Where is the VIN number in Hyundai Santa Fe V (MX5) [2013-2013]?

This guide covers the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) locations on the Hyundai Santa Fe V (MX5) [2013-2013], helping you find the VIN quickly for registration, insurance, buying checks, or parts matching.

Chassis Number Locations

1) Dashboard / Windshield VIN tag

• Where to look: From outside the SUV, look through the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side. The VIN is on a plate mounted on top of the dashboard and is readable through the glass.
• Access: Low difficulty. Reflections from clouds/trees can hide characters; you’ll usually need to hold the camera close and fairly flat against the glass.
• Note: This is the most common “consumer-facing” VIN spot for LHD vehicles.
• Tip: If glare makes it hard to read, scan it directly with ScanVin.app’s VIN reader to capture the code cleanly without transcription mistakes.

2) Driver’s door jamb (B-pillar) certification label

• Where to look: Open the driver’s door and check the B-pillar door jamb (the body-side frame). Look for a black/white (or black/silver) certification label listing VIN, tire pressures, and weight ratings.
• Access: Low difficulty. Sticker can be faded, torn, or peeling on older vehicles.
• Note: Great secondary verification point if you suspect windshield plate tampering.
• Tip: If the label is faded, use the phone scan tool to grab the characters quickly instead of guessing worn letters.

3) Driver’s door shell anti-theft sticker (inside edge of door)

• Where to look: On the inside edge of the driver’s door itself (not the body frame). Check below the door latch mechanism for a small tamper-proof label.
• Access: Low difficulty. Often missing, painted over, or replaced if the door has been repaired or swapped.
• Note: Treat this as a backup identifier, not the primary VIN source.
• Tip: If the print is small, capture it with your phone scanner to avoid misreading tight, condensed characters.

4) Firewall / bulkhead stamped VIN (engine bay)

• Where to look: Open the hood and inspect the metal firewall (bulkhead) near the cowl area, around the center or slightly to the right. The VIN is stamped into the sheet metal.
• Access: High difficulty. Often obscured by hoses, insulation/sound deadening, and grime; you’ll need strong light and patience.
• Note: This is a physical body stamp, useful for deeper verification when labels look suspicious.
• Tip: If dirt and shadows hide the stamp, use ScanVin.app in High Contrast AI scanning mode to pull characters out of grimy metal without awkward manual copying.

5) Engine block stamp (engine number / ID stamp)

• Where to look: On a machined flat surface of the engine block—the code is stamped directly into the metal.
• Access: Very high difficulty. Commonly corroded/rusted and hard to reach; may require cleaning (rag/degreaser, brush) to become readable.
• Note: This is mainly for confirming whether the engine appears original; it’s not the easiest consumer VIN check.
• Tip: If the stamp is rusty or greasy, try a high-contrast phone scan so you’re not squinting and writing numbers in an awkward position.

6) Floor chassis stamp under front right seat (under carpet flap)

• Where to look: Inside the cabin, slide the front right-hand seat back and look for a pre-cut flap in the carpet. Lift the flap to reveal the VIN stamped into the floor/cross-member.
• Access: Medium difficulty. Requires moving the seat and lifting carpet/plastic trim; the area is dark and the stamp can be dusty.
• Note: In many LHD vehicles, this front right seat area is commonly the passenger side, but if you don’t find it there, check the opposite front footwell area as well.
• Tip: Because it’s dark under the seat, use ScanVin.app with your phone flashlight and OCR scanning to read the stamp without wrestling with a torch and handwritten notes.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: VIN Locations - Hyundai Santa Fe (2013-2018)

▶ Watch Hyundai Santa Fe VIN Location Guide

• A clear walkthrough showing the windshield VIN plate and the driver door jamb (B-pillar) certification label.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield glare/reflections: Move your body to shade the plate, clean the glass, and hold the phone flat to the windshield to reduce distortion.
• Floor stamp hard to see: Slide the seat fully back, lift the carpet flap carefully, and use a flashlight—dust and shadows hide stamped characters easily.
• Sticker vs. stamped VIN mismatch: Door stickers can be replaced after repairs; for serious verification, cross-check the windshield plate with the firewall/floor stamped VIN before buying.