How to decode a 2016 Subaru BRZ VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 Subaru BRZ VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter or digit sequences that identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. For the 2016 Subaru BRZ, the WMI “JF1” specifically denotes that the car was produced by Subaru Corporation, a well-known automotive manufacturer based in Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. This WMI is crucial for recognizing the vehicle’s origin and the company responsible for its production. As part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), it helps in distinguishing this Subaru BRZ model not only by its make and model year but also by its manufacturing location, confirming its authenticity and lineage within the sprawling global automotive industry. The presence of a WMI like “JF1” on a Subaru BRZ signifies a quality assurance and a direct link to the manufacturer, facilitating vehicle tracking, registration, and recall processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 Subaru BRZ

WMI: JF1

Model Years Covered: 2013-2020, 2022-2024
Example VIN: JF1ZCAC10G9600246
Manufacturer Name: Subaru Corporation
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Shibuya-Ku
State or Province: Tokyo
Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2016 Subaru BRZ VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

Engine type
Transmission
Model or trim
Body style
Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2016 Subaru BRZ:

Known VDS for a 2016 Subaru BRZ
ZCAC1	ZCAB1

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2016 Subaru BRZ VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2016 Subaru BRZ VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
G	2016

11th Character in the 2016 Subaru BRZ VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 Subaru BRZ Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
8	Ota	Gunma	Japan	Main Plant	JF1ZCAC10G8600799
9	Ota	Gunma	Japan	Main Plant	JF1ZCAC10G9600246

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 Subaru BRZ

The final 6 characters in a 2016 Subaru BRZ’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Subaru BRZ’s VIN below:

How to find a 2016 Subaru BRZ’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2016 Subaru BRZ is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Subaru BRZ where it meets the windshield. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
Examine the driver’s side door jamb on your Subaru BRZ. The VIN is often located on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
Check the engine bay of your 2016 Subaru BRZ. There is often a VIN plate affixed to the engine compartment.
Inspect the front of the car frame inside the Subaru BRZ, near the windshield washer fluid container. Sometimes the VIN is stamped onto the frame.
Look in the rear-wheel well above the tire. In some vehicles, including the Subaru BRZ, the VIN might be found stamped on the body in this area.
Review your Subaru BRZ’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or the vehicle title (ownership document), as the VIN will be printed on these documents.

What info can a 2016 Subaru BRZ VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the 2016 BRZ’s production year, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Size: The VIN’s decoded information suggests that the vehicle is a Coupe, giving insight into the body type and general size, potentially influencing aerodynamics and handling.
Engine Type and Capacity: Decoding the VIN can specify the engine as a 2.0 NA, providing details about the engine’s capacity and type, impacting the vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency.
Safety Feature Indications: The VIN includes safety feature data, showing that this model is equipped with curtain, front, and side airbags for the 1st row (driver and passenger), potentially enhancing the vehicle’s safety ratings and occupant protection.
Transmission Details: The VIN details the transmission as manual/standard with 6 speeds, offering specifics on the vehicle’s drive system and potential performance characteristics.
Manufacturing Origin: The VIN pinpoints the vehicle’s manufacturing details, revealing it was produced in Ota, Gunma, Japan, at the Main Plant, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin and manufacturing standards.
Weight Class: From the VIN, the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is classified as Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), providing an idea of the vehicle’s weight range and potential load capacity.

Don’t have your 2016 Subaru BRZ’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 Subaru BRZ

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Engine Model	2.0 NA
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model	BRZ
Model Year	2016
Plant City	Ota
Plant Company Name	Main plant
Plant Country	Japan
Plant State	Gunma
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Transmission Speeds	6
Transmission Style	Manual/Standard
Trim	High
Vehicle Descriptor	JF1ZCAC1*G9
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	JF1ZCAC10G9600246