like the number of doors (4) and wheels (4) paint a clear picture of the vehicle’s physical attributes and usability.
• Transmission and Drive Type: Insights into the transmission style (Automatic) with 7 speeds and the drive type (4x2) can help gauge the vehicle’s handling and performance characteristics.
• Advanced Technology Features: Standard inclusions like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Backup Camera, and Keyless Ignition underscore the vehicle’s modernity and convenience factors.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Kia Soul