VIN Decoder
Hyundai VIN Decoder
Hyundai builds the Elantra, Santa Fe and Tucson for the US market in Montgomery, Alabama under a 5NP or 5NM prefix, while Korean-built cars carry KMH or KM8. Kia is a separate make with its own codes despite the shared corporate parent.
Decode a Hyundai VIN
Free, no signup. Returns specifications, recall campaigns and a Deal Score.
Hyundai WMI prefixes
The first three characters of a VIN are the World Manufacturer Identifier. For Hyundai they identify both the manufacturer and, usually, the country and plant of assembly.
| WMI | What it identifies |
|---|---|
| KMH | Hyundai, South Korea — passenger cars |
| KM8 | Hyundai, South Korea — SUVs |
| 5NP | Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama — passenger cars |
| 5NM | Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama — SUVs |
| KMT | Genesis, South Korea |
These are Hyundai’s common assignments, not a complete register. Manufacturers hold many WMI codes and are allocated more over time. The decode itself comes from NHTSA, not from this table.
What to know about Hyundai VINs
Theta II engine history is worth checking
Certain Hyundai and Kia four-cylinder engines from the 2010s were subject to well-publicised engine recalls and extended warranty programmes. The recall section of your report will show published campaigns for the year, make and model — treat any hit there as a question to put to a dealer with the VIN.
Warranty transfer differs by owner
Hyundai's long powertrain warranty is generally not transferable in full to a second owner. Do not assume the headline warranty period applies to a used purchase — confirm the remaining coverage with a dealer using the VIN.
Genesis is now a separate make
Genesis models built after the brand split decode as Make 'Genesis', not Hyundai. Older Hyundai Genesis models decode under Hyundai.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Hyundai VIN starting with KMH mean?
K is South Korea and MH is Hyundai's passenger car assignment, so the car was built in Korea. A 5NP or 5NM prefix means it was built at Hyundai's Alabama plant instead. Both are factory-correct for US-market cars.
Is the Hyundai 10-year warranty transferable?
Generally not in full. The headline powertrain coverage applies to the original owner, with shorter coverage passing to subsequent owners. Confirm the exact remaining coverage for a specific VIN with a Hyundai dealer before treating warranty as part of the value.
How do I check Hyundai engine recalls?
Run the VIN through VINLytix to see NHTSA-published campaigns for that vehicle line. Because several Hyundai engine programmes were handled as extended warranties or service campaigns rather than formal recalls, also ask a dealer to check the VIN against Hyundai's own campaign records.