- What you'll get from Subaru VIN check?
- Subaru Vehicle History Risk Factors
- Characters 1-3 of a Subaru VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Subaru
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Subaru VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Subaru VIN.
- 10th Character in the Subaru VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Subaru VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Subaru Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Subaru
- How to find a Subaru's VIN?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Subaru
What you’ll get from Subaru VIN check?
- Model Year: The VIN may reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2020, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: This vehicle may come equipped with standard safety features such as Pre-Collision Systems, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, and Lane Keeping Assistance, suggesting a focus on safety and advanced driving assistance technologies.
- Engine and Performance Specifications: The vehicle may feature a 2.4L turbocharged engine generating 260 horsepower, coupled with an All-Wheel Drive system and a Continuously Variable Transmission, pointing to its potential performance capabilities and drivetrain specifics.
- Comfort and Convenience Features: Features like a Backup Camera, Keyless Ignition, and LED Steering Responsive Headlights may be included, indicating a focus on modern convenience and driver assistance aspects to enhance the driving experience.
- Fuel Type and Efficiency: The vehicle may utilize gasoline as its primary fuel source, with a displacement of 2.4L, potentially offering insights into its engine size and fuel efficiency.
- Seating Capacity and Interior Space: The VIN suggests the availability of three seat rows and a total seating capacity for eight passengers, indicating ample interior space likely targeting family or multipurpose vehicle needs.
- Body Class and Type: Classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle/Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, it possibly offers versatility in both passenger and cargo arrangements, catering to a range of user needs.
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Subaru Vehicle History Risk Factors
Subaru’s reputation for reliability is strong among loyal owners, but the used Subaru market has several specific patterns that a vehicle history check will help surface.
Head gasket failures on 2.5L EJ25 non-turbo engine (1999–2011 Outback, Forester, Legacy, Impreza). This is the most well-known Subaru issue in the used car market. The non-turbo 2.5L EJ25 engine had a head gasket design that failed at elevated rates, typically between 80,000 and 150,000 miles, causing external coolant leaks and, if ignored, internal coolant-oil mixing. Repair costs are $1,500–$2,500. Service records showing head gasket replacement on older Subarus are a significant data point — it means the repair was done, which is better than not, but the engine’s overall condition should still be evaluated carefully.
CVT reliability on Crosstrek and Impreza (2017–present). Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT has generated more owner complaints in recent model years than the previous automatic transmissions. High-mileage examples warrant inspection of transmission fluid service history.
Oil consumption on 2013–2020 2.0L FB20 and 2.5L FB25 engines. Subaru’s second-generation flat-four engines had a documented oil consumption issue — some owners reporting 1 quart per 1,000 miles — that prompted a class action settlement and extended warranty coverage. A Bumper report won’t show oil consumption directly, but ownership and service records can indicate whether the issue was addressed under warranty.
WRX and STI engine modifications. Turbocharged Subarus — particularly WRX and STI models — are among the most frequently modified vehicles in the used market. Engine swaps, aftermarket turbo upgrades, and ECU tunes are common and void the factory powertrain warranty. VIN-confirmed factory spec verification is the first step in evaluating any used performance Subaru.
A Bumper VIN check shows accident history, title brands, flood damage, and odometer records for this specific vehicle.
How to decode a Subaru VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Subaru VIN
World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to uniquely identify the make and model of vehicles. For Subaru vehicles, these codes help to offer specific data such as the manufacturer’s name, the type of vehicle, and the production location. Subaru has several WMIs, including 4S4 for multipurpose passenger vehicles made by Subaru of America, Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana, USA, covering model years from 1990 to 2024. The JF1 and JF2 codes are assigned to Subaru Corporation in Tokyo, Japan, distinguishing between passenger cars and multipurpose vehicles respectively, for a wide range of model years. These identifiers play a crucial role in vehicle registration, identification, and in certain cases, international trade.
List of WMI Codes for a Subaru
| WMI | Manufacturer Name | Vehicle Type | City | State or Province | Country | Model Years Covered | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4S4 | Subaru of America, Inc. | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Lafayette | Indiana | United States | 1990, 1994, 2003-2024 | 4S4WMAMD0K3400008 |
| JF3 | Fuji Heavy Industries U.S.A., Inc. (c/o Subaru of America) | Truck | Cherry Hill | New Jersey | United States | 1986 | JF3AU53B1GE503887 |
| JF2 | Subaru Corporation | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Shibuya-Ku | Tokyo | Japan | 1982-1994, 2009-2024 | JF2AT53B4CE504176 |
| JF1 | Subaru Corporation | Passenger Car | Shibuya-Ku | Tokyo | Japan | 1984-2024 | JF1ZCAB10D1604339 |
| 4S3 | Subaru of America, Inc. | Passenger Car | Lafayette | Indiana | United States | 1991-2024 | 4S3GTAM60H3701349 |
| JTM | Toyota Motor Corporation | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) | Toyota City | Aichi Prefecture | Japan | 2023-2024 | JTMABABA0PA000417 |
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Subaru VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Subaru’s Vehicle Descriptor Section encodes drivetrain type, engine variant, body style, and series configuration across the Outback, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, and Crosstrek lineups. Virtually all Subaru models share the same symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, so the VDS encoding focuses more heavily on distinguishing engine variants — particularly the 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder, 2.5L naturally aspirated, 2.5L turbocharged (Legacy GT, Forester XT), and the EJ257 turbocharged flat-four used in the WRX and STI. The engine character in the VDS is critical for WRX and STI buyers especially, as VIN-confirmed engine verification protects against the common practice of installing aftermarket engines into base Impreza shells.
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 Subaru 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 Subaru VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| R | 2024 |
| P | 2023 |
| N | 2022 |
| M | 2021 |
| L | 2020 |
| K | 2019 |
| J | 2018 |
| H | 2017 |
| G | 2016 |
| F | 2015 |
| E | 2014 |
| D | 2013 |
| C | 2012 |
| B | 2011 |
| A | 2010 |
| 9 | 2009 |
| 8 | 2008 |
| 7 | 2007 |
| 6 | 2006 |
| 5 | 2005 |
| 4 | 2004 |
| 3 | 2003 |
| 2 | 2002 |
| 1 | 2001 |
| Y | 2000 |
| X | 1999 |
| W | 1998 |
| V | 1997 |
| T | 1996 |
| S | 1995 |
| R | 1994 |
| P | 1993 |
| N | 1992 |
| M | 1991 |
| L | 1990 |
| K | 1989 |
| J | 1988 |
| H | 1987 |
| G | 1986 |
| F | 1985 |
| E | 1984 |
| D | 1983 |
| C | 1982 |
11th Character in the Subaru VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Subaru Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ota | Gunma | Japan | Fhi | JF1ZCAB10D1604339 |
| 2 | Ota | Gunma | Japan | Fhi | JF1ZCAC10D2600302 |
| 3 | Lafayette | Indiana | United States | Sia | 4S4WMAMD0K3400008 |
| 4 | Lafayette | Indiana | United States | Sia | 4S4WX85C064400659 |
| 5 | Lafayette | Indiana | United States | Sia | 4S4BT63C045101200 |
| 6 | Lafayette | Indiana | United States | Sia | 4S4BT61C036102990 |
| 7 | Lafayette | Indiana | United States | Sia | 4S4BT61C037101512 |
| 8 | Ota | Gunma | Japan | Fhi (Main Plant ) | JF1ZCAC10E8600332 |
| 9 | Ota | Gunma | Japan | Fhi (Main Plant ) | JF1ZCAB10E9600214 |
| A | Toyota City | Aichi | Japan | Toyota Motor Corporation-Motomachi Plant | JTMABABA0PA000417 |
| B | Gunma | Japan | JF1AF43B1FB107567 | ||
| C | Gunma | Japan | JF1AF43B0EC110937 | ||
| D | Gunma | Japan | JF2AM52B8ED474980 | ||
| E | Gunma | Japan | JF3AU53B1GE503887 | ||
| F | Gunma | Japan | JF2AC53B2FF221290 | ||
| G | Ota | Gunma | Japan | Yajima Plant | JF2GPAAC0GG227202 |
| H | Ota | Gunma | Japan | Yajima Plant | JF2GPABC0GH201708 |
| K | Gunma | Japan | Fhi Gunma | JF1GC2441PK513826 | |
| L | Nan | Fuji Heavy Industries | JF1GD70604L509810 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Subaru
The final 6 characters in a Subaru’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Decode a Subaru VIN
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a Subaru’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Subaru is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Explore the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Subaru. Typically, the VIN is displayed on a metal plate, visible through the front windshield.
- Inspect the driver’s side door jamb on your Subaru. The VIN can often be found on a label or sticker where the door latches shut.
- Look at the engine block of your Subaru. The VIN might be stamped onto the engine itself, providing direct identification of the vehicle.
- Check your Subaru’s registration documents. The VIN is always listed on the vehicle registration certificate, insurance documents, and ownership title.
- Review the vehicle’s insurance card or policy. Your Subaru’s VIN is often printed on insurance documents for easy reference.
- Inspect the rear wheel well. In some Subaru models, the VIN might be visible inside the well area, just above the tire.
Don’t have your Subaru’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Subaru
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Safety System Note | Pre-Collision Throttle Management: Standard; Eyesight Assist /monitor: Standard; Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Standard; Reverse Automatic Braking: Standard; 180-degree front-view camera: Standard; LED Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH): Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Standard |
| Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) | Standard |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
| Auto-Reverse System for Windows and Sunroofs | Standard |
| Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) / Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) | Standard |
| Automatic Pedestrian Alerting Sound (for Hybrid and EV only) | Not Available |
| Axles | 2 |
| Backup Camera | Standard |
| Base Price ($) | 39345.00 |
| Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Standard |
| Body Class | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) | Standard |
| Curtain Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd and 3rd Rows |
| Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
| Displacement (CC) | 2400.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 146.45698582735 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.4 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 260 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Event Data Recorder (EDR) | Not Available |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | Standard |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) |
| Headlamp Light Source | LED |
| Keyless Ignition | Standard |
| Knee Air Bag Locations | Driver Seat Only |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) | Standard |
| Model | Ascent |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Number of Seat Rows | 3 |
| Number of Seats | 8 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Front seat-mounted side air bag on seat backs |
| Parking Assist | Not Available |
| Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) | Not Available |
| Plant City | Lafayette |
| Plant Company Name | SIA |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Indiana |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Standard |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Seat Cushion Air Bag Locations | Driver Seat Only |
| Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching | Standard |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Traction Control | Standard |
| Transmission Style | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Trim | Limited 8+ES+KA+M/R+NAVI+H/K |
| Turbo | Yes |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 4S4WMALD*L3 |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 113.80 |
| Wheel Size Front (inches) | 20 |
| Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 20 |
| Sample VIN | 4S4WMALD0L3400559 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the VIN on a Subaru?
On most Subaru vehicles, the VIN is located on the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield from outside the car. It’s also on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb, and on your insurance card, title, and registration documents.
How do I check a Subaru's history for free?
Enter the Subaru’s 17-digit VIN into Bumper’s free VIN check at bumper.com. The free check shows factory specs and open NHTSA recalls. For the full history including accident records, title brands, theft status, and ownership history, run a full Bumper report.
What do Subaru VIN numbers start with?
Subaru VIN's start with 4S4 and 4S3 for vehicles manufactured by Subaru of America, Inc. in United States, JF3 for vehicles manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries U.S.A., Inc. (c/o Subaru of America) in United States, JF2 and JF1 for vehicles manufactured by Subaru Corporation in Japan, JTM for vehicles manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. The first three characters of any VIN identify the manufacturer. The full WMI table on this page lists all known codes for the Subaru.
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