Are you a big fan of Hyundai? If you cannot afford a brand-new Hyundai vehicle, you may want to purchase a second-hand Hyundai. But to avoid buying a stolen or damaged vehicle, you can use a Hyundai VIN decoder to check the history of the vehicle and other important information about the vehicle.
A Hyundai VIN decoder explains the 17 alphanumerics that comprise the vehicle identification number (VIN) of a Hyundai and reveals all that has happened to the vehicle.
One of the best Hyundai VIN decoders is VinPit. Our Hyundai VIN decoder is FREE to use and provides arguably the most comprehensive information, as it is linked to many trusted resources like the NMVTIS and state DMVs.
What Info Do the Alphanumerics of a Hyundai VIN Contain?
We will use this sample Hyundai VIN number - KM8SC13D434U51039 to show you how each character works.
- The 1st character (K): the Hyundai's origin. In this case, South Korea;
- The 2nd character (M): the manufacturer, in this case, Hyundai Motor Company;
- The 3rd character (8): the vehicle type (multipurpose vehicle);
- The 4th character (S): the model, in this case, Santa Fe;
- The 5th character (C): the vehicle body type (Front Wheel Drive, 4 Door Sport Utility);
- The 6th character (1): the vehicle trim level;
- The 7th character (3): the vehicle restraint systems or GVWR (Driver-side airbag (manual belt) passenger-side passive);
- The 8th character (D): the engine type (2656 cc DOHC V6);
- The 9th character (4): the vehicle security code;
- The 10th character (3): the model year (2003);
- The 11th character (4): the plant location (South Korea);
- The 12th-17th characters (U51039): the vehicle production sequence.
Wikibooks has a detailed breakdown of all the characters that may comprise a Hyundai VIN.
When Should You Use a Hyundai VIN Decoder?
There are four scenarios where you may find a Hyundai VIN decoder helpful.
When You Need Basic Info about a Hyundai
A Hyundai VIN decoder can quickly show you the engine type, model year, mileage, and other specific details of a Hyundai car. This is a quick way to know if the second-hand Hyundai you consider is the right vehicle for you.
The spec information can also help you find and order Hyundai parts and accessories if there's a need for replacement or repairs. You can buy Hyundai accessories at Hyundai Accessory Resource Center.
When Assessing a Second-Hand Hyundai
You should be careful and try to get as much information on the car as possible when you're evaluating a used Hyundai. After all, you don't want to buy a faulty vehicle that is expensive to repair or dangerous.
There are dishonest car dealers and sellers who sell Hyundais with hidden damages to unsuspecting buyers. One example is a flood-damaged vehicle. Those cars may look pristine. However, the transmission, engine, and electronic parts may break down, causing safety problems and necessitating costly repairs.
The good news is the VinPit Hyundai VIN decoder can uncover any hidden defects in pre-owned vehicles. We recommend you use the decoder before you commit to buying a car.
When Checking for Cloned VINs
You could be tricked into buying a Hyundai with a cloned VIN. VIN cloning is a method of masking vehicle thefts. This will harm you not only financially but also legally.
Once the theft or cloning is discovered, the vehicle will be returned to the rightful owner. If there are any loans on the car that have not been paid off, you will be responsible for the debt.
Moreover, if the car has been involved in a crime, you will have to spend so much time and money proving that the case has nothing to do with you.
While the consequences of buying a Hyundai with a cloned VIN may sound intimidating, you can simply bypass the traps by conducting a background check with the Hyundai VIN decoder prior to purchase.
We also advise buying a Hyundai from an authorized Hyundai dealer or through the Hyundai certified used vehicle locator. These are legitimate resources you can use to buy a new or second-hand Hyundai with good value.
When You Want to Check for Hyundai Recalls
According to Kelley Blue Book, Hyundai has recalled some models since 2020.
The following models are on recall for a seat belt issue:
- 2023 Genesis G80 Electric
- 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid
- 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid
The problem with these vehicles is that the seat belt pre-tensioners may explode in a way that injures the occupants with metal fragments.
The 2018 Santa Fe Sport model has also been recalled because of the malfunction of the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), which could cause an electrical short and an engine compartment fire.
To know more about Hyundai safety recalls, you can visit Hyundai Recall Notices & Safety News.
Here at VinPit, you can quickly find out if the Hyundai you're interested in has been involved with any recalls. This is a good way to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive.
You can also turn to the following websites to check for Hyundai recalls for free:
How to Use VinPit's Free Hyundai VIN Decoder?
You only need to take two easy steps to decode a Hyundai VIN on VinPit.
Step 1
The first step is to find the VIN of the Hyundai. Most of the time, the VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard. Other places you can find a Hyundai VIN include:
- On the driver's or passenger's side door jamb
- In the insurance cards
- Under the hood
- In the title record
- Underneath the spare tire
- In the maintenance records
Step 2
When you have the VIN, you can input the number into the search box at VinPit to start the search. Our search engine will retrieve data from our powerful database, which is linked to the NHTSA, the NMVTIS, state DMVs, auto recyclers, insurance companies, junk yards, salvage yards and other legitimate resources.
This will only take a few minutes, and then a report that includes the specifics, vehicle condition, damages/accidents, recalls and thefts will be ready for you.
Other websites you can use to decode a Hyundai VIN free of charge include the NICB's VINcheck tool and the NHTSA's VIN decoder. However, these tools may not show you as much information as VinPit.
See Also: 12 Best VIN Check Services
What Will Our Hyundai VIN Decoder Show You?
Aside from detailed information, our Hyundai VIN decoder also provides vehicle history reports. Here's a list of what can be included in the reports:
Vehicle Condition:
- Genuine mileage
- Part replacements
- Safety ratings
- Maintenance records
- Special vehicle use
Damages/Accidents:
- Repair records
- Damages it has suffered
- Accident history
- Total loss
Complaints & Recalls:
- Consumer complaints
- Past & open recalls
Theft Reports:
- VIN validity
- Theft claims
Hyundai VIN Samples
- 5NMZU3LB2JH065041 — 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4 FWD (2.4L L4 DOHC 16V), SPORT UTILITY 4-DR
- KMHLM4AG6NU331293 — 2022 Hyundai Elantra FWD (2.0L L4 DOHC 16V), SEDAN 4-DR
- KMHLM4AG7MU105875 — 2017 Hyundai Elantra FWD (2.0L L4 DOHC 16V), SEDAN 4-DR
Conclusion
With VinPit's Hyundai VIN decoder, you will see vital information, such as the engine type, year of manufacture, model, and matching parts, about a Hyundai instantly.
More importantly, you will find out a Hyundai's background, including its damages, repairs, sale records, etc. In fact, these crucial details can also be accessed by looking up the license plate at VinPit.
Put VinPit to good use today and make informed car-buying decisions.