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Hyundai VIN Decoder

Hyundai VIN decoder — Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, Ioniq EV.

About Hyundai

Hyundai builds in South Korea, Alabama (Sonata/Elantra/Santa Fe), and Georgia (EV). CheckMyVIN decodes the engine, drive type, plant, and shows every open NHTSA recall — including the well-known theta-II engine campaigns.

Founded 1967 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, Hyundai vehicles register their VIN data with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). When you enter a Hyundai VIN above, CheckMyVIN queries the NHTSA VPIC database directly — pulling the same federally certified specs that the manufacturer reported when the vehicle was sold.

A 17-character VIN is split into three sections: the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) in digits 1–3, the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) in digits 4–9, and the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) in digits 10–17. Hyundai uses several WMI codes depending on plant and model line — the table below lists the most common.

Hyundai WMI Codes

WMI	Meaning
KMH	Hyundai passenger car — South Korea
KM8	Hyundai SUV — South Korea
5NP	Hyundai passenger car — Montgomery, AL USA
5NM	Hyundai SUV (Santa Fe) — Montgomery, AL USA

Where to find your Hyundai VIN

Driver-side dashboard, near windshieldStand outside the vehicle on the driver's side and look at the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield. The 17-character VIN is engraved on a metal plate visible through the glass.
Driver's door jamb stickerOpen the driver's door and look at the door jamb (the frame the door closes against). A federal certification label lists the VIN, tire pressures, and gross vehicle weight rating.
Vehicle title, registration & insurance cardThe VIN appears on the title, current registration, and insurance documents. If buying used, cross-check the VIN on the car against every document — any mismatch is a major red flag.

What CheckMyVIN shows for Hyundai

Every Hyundai report includes the decoded specifications (engine, drive type, transmission, plant, body class), every open recall NHTSA has on file for the year/model/make combination, an AI-written plain-English summary, and the maintenance specs CheckMyVIN can confidently match by engine code. Tire sizes vary by trim and are always marked "Varies by trim — check door-jamb label" rather than guessed.

Common Hyundai issues to check before buying

Brand-specific known issues — useful as a pre-purchase inspection checklist. CheckMyVIN does not flag these per VIN; verify against service history.

Theta II 2.0T / 2.4L engine failure

2011–2018 Sonata, Santa Fe Sport, Tucson (2.0T/2.4L)

Theta II engines failed catastrophically due to manufacturing debris. Hyundai extended warranty to lifetime for the original owner on affected VINs; second owners get reduced coverage. Multiple NHTSA recalls; verify the engine was replaced or that the knock-sensor software update was applied.

Theft vulnerability ("Kia Boys")

2011–2022 Sonata, Elantra, Tucson, Santa Fe without immobilizer

A USB-cable theft technique that exploited the lack of an engine immobilizer on certain models. Hyundai released a software update; if the steering column is intact and the update was installed, theft risk drops sharply. Verify update via recall list.

Ioniq 5 / EV6 ICCU (charging unit) failure

2022–2023 Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6

12V charging from the HV battery via the ICCU has had failures, leaving cars stranded. Subject to multiple software updates. Verify campaign updates are current.

7-speed DCT shudder (low-speed)

2017–2021 Tucson 7-DCT, 2019–2021 Veloster N pre-update

DCT shudder at low-speed crawl. Software updates and clutch replacements addressed it. Test drive in stop-and-go traffic before purchase.

Hyundai buyer's notes

Hyundai 10-year / 100k-mile powertrain warranty is non-transferable; second owners get 5 yr / 60k mi. EV battery warranty IS transferable. Genesis brand under Hyundai uses the same VIN system; trim/spec premium is large. Verify any Theta II owner-extended warranty applies to YOU before purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Does CheckMyVIN flag the Hyundai/Kia theft-prone models?

The 2011–2022 Elantra/Sonata/Santa Fe and certain Kia models were vulnerable to the "Kia Boys" theft technique. CheckMyVIN doesn't add a flag, but the year + model in the report make this easy to identify, and any related recall appears in the recall list.

Is Ioniq 5 / Ioniq 6 / Kona EV supported?

Yes — all current Hyundai BEVs decode with Fuel Type = Electric. The report switches to EV view and shows the Hyundai 10 yr / 100k mi battery warranty in maintenance notes.

Does this cover Genesis?

Yes — Genesis is Hyundai's luxury brand and uses the same WMI system. Any Genesis VIN decodes through NHTSA VPIC.

Where is the Hyundai VIN?

Driver-side dash near windshield, driver door jamb label, and title.

What is the Theta II engine and why does it matter?

Theta II is a 2.0L/2.4L family used in 2011–2018 Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson. It had widespread engine failures triggering large NHTSA recalls. Year + displacement in the report identifies if your vehicle is affected.

Does Hyundai N performance get separate decoding?

NHTSA returns the trim (Elantra N, Kona N, etc.) when Hyundai reports it. The report header shows it.

How long is the Hyundai battery warranty on EVs?

Hyundai's EV battery warranty is 10 yr / 100,000 mi (transferable to second owner with limitations). This appears in the EV maintenance notes.

Recent Hyundai Reports

The most recent Hyundai VINs decoded on CheckMyVIN (live archive populates as readers run reports).

Archive populating — be the first to run a Hyundai VIN above.