Where is the VIN number in KIA Rio III (UB)?

This guide shows the VIN number locations for the KIA Rio III (UB) produced between 2011–2014, including the quickest label location and the hidden stamped chassis locations.

Chassis Number Locations

Driver’s side B-pillar (door jamb label)

• Where to look: Open the driver’s door and look on the B-pillar. The black VIN certification label sits below the door latch striker and is clearly visible with the door open.
• Access: Very easy—no tools needed. If the sticker is old, check for fading, peeling, or dirt film.
• Note: This is a standard, easy-to-check VIN label on LHD cars (like the examples shown).
• Tip: If the label is readable but you don’t want to mistype it, scan it directly with your phone on the flat sticker surface for fast OCR results.

Dashboard VIN plate (windshield corner)

• Where to look: Check the lower corner of the windshield on the left side (driver’s side for LHD). The VIN is visible through the glass from outside the vehicle.
• Access: Easy—no tools. The main issue is glare/reflections on the windshield.
• Note: Best checked from outside in daylight; angle matters.
• Tip: To beat windshield glare and avoid transcription mistakes, capture it with the VIN scanner and let OCR grab the characters instantly.

Front passenger floor (under-seat chassis stamp under carpet flap)

• Where to look: In the front footwell floor area under the front passenger seat, there’s usually a pre-cut carpet flap/slit. The VIN is stamped into the metal cross-member underneath.
• Access: Medium difficulty. Slide the front passenger seat all the way back, locate the carpet slit, then lift/pull the flap to expose the stamping. Expect low contrast and shadows under the seat.
• Note: On LHD cars, this is commonly on the passenger side, but if you don’t find it there, check the driver side footwell as well (some markets/variants differ).
• Tip: This spot is dark and the stamping can blend into the paint—use Flashlight + OCR and scan it with the free VIN reader once the flap is lifted.

Engine bay (firewall/bulkhead stamped VIN)

• Where to look: Open the hood and look at the firewall/bulkhead, low and slightly right of center (when you’re facing the engine). The VIN is stamped into the chassis metal and can be partly hidden behind hoses/wiring/intake plumbing.
• Access: High difficulty. It’s deep, dark, and obstructed, and it often gets dusty/greasy. You’ll likely need a flashlight and a quick wipe with a rag.
• Note: Don’t confuse terms: some people call this “engine number,” but this is the VIN stamped on the body/chassis (the actual engine serial is on the engine block).
• Tip: Because it’s cramped and dirty, clean the area lightly and use High Contrast AI Mode to scan it so you don’t have to write it down while leaning over the engine.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Where is the VIN number of my Kia Rio III ( 2011 – 2016 ) - YouTube

▶ Watch KIA Rio III VIN Location Guide

• Quick, clear walkthrough showing the driver’s side B-pillar VIN label with good lighting and stable footage.

Video Tutorial: kia rio 2012 engine number and chassis number location ... - YouTube

▶ Watch KIA Rio III VIN Location Guide

• Detailed demonstration of the hard-to-see firewall stamping and the exact carpet flap method for the under-seat chassis VIN.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Under-seat floor VIN is hard to read: The stamping is often low-contrast and in shadow—slide the seat back fully, lift the flap completely, and use a flashlight.
• Firewall VIN is buried/dirty: Expect hoses and wiring blocking the view plus grime—wipe the metal and use a strong light to make the characters pop.
• Sticker VIN isn’t “proof” by itself: If the B-pillar label is missing, damaged, or looks tampered, cross-check with a stamped VIN (floor/firewall) before buying or registering the car.

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