Where is the VIN number in KIA Sportage (Sportage III [2010-2015])?

This guide covers the VIN number locations for the KIA Sportage III (2010–2015). If you’re verifying a vehicle for registration, insurance, or a pre-purchase check, always compare at least two VIN locations to confirm they match.

Chassis Number Locations

Certification Label (B-Pillar)

• Where to look: Open the front door and look at the B-pillar (center pillar). The VIN is printed on a black sticker with white text, typically on the lower section of the pillar.
• Access: Low difficulty. No trim removal needed; just open the door and wipe the label if dusty.
• Note: On LHD cars it’s shown on the driver’s side in the reference vehicle; label placement can vary by market—check the opposite side if you don’t see it immediately.
• Tip: If the vertical label is awkward to read, scan the sticker with your phone instead of trying to copy the characters by hand.

Floor Chassis Stamping (Frame Number)

• Where to look: Inside the cabin, under the front right seat. Slide the seat fully backward and find a long rectangular plastic cover set into the carpet marked “FRAME NO.” Pry up the cover from the side to reveal the metal stamping underneath.
• Access: Moderate difficulty. You must move the seat and lift the plastic cover. The stamping can be dirty or lightly rusty, so you may need a rag/brush to clean the numbers before reading.
• Note: This is located under the front right seat (commonly the passenger seat on LHD vehicles, but always use the car’s left/right orientation and verify if it’s been re-trimmed).
• Tip: Because it’s dark under the seat, use ScanVin’s flashlight + OCR scan so the app can read the stamped characters without you crouching and guessing.

Dashboard VIN (Windshield Tag)

• Where to look: From outside the vehicle, look through the windshield at the bottom corner on the driver’s side. The VIN plate sits behind the black frit band (black dots) on the glass.
• Access: Easy, but visibility depends on lighting and glass cleanliness.
• Note: Best checked in daylight with the windshield clean (outside and inside).
• Tip: Windshield glare and reflections can hide characters—capture the VIN instantly with your camera to avoid transcription errors.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Where is the VIN number of my Kia Sportage III ( 2010 - YouTube

▶ Watch KIA Sportage VIN Location Guide

• Shows the Sportage III VIN on the under-seat “FRAME NO.” cover, the windshield VIN plate, and the B-pillar certification sticker.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Under-seat stamping hard to read: Dirt, surface rust, and low light under the seat can hide stamped digits—scrub lightly and add strong lighting before scanning.
• Windshield plate unreadable: Reflections, sky glare, or snow/dirt on the outside glass can block the VIN—clean the glass and change viewing angle.
• Sticker issues: If the B-pillar label is missing, damaged, or looks tampered with, verify the stamped floor/frame number and compare all VINs before trusting the vehicle’s identity.

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