How do I find out what color my Ford Focus is?
Your Ford Focus’s color is defined by its exterior paint color code, which you can locate on the car itself or verify through Ford’s records using the VIN.
Where to look on the car for the color code
The most reliable way to identify the exact exterior color is to read the official paint code printed on labels located on the car. These sources are typically easy to spot and correspond to a precise factory shade.
- Driver's-side door jamb sticker (the label on the door frame near the latch).
- Radiator support label or an engine bay label (often found near the front of the engine compartment).
- Labels inside the trunk or on the spare tire well for certain model years.
- Original window sticker (Monroney label) if you have the car when it was new or recently purchased (shows the exterior color).
With the paint code in hand, you can look up the exact color name and finish in Ford’s official color charts or through a dealer database, which is especially helpful for touch-up paint and refinishing.
Decode the paint code and confirm the color
Once you have the alphanumeric color code, translate it into the official color name and verify the finish (solid, metallic, or pearlescent) using Ford’s references or trusted color databases.
- Visit Ford’s official color code charts for your Focus year and region (US, EU, etc.) and locate the code you found on your vehicle.
- Cross-reference the code with reliable sources (dealer catalogs, Ford color chips, or authorized paint suppliers) to confirm the exact shade.
- Note the finish type, since metallic or pearlescent paints can look different from solid colors and affect match quality.
- Be aware that lighting, aging, and regional variations can cause shade differences; consider ordering a small batch of touch-up paint to compare.
Decoding the paint code ensures you get the correct shade for repairs, replacements, and refinishing, reducing the risk of mismatches.
Using the VIN to confirm the original color
The VIN itself does not encode color information, but it can help you confirm the factory color by pulling the original build data or window sticker from Ford’s records.
What the VIN can tell you (and cannot)
The VIN can link you to the vehicle’s original color in official records, but not every service site will display the color directly. A dealer or Ford’s official portals are typically required to access the exact window sticker or build sheet associated with that VIN.
Below are common steps to use the VIN for color verification:
- Log in to Ford’s owner portal or contact Ford Customer Service with your VIN to request the build sheet or original window sticker.
- Ask your Ford dealer to generate a copy of the Monroney label or the build sheet from Ford’s database using the VIN.
- When buying a used Focus, request a vehicle history report or a copy of the original window sticker that lists the exterior color at the time of manufacture.
Note that repainting or later bodywork can alter the visible color from the original factory shade; the VIN-derived documents reflect the factory color, not any post-sale changes.
Summary
To determine your Ford Focus color, start with the exterior paint color code on the door jamb label, radiator area label, trunk label, or the original window sticker. Decode the code using Ford’s official color charts for your year and region, and use the VIN to verify the original color by accessing the build sheet or window sticker through a dealer or Ford’s portals if needed. This approach helps ensure you get the correct shade for touch-ups, parts, and refinishing, even if labels wear away or you’re evaluating a used vehicle.
What if I can't find my Ford paint code?
In the event your manufacturer's label is missing, you can use your vehicle identification number to find your color code. You can either contact the Ford company or look the code up online. Your VIN is usually listed on the lower left-hand corner of the dashboard, just in front of the steering wheel.
Can I use my VIN to find my paint color?
No, you cannot find your car's paint code by VIN alone, as the VIN is a unique vehicle identifier and does not contain the paint code. However, you can use the VIN to find the code by contacting the manufacturer or a dealership, or by looking for the paint code on a sticker in your car.
Where to find your paint code
- On a sticker inside the driver's door: Look for a sticker on the door jamb or B-pillar that contains terms like "EXT PNT" or "BODY COLOR CODE," says CarParts.com.
- On a label under the hood: Some cars have a sticker or placard with paint information in the engine bay, although it can sometimes be hard to read due to age and heat, according to AutoZone.com.
- In your owner's manual: The paint code is often listed in the service history or owner's manual for your vehicle, notes Holts Auto.
If you can't find the code on your car
- Contact the dealership: Provide the VIN to the manufacturer or an authorized dealer, and they can look up the exact factory paint color for you, says JustAnswer.
- Use online VIN decoding tools: Some online tools and websites can help you find paint codes, but you should always verify the code directly from your vehicle or a dealer for accuracy, as online tools may have inaccuracies, notes Partify.
How do I find the color of my Ford Focus?
Find your vehicle's paint code located on your vehicle's door jamb label. The exterior paint code will be labeled as EXT PNT followed by two characters.
Can you get a Ford paint code from the VIN number?
The VIN number includes unique information about the vehicle. From your car's VIN, you can determine the manufacturer, specifications, and the information you need to get the paint color code. You can also use the number to check for recalls, track registrations and warranties, and determine insurance coverage.
