NHTSA Database · Connected / Model Years 1981 — Present

Hyundai VIN Decoder.
Check every recall.

Enter any Hyundai VIN. Get the full factory build specification and every open NHTSA safety recall, free.

VIN Diagnostic Terminal

Vehicle Identification Number17 CHAR

00 / 17

Data Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recall Registry: Live
Coverage: All Hyundai Models
Cost: $0.00

Querying vehicle catalog…

Hyundai VIN Guide

Reading A Hyundai VIN

Hyundai's VIN follows the same 17-character ISO standard as every other manufacturer, but the first few characters split out by division and country in a way that's worth knowing before you buy.

World Manufacturer Identifier (positions 1–3)

The first character marks the country of assembly. KMH marks a Korea-built Hyundai passenger car from Ulsan, and KM8 marks a Korea-built SUV. US-built Hyundais — assembled at the Montgomery, Alabama plant since 2005 — carry a 5NP (car) or 5NM (SUV) WMI instead.

Code	Meaning
KMH	Korea-built Hyundai passenger car (Ulsan)
KM8	Korea-built Hyundai SUV
5NP	US-built Hyundai passenger car (Montgomery, Alabama)
5NM	US-built Hyundai SUV (Montgomery, Alabama)

Model line and engine code (positions 4–8)

This block identifies the model line, trim and engine — useful for confirming whether a Tucson or Santa Fe listing's claimed turbo or hybrid variant actually matches the VIN. The live decode above resolves this against the actual model year.

Model year and plant (positions 10–11)

Hyundai's home plant is Ulsan, South Korea — one of the largest auto plants in the world — alongside the Montgomery, Alabama plant for the US market. Position 11 resolves the exact plant for any VIN decoded above.

Coverage

Hyundai Models You Can Decode

Any Hyundai sold in the US since 1981 is covered, retail or fleet. Common models people check:

ElantraSonataTucsonSanta FePalisadeKonaIoniq 5Venue

Safety

What The Recall Check Catches

Hyundai's recall history spans a wide range of components over the decades. Rather than listing past campaigns here (which would go stale), the tool above queries NHTSA's live recall registry the moment you decode a VIN, so what you see is always current for that exact year, make and model.

Support

Hyundai VIN Questions

What does 5NP mean on a Hyundai VIN?

5NP identifies a US-built Hyundai passenger car assembled at the Montgomery, Alabama plant. KMH marks a Korea-built Hyundai car, and 5NM marks a US-built Hyundai SUV.

Is this the same as Hyundai's own VIN decoder?

No. This tool is independent and not affiliated with Hyundai Motor Company. It reads the same publicly standardized VIN format and pulls factory specifications from NHTSA's public vPIC database, which covers every manufacturer sold in the US.

Does this show Hyundai recalls?

Yes. After decoding, the tool automatically checks NHTSA's recall database for the vehicle's year, make and model and lists every open safety campaign, including the defect, risk and remedy.

Where do I find the VIN on a Hyundai?

On the dash at the base of the windshield (visible from outside, driver's side), on the driver-door jamb sticker, and on the title and registration.

Hyundai VIN Decoder.Check every recall.