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Kia VIN Number Check

Enter any Kia VIN to decode it and see open NHTSA recalls for free. Then check the HECU park-outside, Theta II engine and anti-theft campaigns below for your model year.

5XX 5XY 3KP KNA KND

Free decode with open NHTSA recalls. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

About Kia VINs

How Kia VINs are built

Kia vehicles assembled in West Point, Georgia carry a 5XX prefix. Models imported from South Korea begin with KNA or KND. Like Hyundai, Kia has been affected by engine failure recalls on Theta II-equipped models including the Optima and Sorento. A free VIN decode on any Kia shows its factory specs, assembly plant and engine, plus any open NHTSA recalls.

The first three characters identify the maker and plant region. In NHTSA's vPIC, 5XY covers Georgia-built SUVs such as the Telluride and Sorento, and 5XX covers Georgia-built cars such as the K5 (West Point / nearby Buford plant codes). 3KP marks Forte sedans from Tijuana, Mexico. Korean imports use KNA (cars) or KND (SUVs and crossovers such as the Sportage and EV6). The 11th character and the full decode confirm the plant.

Kia vehicles manufactured for the US market carry VIN prefixes of 5XX, 5XY, 3KP, KNA, KND. The VIN number encodes the country of manufacture (South Korea), production plant, vehicle line, body style, engine type, model year, and a unique production sequence number.

HQSeoul, South Korea
Founded1944
ParentHyundai Motor Group
US assemblyWest Point, Georgia
US sister brandHyundai
Also built inKorea; Tijuana, Mexico

Sources: Brand: About Kia · Plants/WMIs: NHTSA vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which model years each recall covers

Drag the year line to your car’s model year. Bars it crosses are the campaigns to confirm on the VIN.

2015
Do Not Drive Park outside (fire risk) Safety recall Service campaign (not a recall)
8 campaigns cross 2015
20102014201820222026
PARK OUTSIDE · 23V-652
ABS / HECU electrical short may cause an engine-compartment fire
2011–2015 Optima, 2011–2014 Sorento, 2010–2013 Sportage, 2011–2013 Soul, 2010–2013 Forte, 2012–2017 Rio. About 1.73 million vehicles (September 2023), also Borrego, Cadenza, K900, Optima Hybrid, Forte Koup and Rondo. Fire risk while parked or driving. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired.
What to askPark outside until 23V-652 is closed on this VIN.

Coverage depends on build dates and equipment (engine, tow-hitch harness, power seat). A listed year doesn't mean every vehicle from that year is included; the VIN lookup decides. "Park outside" and "Do not drive" follow NHTSA's recall record. The anti-theft software is a Kia service campaign, not an NHTSA safety recall — NHTSA's lookup will not show it. Many HECU campaigns also appear on Hyundai models that share the platform.

Kia Recalls: How to Check a Specific VIN

  1. Enter the full 17-character VIN in the NHTSA recall lookup. It shows open safety recalls, including every park-outside HECU and Telluride seat campaign.
  2. Then use Kia's recall lookup for the same VIN.
  3. On a turn-key 2011–2022 Kia, ask the dealer about the anti-theft software (CS2301 and related) — it will not appear in NHTSA's lookup. Eligibility: Kia Customer Care VIN tool.
  4. If a park-outside or do-not-drive recall is open, follow it until the repair is done. Recall repairs are free at Kia dealers.
Full list: every campaign in this timeline
Selected Kia recalls worth confirming on a used-car VIN (NHTSA campaign data)
CampaignIssueModels & years
23V-649 · 24V-244Do Not Drive Right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded2023 Forte. About 4,000 vehicles across two filings. Sudden loss of steering control. NHTSA's record tells owners not to drive the vehicle until it is repaired.
23V-652Park outside ABS / HECU electrical short may cause an engine-compartment fire2011–2015 Optima, 2011–2014 Sorento, 2010–2013 Sportage, 2011–2013 Soul, 2010–2013 Forte, 2012–2017 Rio. About 1.73 million vehicles (September 2023), also Borrego, Cadenza, K900, Optima Hybrid, Forte Koup and Rondo. Fire risk while parked or driving. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired.
20V-519 · 21V-331Park outside ABS module brake-fluid leak can short and cause a fire2013–2015 Optima, 2014–2015 Sorento. 21V-331 recalls vehicles previously repaired under 20V-519. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired. Fire risk.
21V-137 · 22V-051Park outside HECU short may cause an engine-compartment fire2014–2021 Sportage, 2017–2019 Cadenza, 2016–2018 K900. 21V-137: 2017–2021 Sportage and 2017–2019 Cadenza. 22V-051: 2014–2016 Sportage and 2016–2018 K900. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired. Fire risk.
22V-800Park outside Earlier Sportage HECU repair may still allow a fire2008–2009 Sportage. Vehicles previously recalled under 16V-815. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired. Fire risk.
20V-518Park outside Stinger HECU area may catch fire while driving2018–2021 Stinger. 3.3L T-GDI models; expanded December 2020. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired. Fire risk.
24V-407 · 26V-430Park outside Telluride front power seat motor may overheat and cause a fire2020–2024 Telluride. About 463,000 vehicles. 26V-430 (July 2026) covers stuck slide knobs and improper 24V-407 repairs. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired. Fire risk.
26V-431Park outside EV6 / EV9 high-voltage battery cells may have misaligned electrodes2022–2024 EV6. Very small population (8 vehicles listed for EV6 2022–2024 and EV9 2024) but park-outside fire risk. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired.
23V-531Park outside Idle Stop & Go oil-pump controller may overheat2023 Soul, 2023 Sportage, 2023–2024 Seltos. Damaged electrical components in the pump controller. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired. Fire risk.
22V-703 · 22V-626 · 23V-179Park outside Tow-hitch harness module may short from moisture or debris2016–2023 Sorento, 2017–2022 Sportage, 2020–2022 Telluride, 2022–2023 Carnival. Only vehicles with a factory or dealer-accessory tow-hitch harness. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired. Fire risk.
17V-224Theta II engine: machining errors can cause premature bearing wear2011–2014 Optima, 2012–2014 Sorento, 2011–2013 Sportage. About 618,000 vehicles with the 2.0L or 2.4L GDI Theta II. Engine seizure risk. Related to the Hyundai/Kia Theta II consent order.
20V-750 · 23V-877Engine-compartment fire while driving (Theta-era models)2011–2013 Sorento, 2012–2015 Forte, 2014–2015 Soul, 2012 Sportage, 2011–2013 Optima. 20V-750 covers several 2011–2015 models including Optima Hybrid and Forte Koup. 23V-877 is a separate 2011 Sorento engine-compartment fire campaign (EA21-003).
19V-120Soul 1.6L GDI catalytic converter heat may damage pistons2012–2016 Soul. About 379,000 vehicles. Engine stall or oil leak onto the exhaust (fire risk).
21V-259 · 25V-0992.0L Nu MPI piston oil rings may be defective2020–2023 Soul, 2021–2023 Seltos. 21V-259: heat-treatment issue on 2020–2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos. 25V-099: incorrectly manufactured rings on 2021–2023 Soul and Seltos.

Park-outside fire risk

Kia ABS / HECU and Telluride seat fire recalls

Several Kia campaigns carry NHTSA park-outside advisories because an electrical short in the brake module or seat motor can start a fire with the vehicle parked. Confirm these before you garage a used Optima, Sorento, Sportage or Telluride.

Large HECU campaign

23V-652 (about 1.73 million vehicles): Optima, Sorento, Sportage, Soul, Forte, Rio and other 2010–2019 models.

Earlier HECU expansions

20V-519/21V-331 (Optima/Sorento), 21V-137/22V-051 (Sportage/Cadenza/K900), 20V-518 (Stinger) and 22V-800 (2008–2009 Sportage).

Telluride power seat

24V-407 and follow-up 26V-430 (July 2026): 2020–2024 Telluride seat-slide motor overheat.

What to do

Park outside, away from structures, until the dealer closes every open park-outside campaign on this VIN.

Sources: NHTSA recall records (parkOutSide flags) · Kia recall lookup

Kia models

Kia Models

Open a model for its VIN check, generations, recalls and owner complaints.

Sportage Sorento K5 Soul Telluride Forte Carnival Stinger Seltos EV6 Niro

About Kia

🎙️ Listen to this article

Steel Tubes to Steel Wheels

The name "Kia" is derived from Sino-Korean characters that mean "rising from Asia." This is quite fitting, given Kia's journey from a humble beginning to becoming a global automotive player. Founded in 1944, Kia began as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts. These early years laid the foundation for what would become South Korea's first domestic car manufacturer.

By 1957, Kia had expanded into manufacturing motorcycles, and in 1974, it produced its first car. However, it wasn't until the mid-1980s that Kia made its significant leap into the automobile industry. Partnering with Ford, Kia entered the US market in 1986 with models based on Ford's technology. These models, such as the Kia Pride, gained a foothold in the market, slowly but surely placing Kia on the automotive map.

The late 1990s presented a significant challenge. The Asian financial crisis of 1997 nearly led Kia to bankruptcy. It was a tumultuous time marked by financial instability and uncertainty. However, salvation came in 1998 when Hyundai Motor Company acquired a significant stake in Kia, forming a partnership that would prove pivotal for both companies.

The Design Revolution

One of the most transformative periods in Kia's history came with the arrival of Peter Schreyer in 2006. The former Audi designer was appointed to revolutionize Kia's image, moving the brand from being seen as bland and uninspiring to one of style and sophistication. Central to this transformation was the introduction of the "tiger nose" grille, which became a defining feature of Kia vehicles.

Schreyer's influence extended beyond aesthetics. His design philosophy emphasized creating cars that were not only visually appealing but also of high quality. This shift was evident in models like the Kia Sorento and Kia Sportage. These vehicles showcased a blend of style, comfort, and practicality, attracting a new wave of buyers looking for affordable yet stylish cars.

Telluride and the Quality Leap

The Kia Telluride marked a significant milestone for the brand. Launched in 2019, the Telluride was praised for its spacious interior, impressive performance, and upscale features. It quickly garnered numerous awards, including being named the best car in America by multiple automotive outlets. The Telluride wasn't just a hit with critics; it resonated with consumers, pushing Kia further into the spotlight as a manufacturer of high-quality vehicles.

Alongside the Telluride, the Kia Stinger sport sedan made waves in the automotive industry. The Stinger was a bold move for Kia, a sporty departure from the brand's traditional offerings. It punched above its weight class by offering performance and features typically associated with higher-end luxury brands. This model helped shift perceptions of Kia, showing that the company could compete with the best in the industry.

Kia's Electric Future

Kia's commitment to innovation is evident in its push toward electric vehicles. The Kia EV6 is a testament to this direction. As an all-electric crossover, the EV6 has received global recognition, including prestigious design awards that highlight its futuristic and sleek aesthetic. This model represents Kia's ambition to lead in the growing electric vehicle market.

Another noteworthy development in Kia's lineup is the revival of the Carnival minivan. While minivans may not have the glamorous reputation of SUVs or sedans, the Carnival sets itself apart with its focus on versatility and comfort for family-oriented buyers. Its modern design and technology-rich features make it a strong contender in its segment.

Kia U.S. annual vehicle sales 2018-2023
Kia U.S. annual sales
Top U.S. states for Kia vehicle ownership
Top states for Kia ownership

Used-car checklist

What to Verify on a Used Kia

Six checks specific to used Kias.

HECU / ABS fire recalls

23V-652 and the earlier Optima/Sorento/Sportage/Stinger campaigns above. See the HECU section.

Theta II engine

2011–2014 Optima, 2012–2014 Sorento, 2011–2013 Sportage: 17V-224. Related engine-fire campaigns 20V-750/23V-877. Ask whether the engine was replaced and for the knock-sensor software record.

Anti-theft (turn-key)

2011–2022 turn-key models without an immobilizer: Kia software CS2301/CS2302 (not in NHTSA's lookup). NHTSA announcement.

Telluride seat and tow hitch

2020–2024 seat motor 24V-407/26V-430. Tow-hitch harness 22V-626 (and Sorento/Sportage/Carnival hitch campaigns).

Soul / Seltos engines

2012–2016 Soul 1.6 GDI: 19V-120. 2020–2023 Soul and 2021–2023 Seltos Nu 2.0 rings: 21V-259/25V-099.

2023 Forte do-not-drive

Lower control arm 23V-649/24V-244. If open, do not drive.

World Manufacturer Identifier

Kia VIN prefixes (WMI)

Prefix registrations and example decodes come from NHTSA's vPIC database.

5XY
Kia Georgia · SUV

A 2022 Telluride decodes under 5XY (West Point, Georgia).

5XX
Kia Georgia · car

A 2023 K5 decodes under 5XX (Georgia).

3KP
Kia Mexico · Forte

A 2020 Forte decodes to Tijuana, Mexico.

KNA / KND
Kia Korea

A 2015 Forte (KNA) and a 2020 Sportage (KND) decode to Korean plants.

Worked example

Worked example: reading a Kia VIN

Example VIN (demo only, not a real vehicle): 5XYP34HC5NG000000

5XYP34HC5NG000000
5XY
1–3 · WMI
Kia America, SUV built in the US (Georgia).
P34HC
4–8 · Vehicle descriptor (VDS)
Kia codes for model, body, restraint and engine. This pattern decodes as a Telluride.
5
9 · Check digit
Calculated from the other 16 characters using the federal formula.
N
10 · Model year
N = 2022
G
11 · Assembly plant
Georgia plant code.
000000
12–17 · Serial number
Zeroed demo serial.
Buyer check: a 2022 Telluride can be covered by power-seat recalls 24V-407/26V-430 and tow-hitch recall 22V-626 if a hitch is fitted; the VIN decides. Confirm it is a Georgia 5XY build.

Buyer notes by model

Top Kia Models: What to Check

Open a model for the checks that matter most.

Kia Optima / K5

2011–2014: Theta II 17V-224. 2011–2015: HECU 23V-652; 2013–2015: 20V-519/21V-331. Turn-key: anti-theft software. K5 (2021+ Georgia 5XX): anti-theft CS2301 on early cars.

Kia K5 VIN check →

Kia Sorento

2011–2014: Theta II and HECU 23V-652; 2011 fire 23V-877; 2012–2013 fire 20V-750. 2014–2015 HECU 20V-519/21V-331. 2016–2023 tow hitch 22V-703.

Kia Sorento VIN check →

Kia Sportage

2008–2009 HECU 22V-800. 2010–2013 HECU 23V-652; 2011–2013 Theta II. 2014–2021 HECU 21V-137/22V-051. 2017–2022 hitch 22V-703. 2023 ISG pump 23V-531.

Kia Sportage VIN check →

Kia Telluride

2020–2024 seat motor 24V-407/26V-430 (park outside). 2020–2022 hitch 22V-626. Georgia 5XY.

Kia Telluride VIN check →

Kia Soul, Seltos, Forte and EV6

Soul 2011–2013 HECU; 2012–2016 1.6 GDI 19V-120; 2020–2023 Nu rings. Seltos: Nu rings 21V-259/25V-099, ISG 23V-531. Forte 2010–2013 HECU; 2023 control arm 23V-649/24V-244 (do not drive). EV6: battery 26V-431.

Soul → · Seltos → · Forte → · EV6 →

FAQ

Common questions about Kia VINs

What VIN prefix do Kia vehicles use?

Kia vehicles sold in the US carry VINs beginning with 5XX, 5XY, 3KP, KNA, or KND depending on the model line. The 5XX and 5XY prefixes indicate assembly in West Point, Georgia: 5XX is used on K5 sedans and 5XY on Telluride and Sorento SUVs. Forte sedans built in Mexico use 3KP. Korean-assembled Kia vehicles destined for the US market carry KNA or KND prefixes. The Kia EV6 assembled in Korea uses a KND prefix when exported to the US market.

What does a free Kia VIN check on VinNumber.net show?

The free decoder reads the VIN in NHTSA's vPIC database and returns the model, model year, body, engine, drive type and assembly plant. Kia VINs in vPIC start with prefixes such as 5XX, 5XY, 3KP, KNA and KND. The same lookup lists NHTSA safety recalls for that make, model and model year. Each of our 11 Kia model pages adds what NHTSA and the EPA have published: owner complaints, technical service bulletins, defect investigations, fuel economy and, where NHTSA has tested the car, NCAP crash ratings. It is not a vehicle history report: it doesn't show accidents, title brands, odometer readings or theft records.

Where is the VIN on a Kia vehicle?

Kia places the VIN on a metal plate at the lower driver side corner of the windshield, readable from outside. The same number is printed on a sticker inside the driver door jamb. On Telluride and Sorento SUVs, the VIN is also stamped on the front frame rail. Kia sedans such as the K5 and Forte have an additional VIN stamp on the firewall. As Kia and Hyundai share significant engineering infrastructure, VIN location practices across both brands are nearly identical for equivalent vehicle types.

Which Kia models have the most documented recalls?

The Kia Sorento and Optima carry the most recall events in the Kia lineup, driven by the Theta II engine campaign that affected multiple model years and generated one of the largest recall programs in the brand's US history. Kia Sportage received campaigns related to fire risk tied to brake fluid leakage onto electrical components. Kia Telluride has park-outside recalls for the front power seat motor (24V-407, 26V-430) and a tow-hitch harness fire campaign (22V-626). The 2023 Forte has do-not-drive lower-control-arm recalls (23V-649, 24V-244). The EV6 and EV9 have a high-voltage battery cell recall (26V-431) with a park-outside advisory.

Which Kias have a park-outside or do-not-drive warning?

NHTSA lists do-not-drive on 2023 Forte lower-control-arm recalls 23V-649 and 24V-244. Park-outside advisories apply to the large HECU campaign 23V-652 (about 1.73 million vehicles across Optima, Sorento, Sportage, Soul, Forte, Rio and others), earlier Optima/Sorento/Sportage/Stinger HECU campaigns, Telluride seat-motor recalls 24V-407 and 26V-430, tow-hitch module recalls, the 2023 ISG oil-pump campaign and EV6/EV9 battery recall 26V-431. If the VIN shows one open, follow the advisory until a Kia dealer closes it.

Is the Kia Theta II engine problem the same as Hyundai's?

Yes. Kia and Hyundai share the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L GDI engine family. Kia recall 17V-224 covers 2011–2014 Optima, 2012–2014 Sorento and 2011–2013 Sportage for premature connecting-rod bearing wear from machining debris — the same defect class as Hyundai's Theta II recalls. NHTSA later issued consent orders covering both brands. Check the VIN for 17V-224 and related engine-fire campaigns 20V-750 and 23V-877, and ask whether the engine was replaced.

Will NHTSA's recall lookup show the Kia anti-theft software update?

No. Kia's anti-theft software (CS2301, CS2302 and related) for about 4.5 million turn-key vehicles without an engine immobilizer is a manufacturer service campaign, not an NHTSA safety recall, so NHTSA's lookup will not list it. Push-button-start Kias already have an immobilizer and are not included. Check eligibility with Kia's VIN tool or a dealer, and look for the anti-theft window decals.

What is the Kia Telluride seat fire recall?

Recalls 24V-407 and 26V-430 cover about 463,000 2020–2024 Tellurides whose front power seat slide motor can overheat if the slide knob sticks — or if an earlier 24V-407 repair was done incorrectly. NHTSA lists a park-outside advisory. A closed 24V-407 does not clear 26V-430; check both on the VIN before parking a Telluride indoors.