The paint code for a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is typically found on the driver’s-side door jamb sticker; it’s a short alphanumeric code used to identify the exact color.
If you can’t locate it there, check the engine bay area for a radiator-support label, or look inside the glove box or near the VIN plate for a color code. Dealers can also pull the exact code from the VIN if needed.
Where to look for the paint code
Hyundai places the color identifier in a few common spots. Start with the most accessible area first: the door jamb sticker on the driver's door.
- Driver’s door jamb sticker: Open the driver’s door and inspect the sticker on the door frame or pillar for a field labeled COLOR CODE or PAINT CODE.
- Radiator support label under the hood: Some models carry a paint code on a label attached to the radiator support near the engine bay.
- Glove box or engine bay labels: In some markets, the color code appears on a secondary label inside the glove box or on a nearby label near the VIN plate.
- VIN-based lookup via a dealer: If the sticker is missing or illegible, a Hyundai dealer can pull the exact color code using your vehicle identification number (VIN).
When you locate the code, note that Hyundai paint codes are typically 2–3 characters long, combining letters and numbers to specify the precise shade and finish.
How to read the paint code
Reading the code involves matching the code to Hyundai’s color catalog. Provide the 2–3 character code to an auto body shop or dealer to obtain the exact color formula or a touch-up spray. The code alone identifies the color; the finish (metallic, pearl, etc.) may be implied by the code family.
Summary
For a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, the simplest path to the paint code is the driver’s-side door jamb sticker. If that label isn’t accessible, check the radiator support tag under the hood or the glove box area, and, when in doubt, contact a Hyundai dealership with your VIN for a precise match.