How to decode a 2018 Subaru BRZ VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2018 Subaru BRZ VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing insight into where and by whom the vehicle was made. For instance, Subaru Corporation, based in Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, uses the WMI “JF1” for models such as the 2018 Subaru BRZ, a passenger car celebrated for its performance and design. This three-letter code is the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which serves as a unique identifier for each vehicle, enabling detailed information about the vehicle’s manufacturing origin to be easily accessed. It is an essential tool for automotive industries, regulatory bodies, and consumers alike, offering a clear trace of the vehicle’s production history.

List of WMI Codes for a 2018 Subaru BRZ

WMI: JF1

Model Years Covered: 2013-2020, 2022-2024
Example VIN: JF1ZCAD10J9600060
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 2018 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 2018 Subaru BRZ:

Known VDS for a 2018 Subaru BRZ
ZCAD1	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 2018 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 2018 Subaru BRZ VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
J	2018

11th Character in the 2018 Subaru BRZ VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2018 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	JF1ZCAC10J8601426
9	Ota	Gunma	Japan	Main Plant	JF1ZCAD10J9600060

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2018 Subaru BRZ

The final 6 characters in a 2018 Subaru BRZ’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2018 Subaru BRZ’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2018 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, which is typically visible through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb for a sticker that might have the VIN labeled on it.
Check the engine bay, as the VIN might also be stamped onto a plate or a part of the chassis around the engine compartment.
Look at your vehicle registration documents or the title; the VIN of your Subaru BRZ will be mentioned there.
Examine the rear wheel well on the driver’s side by looking above the tire; sometimes there might be a sticker.
Check your insurance card or policy, as it should list the VIN of your Subaru BRZ.

What info can a 2018 Subaru BRZ VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as being 2018, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Doors: The vehicle is specified as a coupe, which may indicate a 2-door design, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
Engine Type and Capacity: The VIN indicates a 2.0-liter engine capacity, providing information about the vehicle’s compact size and engine performance.
Horsepower and Transmission: The VIN details an engine with 200-205 horsepower and a manual transmission with 6 speeds, hinting at the vehicle’s capability and driving dynamics.
Safety Equipment: Safety equipment such as front air bags and curtain air bags for the first row (driver and passenger) are noted, indicating protection measures for occupants.
Fuel Type: The VIN reveals that the car runs on gasoline, providing insight into the fuel preferences and potentially the efficiency of the vehicle.
Manufacturing Location: Manufacturing information shows that the vehicle was made in Ota, Gunma, Japan by the Main Plant, offering clues on the origin and quality control standards.
Advanced Features: Features like a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) of the direct type and manual seat belt type highlight some of the vehicle’s advanced and safety functionalities.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2018 Subaru BRZ

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Displacement (CC)	2000
Displacement (CI)	122.0474881894
Displacement (L)	2
Doors	2
Engine Brake (hp) From	200
Engine Brake (hp) To	205
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
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)
Model	BRZ
Model Year	2018
Other Engine Info	Naturally Aspirated Engine Engine Brake (hp):205HP(MT) or 200HP(AT)
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	Automatic
Trim	High
Vehicle Descriptor	JF1ZCAC1*J8
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	JF1ZCAC10J8601426