Where is the VIN number in Hyundai Elantra (VI (AD) [2016-2016])?

This guide covers the VIN (vehicle identification number) locations on the Hyundai Elantra VI (AD) produced between 2016–2016, including the easy-to-check label and the hidden stamped chassis VIN used for fraud checks.

Chassis Number Locations

Driver’s Side Door Pillar (B-Pillar Label)

• Where to look: Open the driver’s door and look on the B-pillar face (door jamb area). The black certification label sits below the door striker/latch mechanism (not on the door edge itself).
• Access: Generally low difficulty. High-contrast printing makes it easy to read; just don’t hold the phone too close or autofocus may hunt.
• Note: This walkthrough is shown on an LHD Elantra (driver on the left).
• Tip: If the camera keeps blurring up close, back up 6–10 inches and scan the label directly with your phone to capture the VIN cleanly without misreading characters.

Lower Windshield (Dashboard VIN Plate)

• Where to look: From outside the car, look through the windshield at the lower driver-side corner of the dashboard, near the base of the A-pillar—you’ll see the standard VIN plate behind the glass.
• Access: Moderate difficulty due to windshield glare/reflections and the awkward scanning angle through glass.
• Note: LHD reference: this plate is on the left side of the dash when seated.
• Tip: Shield the glass with your hand/jacket to kill reflections and capture the VIN instantly using the phone scanner so you don’t have to transcribe it through glare.

Passenger-Side Floor (Stamped Chassis VIN Under Seat)

• Where to look:
  1. Open the front passenger door.
  2. Slide the front passenger seat all the way backward.
  3. Find a carpet flap on the floor cross-member under the front edge of the seat.
  4. Pull the Velcro-secured flap open.
  5. The VIN is stamped into the painted chassis metal underneath (seen as stamped characters in the blue metal).
• Access: High difficulty. You must move the seat and peel back the flap; the area is dark/shadowed, and the stamping can be low-contrast if dirty or paint-filled.
• Note: On many LHD cars this is commonly found on the passenger side floor, but if you don’t find it there, check the other front footwell floor area as well.
• Tip: Turn on extra light and use the Flashlight + OCR scan mode so the app can pick up stamped characters without you kneeling in a dark footwell.

Engine Bay Firewall / Cowl Stamping (Reference Spot)

• Where to look: In the engine bay, inspect the firewall/cowl area (center to passenger side), just below the windshield seal—look for VIN characters stamped into metal.
• Access: Often obscured by grime or plastic cowl covers; lighting and cleaning may be needed.
• Note: Not demonstrated on the Elantra-specific clip, but it’s a known Hyundai-family reference area and can help cross-check other VIN sources.
• Tip: If the stamping is faint under dirt, wipe it and use High Contrast AI scanning to decipher shallow or dirty characters without guessing.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: VIN Number Locations - Hyundai Elantra (2017-2018) - YouTube

▶ Watch Hyundai Elantra VIN Location Guide

• A clear walkthrough showing the windshield VIN, the driver-side B-pillar label, and the hidden floor VIN under the passenger seat with the Velcro flap.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield VIN won’t scan: glare and reflections off the glass can wash out characters—shade the area and change your viewing angle.
• Floor VIN is hard to read: the under-seat area is dark and the stamping can be paint-filled—slide the seat fully back, pull the flap wide open, and add light before scanning.
• Sticker vs. stamped VIN: door jamb labels can be replaced—if you’re verifying a car before purchase, always cross-check with the stamped chassis VIN.

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