How to Read a VIN Number Like a Pro
From understanding the VIN number breakdown to uncovering a vehicle’s history,...
Free Hyundai VIN Decoder! 🚗 See specs, build sheet, recalls basic history—no sign-up. 🛡️✅ Need accidents, mileage, title? Upgrade in one click.
Looking for the VIN?
Here is there you’ll find it:
A vehicle identification number is a car's 17-digit sequence, which was standardized in 1981. It contains letters and numbers. The VIN can tell about your Hyundai's specs, production details, and safety features. A reliable VIN decoder helps prove authenticity, check recalls, and uncover potential issues before buying any kind of vehicle.
Decoding your VIN number with EpicVIN takes just seconds:
Locating your Hyundai's VIN number is straightforward.
| Indicator | What It Means |
|---|---|
| ≈ 10,000 Hyundai lots on the leading insurance auction platform (July 2025) | Most are sold with salvage or non-repairable status, indicating risk of serious body damage |
| Average annual mileage ≈ 11,400 miles | Independent used car market research shows the Hyundai Sonata averages 11,374 miles per year during the first 10 years |
| Chance of surviving 200k miles — ≈ 5% | The same sample shows only about 1 in 20 Sonata vehicles crosses the 200k mile threshold — below the market average for sedans |
| Major recalls 2024-25 |
• 180k vehicles (ABS module, 23V-651) — fire risk • 1.6M vehicles (Theta II engine, 20V-746 / NHTSA consensus) — bearing failure, engine stall |
Tip: Before purchasing, run the VIN through EpicVIN. The report shows whether the car falls under open campaigns or hides expensive repairs.
| Issue | Statistics and Problem Details |
|---|---|
| Tow-hitch wiring: fire risk | Recall 23V-889 affects ≈ 571,000 Santa Fe / Santa Fe Hybrid / Santa Cruz 2021-24: water enters the harness, possible fire even when parked |
| ABS module short circuit | Recall 23V-651 — ≈ 180,000 Elantra / Kona 2023-24: fuse melts, increased fire risk in engine compartment |
| Theta II bearing wear | Campaign 20V-746 covered > 1.6 million Sonata / Santa Fe / Veloster: crankshaft scoring leads to knocking and sudden engine shutdown while driving |
Note: Contact your local Hyundai dealer in specific months, namely, January, February, June, September, October, or November, for scheduled maintenance. The manufacturer provides important safety updates and warranty claims processing year-round.
The whole VIN sequence may be divided into three main parts. Reveal distinctive details based on specific positions:
The following sample sequence (KM8SC13EX5U005568) is used to see how a Hyundai VIN decoder works:
| Symbols | Sample | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | K | South Korea as the country of origin |
| 2 | M | Hyundai as a manufacturer |
| 3 | 8 | Passenger car vehicle type |
| 4-8 | SC13E | Body style, engine type, restraint system, specific model line, and trim level |
| 9 | X | Check digit for validation |
| 10 | 5 | 2005 model year |
| 11 | U | Assembly plant location |
| 12-17 | 005568 | Individual vehicle serial number |
Year 2012
Make Hyundai
Model Genesis
Fuel Type Gasoline
Engine 5L DOHC GDI TAU
Made in SOUTH KOREA
The VIN lookup process helps reveals detailed information:
Before paying for a used Hyundai, run its VIN through EpicVIN. In seconds, you'll see factory equipment — from N Line packages to hybrid transmission — and learn about all open recalls, odometer rollbacks, and salvage titles. Verified facts save thousands.Alex Black, CMO & auto-expert, EpicVIN
Yes. Initially, enter the VIN number. EpicVIN instantly shows core build data at no cost, including model family (Elantra, Santa Fe, Ioniq 5, etc.), engine type, body style, trim, and plant locations. You pay only to unlock the full history report.
A paid EpicVIN report acts a source of extended information. This is NMVTIS title data, odometer rollbacks, salvage brands, open recalls, insurance total-loss events, auction photos, and lien information. Such factors are vital to consider to spot red flags.
Absolutely. Each EpicVIN decode contacts the NHTSA recall database in real time. Any active campaign appears with a description and repair instructions so you know whether specific actions are required.
Yes. Because Genesis and Kia share manufacturer identifier blocks with Hyundai cars, EpicVIN decodes them—useful when cross-shopping to find correct vehicle information.
Utilize the VIN to see detailed powertrain data (Turbo, Hybrid, Plug-in), chassis options, and appearance packages. For many 2015-plus models, we provide original MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) and factory options.
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