The build sheet is the authoritative source to know exactly how a Kia model was equipped when it left the factory. It captures the original spec: trim and option packages, paint and interior codes, drivetrain details (including gear ratios), and other production codes. But unlike some brands that freely publish build sheet records and the related window stickers, Kia access varies by model year and production system.
To simplify things, our Kia Build Sheet by VIN tool retrieves official factory data whenever available by simply entering a car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to view the vehicle’s true configuration. If a free build sheet isn’t found, our system automatically searches for an OEM window sticker as a backup option. When neither record is accessible, we work with a vetted provider to reconstruct the build sheet or window sticker from official data to ensure completeness and accuracy.
The FAQ below covers where to get these records, what they show, and why they’re essential for verifying a vehicle’s factory specification.
A build sheet (sometimes called a broadcast sheet in older manufacturing jargon) is the factory record that specifies how a particular vehicle was configured when it was built. This includes the model and trim info, engine and transmission codes, paint and interior details, mandatory and optional equipment, market/destination codes, and sometimes production or shipping notes. It is not a pricing document and it’s not the same thing as a window sticker. In modern practice for Kia America, the authoritative record is a VIN‑tied digital entry in Kia’s internal systems rather than a paper sheet left in the car.
Ask a Kia dealer’s service or parts department to print the VIN‑specific vehicle configuration/options page from Kia’s dealer systems (KDealer) or from Kia’s Global Information System (KGIS). KGIS is Kia’s official U.S. service information portal and covers 1995‑present U.S. models. Independent shops can also subscribe.
Add your VIN to the Kia Owners Portal (MyKia). Once your VIN is in your account, you’ll see vehicle details, maintenance milestones and other VIN‑specific info. It’snot as granular as a dealer printout, but it offers useful information specific to that vehicle.
Request assistance from Kia Customer Care. Phone 800‑333‑4KIA or use the online contact form to ask for VIN‑specific equipment info; they can route requests to the appropriate team.
Window sticker (Monroney) retrieval for reference. Kia’s own CPO listings show a “View Window Sticker” link by VIN; that PDF is an authoritative record of standard/optional equipment and new car pricing at the time of sale. Dealers can often retrieve the same for non‑CPO inventory. Third‑party tools exist too, e.g. iSeeCars’ Window Sticker Lookup by VIN.
Build sheet: An internal factory/digital record that lists configuration codes and content showing how the car was originally built, but with no pricing info.
Window sticker (a.k.a. Monroney label): The federally mandated price/information label affixed to every new vehicle. It shows MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing), the destination charge, factory/port‑installed options with prices, EPA/NHTSA info, and parts content/origin disclosures. Dealer‑installed add‑ons are not listed on the Monroney and must appear on a separate addendum sticker.
Traditional U.S. brands sometimes left paper broadcast sheets in hidden areas of the car prior to the modern, digital era. Kia’s U.S. presence began in the mid‑1990s and owners must rely on VIN‑tied digital records (dealer/KGIS) and preserved window stickers. KGIS explicitly provides U.S. service information for 1995 and newer Kia vehicles, which is why dealers can still retrieve equipment on decades‑old U.S. Kias.
These documents will list model and trim codes, engine/transmission codes, exterior paint and interior trim codes, option groups, emissions certification, market/destination codes, plant and production date, and sometimes dealer and regional information. The window sticker/Monroney (when available) complements this info with pricing, EPA and NHTSA ratings, and content origin (where different parts of the vehicle come from).
Confirm the VIN is valid. Use NHTSA’s VIN Decoder to verify a car’s assembly plant, body class, and other decoded fields. If this info doesn’t line up with the car’s history , stop—something’s wrong.
Read the model year from the VIN (10th character). U.S. model years follow the federal code: e.g., 2018=J, 2019=K, 2020=L, 2021=M, 2022=N, 2023=P, 2024=R, 2025=S (Letters I, O, Q, U, Z and digit 0 aren’t used for the model year). This digit only reflects model year, not build month/day.
Identify the assembly plant. The 11th VIN character is the plant code. NHTSA’s decoder will spell out the plant (e.g., West Point, Georgia). For U.S.-built Kias, VINs typically start with 5XX/5XY and plant code G corresponds to West Point, GA (Kia Georgia). Cross‑check the result against Kia Georgia’s official site if you need to confirm U.S. assembly.
Paint & trim codes. Kia prints the paint code on the driver‑door jamb certification/paint label (often a 2–3 character code). Match that to the description on the build sheet/window sticker.
Option groups and port‑installed equipment. Packages and PIO (port‑installed options) will appear on the build sheet and the original window sticker; dealer‑installed items are listed on a separate addendum (not on the window sticker, not in the build record). Don’t confuse DIO add‑ons (tint, wheel locks, “protection packages”) with factory equipment.
Emission & safety items. The window sticker shows EPA fuel‑economy figures and NHTSA crash ratings where applicable.
Build date: On the driver‑door jamb certification label (month/year).
Model year: Encoded in the VIN’s 10th character for regulatory/marketing purposes; it can precede the calendar year (e.g., a car built in Sept 2024 may be MY 2025). If you’re buying parts or trackingTSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) or mid‑year changes, the build date is more important. If you’re shopping, buying, or titling and registering a vehicle, the model year is what matters most.
Kia’s West Point, Georgia facility (Kia Georgia) is the only U.S. Kia plant. Kia Georgia notes current U.S. production on its official site. Your VIN decode and plant code “G” will corroborate assembly there.
Service/technical information coverage in KGIS covers 1995‑present U.S. models.
Kia’s recall lookup notes U.S. safety recalls initiated after July 1, 1994. Older U.S. Kia passenger models (e.g., Sephia, early Sportage) are also generally covered.
Dealer add‑ons (tint, aftermarket alarms, paint sealant, nitrogen in the tires) — those live on a dealer addendum sticker, not in the factory record.
Ownership history, accidents, or maintenance — that’s part of the vehicle‑history and service records data, not original build data.
“The VIN tells me every option the car has.” Wrong. The VIN encodes model year, plant, and high‑level descriptors. Detailed build content comes from the factory build sheet and, to a lesser extent, the window sticker. Use NHTSA’s VIN decoder to verify basics, then get the window sticker and/or a dealer/KGIS build sheet printout.
“Dealer add‑ons are part of the window sticker.” Wrong. By law, the window sticker/Monroney label lists factory/port content and pricing. Dealers must use a separate addendum for what they install.
“Build date = model year.” Wrong. Model year is determined by the VIN’s 10th character; build date is on the certification label. They frequently differ by months.
Save a PDF of any window sticker you retrieve from a Kia CPO or dealer listing so you have a permanent record of options and pricing tied to your VIN.
Subscribe to KGIS (short‑term if needed) if you’re doing in-depth research. Factory manuals, TSBs, and VIN‑specific service info can clarify mid‑year running changes that don’t show up on retail brochures.
Use official recall tools like NHTSA’s website, and Kia-sourced data, and SaferCar notifications so you’re alerted to safety actions. Recalls are not part of the build sheet information but are critical for safe operation of the vehicle and helpful for provenance for future owners.
If you have any issues or questions, feel free to reach out to our support team via info at buildsheetbyvin dot com.