The color code is a short alphanumeric label used to identify your exact paint shade for touch-ups and repainting. It’s usually a 2–4 character code found on a sticker somewhere on the vehicle, most commonly near the driver's door.
Where to look for the color code
Most Honda color codes live on exterior body labels mounted in or near the driver’s door jamb. If you don’t see it there, check other common spots that can vary by model year and market.
Color codes are typically a mix of letters and numbers, and may look like patterns such as NH-578P or B-92P, depending on your region and year.
- Driver’s door jamb sticker: Open the driver’s door and inspect the edge of the door frame or the B-pillar. The sticker usually lists Paint or Color Code along with other vehicle information.
- Under the hood label: On some models, the color code is placed on a sticker in the engine bay, often on the radiator support or near the strut tower.
- Trunk or spare tire area: A few Hondas place a label in the trunk, sometimes on the underside of the trunk lid or on the side trim near the spare tire.
- Glove box or interior panels: On older Hondas, the color code can occasionally be found on a label inside the glove box or on an interior panel.
- VIN-based dealer lookup: If you can’t locate the sticker, a Honda dealer can pull the exact color code from the VIN using Honda’s database.
Locating the color code may require checking multiple places, especially on older or region-specific models. The exact label and wording can vary by year and market.
How to read and use the color code
Once you’ve found the code, use it to source the correct paint. Dealers, body shops, and reputable auto paint suppliers can look up the color by code to ensure an exact match in finish (solid, metallic, pearl, or special pearlescent) and solvent system.
- Provide the color code exactly as shown, along with your vehicle’s year, model, and trim, when ordering paint.
- Specify the finish and quantity you need (e.g., touch-up bottle, spray cans, or gallons for a full repaint). Some codes map to multiple finishes, so confirm the finish type.
- Test a small, inconspicuous area first if you’re blending or touching up, as lighting can affect perceived color.
Note that color variations can occur between batches, lighting, and manufacturing years. Always validate the match on a test panel before committing to a full job.
What to do if you can’t find the color code
If the label is damaged or missing, you have reliable options to recover the color code.
- Double-check alternative locations, especially on older models or different markets, as the label placement can vary.
- Use your vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to request the color code from a Honda dealer or an authorized body shop with access to Honda’s color database.
- Visit a reputable auto paint retailer and provide your vehicle details; they can often cross-reference common Honda color codes for your model year and region.
If you can’t locate the code directly, a dealer with your VIN is the fastest way to confirm the exact shade and finish for accurate touch-ups or repainting.
Summary
Finding your Honda color code typically involves locating a small exterior label near the driver’s door jamb, though some models place labels under the hood or in the trunk. If the label isn’t accessible, a Honda dealer can retrieve the code from your VIN. Use the code to order the precise shade and finish for repairs, and verify the match with a test patch before proceeding with work.