- What you'll get from Subaru Impreza VIN check?
- Subaru Impreza Vehicle History Risk Factors
- Characters 1-3 of a Subaru Impreza VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Subaru Impreza
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Subaru Impreza VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Subaru Impreza VIN.
- 10th Character in the Subaru Impreza VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Subaru Impreza VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Subaru Impreza Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Subaru Impreza
- How to find a Subaru Impreza's VIN?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Subaru Impreza
What you’ll get from Subaru Impreza VIN check?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating it might be from the year 2020, providing insights into the potential age and historical value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Size: Details such as the vehicle being a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 5 doors are discernible, possibly indicating the body class and size.
- Engine and Performance Specifications: The VIN can explain engine details, possibly highlighting that the vehicle might have a 2.0 L displacement, 152 hp, and operates on gasoline, potentially revealing both performance capabilities and fuel type.
- Safety Features: A VIN can uncover a range of safety features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Curtain Airbags in the 1st and 2nd Rows, and Dynamic Brake Support (DBS), suggesting the vehicle’s emphasis on safety.
- Drive Type and Transmission: It can provide insights into the vehicle’s All-Wheel Drive (AWD) functionality and a manual transmission with 5 speeds, showcasing the drivetrain and transmission characteristics.
- Additional Features: The dataset might reveal the availability of advanced features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) being optional, indicating the potential for enhanced driving assist technology.
- Manufacturing Details: Information such as the manufacturing location being Lafayette, Indiana, in the United States is obtainable, possibly affording insights into the vehicle’s origin and production site.
Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Subaru Impreza VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter or digit sequences assigned to automotive manufacturers, providing essential information about the vehicle, including its country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. For the Subaru Impreza, two distinct WMIs have been used over the years. Initially, vehicles produced from 1993 to 2016 and again in 2024 were stamped with JF1, indicating that they were manufactured by Subaru Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. However, for the model years 2017 to 2023, the WMI changed to 4S3, signifying that these Imprezas were manufactured by Subaru of America, Inc., located in Lafayette, Indiana, United States. This transition underscores the global nature of automotive manufacturing and the specific nuances in the production locales of the Subaru Impreza over time.
List of WMI Codes for a Subaru Impreza
WMI: JF1
- Model Years Covered: 1993-2016, 2024
- Example VIN: JF1GF2448PG804026
- Manufacturer Name: Subaru Corporation
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Shibuya-Ku
- State or Province: Tokyo
- Country: Japan
WMI: 4S3
- Model Years Covered: 2017-2023
- Example VIN: 4S3GTAM60H3701349
- Manufacturer Name: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Lafayette
- State or Province: Indiana
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza 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 Impreza VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| R | 2024 Subaru Impreza |
| P | 2023 Subaru Impreza |
| N | 2022 Subaru Impreza |
| M | 2021 Subaru Impreza |
| L | 2020 Subaru Impreza |
| K | 2019 Subaru Impreza |
| J | 2018 Subaru Impreza |
| H | 2017 Subaru Impreza |
| G | 2016 Subaru Impreza |
| F | 2015 Subaru Impreza |
| E | 2014 Subaru Impreza |
| D | 2013 Subaru Impreza |
| C | 2012 Subaru Impreza |
| B | 2011 Subaru Impreza |
| A | 2010 Subaru Impreza |
| 9 | 2009 Subaru Impreza |
| 8 | 2008 Subaru Impreza |
| 7 | 2007 Subaru Impreza |
| 6 | 2006 Subaru Impreza |
| 5 | 2005 Subaru Impreza |
| 4 | 2004 Subaru Impreza |
| 3 | 2003 Subaru Impreza |
| 2 | 2002 Subaru Impreza |
| 1 | 2001 Subaru Impreza |
| Y | 2000 Subaru Impreza |
| X | 1999 Subaru Impreza |
| W | 1998 Subaru Impreza |
| V | 1997 Subaru Impreza |
| T | 1996 Subaru Impreza |
| S | 1995 Subaru Impreza |
| R | 1994 Subaru Impreza |
| P | 1993 Subaru Impreza |
11th Character in the Subaru Impreza VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Subaru Impreza Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ota | Gunma | Japan | Fhi | JF1GPAA60D1218190 |
| 2 | Ota | Gunma | Japan | Fhi | JF1GPAE60D2804389 |
| 3 | Lafayette | Indiana | United States | 4S3GTAM60H3701349 | |
| 8 | Ota | Gunma | Japan | Fhi (Main Plant ) | JF1GE616788510306 |
| 9 | Ota | Gunma | Japan | Fhi (Main Plant ) | JF1GPAC60E9273786 |
| G | Gunma | Japan | Fhi Gunma | JF1GF2448PG804026 | |
| H | Gunma | Japan | Fhi Gunma | JF1GC2545PH525814 | |
| K | Gunma | Japan | Fhi Gunma | JF1GC2441PK513826 | |
| L | Nan | Fuji Heavy Industries | JF1GD70604L509810 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Subaru Impreza
The final 6 characters in a Subaru Impreza’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a Subaru Impreza’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Subaru Impreza is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Subaru Impreza. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield on a small plate mounted just below where the dashboard meets the glass.
- Open the driver’s side door and check on the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). Often, the Subaru Impreza will have a VIN sticker or plate in this area.
- For some models, the Subaru Impreza’s VIN can be found under the hood where the engine compartment meets the windshield. It may be on a plate or sticker near the back of the engine bay.
- Examine the rear wheel well. Sometimes, on a Subaru Impreza, the VIN can be found inside the wheel well above the tire.
- Check your Subaru Impreza’s insurance or registration documents. These documents, provided by your insurance company or local vehicle registration office, always list the VIN along with other key details of your vehicle.
Don’t have your Subaru Impreza’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Subaru Impreza
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Standard |
| Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) | Not Available |
| 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 ($) | 22895 |
| Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Optional |
| Body Class | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) | Standard |
| Curtain Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd Rows |
| Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
| Displacement (CC) | 2000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 122.0474881894 |
| Displacement (L) | 2 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 152 |
| 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 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) |
| 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 | Impreza |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Number of Seat Rows | 2 |
| Number of Seats | 5 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| Other Engine Info | Naturally aspirated |
| Parking Assist | Not Available |
| Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) | Not Available |
| Plant City | Lafayette |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Indiana |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Not Available |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| 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 Speeds | 5 |
| Transmission Style | Manual/Standard |
| Trim | Sport |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 4S3GTAJ6*L1 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 105.10 |
| Wheel Size Front (inches) | 18 |
| Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 18 |
| Sample VIN | 4S3GTAJ60L1700341 |
Specs tell you what it was built with. A VIN check tells you what's happened since.
Check any Subaru Impreza for accident history, flood damage, salvage title, and odometer fraud.
Run a free VIN check →Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the VIN on a Subaru Impreza?
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 Impreza's history for free?
Enter the Subaru Impreza’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 Impreza VIN numbers start with?
Subaru Impreza VIN's start with JF1 for vehicles manufactured by Subaru Corporation in Japan, 4S3 for vehicles manufactured by Subaru of America, Inc. in United States. The first three characters of any VIN identify the manufacturer. The full WMI table on this page lists all known codes for the Subaru Impreza.
Decode a Subaru VIN
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