Online VIN decoderFree Subaru VIN lookup
Have the VIN of a Subaru? Enter all 17 characters and see the model, engine, model year and plant for free, then check the history: accidents, title brands and odometer.
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Where to find the VIN on a Subaru
On a Subaru the VIN plate sits at the lower left of the windshield and on the driver-side door jamb; the same 17 characters are printed on the title, the registration card and the insurance card. If any of them differ, stop and check the vehicle history.
- Dashboard, driver side
Look through the windshield in the lower left corner, where the dash meets the glass.
- Driver-side door jamb
The sticker or plate on the B-pillar or door edge (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard label).
- Engine bay or frame
Stamped on the firewall or, on trucks, on the frame rail near the front wheel.
- Title certificate
Every state title shows the VIN near the year, make and model.
- Registration card
The registration card in the glove box repeats the VIN.
- Compare with the car
If the VIN on the title differs from the one on the dashboard, do not buy until it is explained.
- Insurance ID card
Your insurance card or app lists the VIN of each covered vehicle.
- Policy documents
The declarations page of the policy shows the full VIN too.
- Service records
Repair orders and dealer invoices usually carry the VIN as well.
How to recognize a Subaru VIN
Subaru is a brand from Japan. The first three characters of the VIN (the WMI code) identify the maker and, often, the plant or the market the vehicle was built for.
Example: a VIN that starts with JF1 stands for Subaru cars, Japan. The 10th character is the model year; the last six characters are the production number. A VIN that starts with another code is not necessarily a problem (makers change codes over time), but it is worth checking the history before you buy.
Subaru plants in North America
A VIN that starts with 1, 4 or 5 was assigned in the United States, 2 in Canada and 3 in Mexico. Subaru builds or built vehicles for the US market here:
- Lafayette, Indiana (Outback, Legacy, Ascent, Crosstrek)
Subaru VIN decoder by model
| Model | Production years | Generations | Engine versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Legacy | 1989–present | 21 | 124 |
| Subaru Impreza | 1992–present | 18 | 119 |
| Subaru Libero | 1993–1998 | 1 | 1 |
| Subaru Trezia | 2010–2014 | 1 | 3 |
| Subaru XV | 2011–present | 4 | 17 |
| Subaru Ascent | 2018–present | 1 | 1 |
| Subaru Baja | 2002–2006 | 1 | 4 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 2017–present | 2 | 6 |
| Subaru Domingo | 1993–1998 | 1 | 2 |
| Subaru Forester | 1997–present | 7 | 42 |
| Subaru Justy | 1983–2011 | 4 | 16 |
| Subaru Leone | 1979–1994 | 5 | 27 |
What each part of a Subaru VIN means
For Subaru: JF1, JF2, 4S3, 4S4. The first character is the region (Japan or the country of the plant).
Subaru codes the model line, body style and engine here, which is why the VIN shows which version of the Subaru Legacy you are looking at.
Every Subaru sold in the US carries a valid check digit; our decoder flags a VIN whose check digit does not compute.
Model year, plant code and the unique production number of the Subaru, which history reports use to link accidents, title brands and odometer readings.
The full guide: year codes, WMI countries and the check digit · Subaru VIN check: history, recalls, title
What does a Subaru VIN start with?
Usually one of these codes: JF1 – Subaru cars, Japan; JF2 – Subaru SUVs, Japan; 4S3 – Subaru cars, Lafayette, Indiana; 4S4 – Subaru SUVs, Lafayette, Indiana. The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI); a maker can have several, one per plant, vehicle type or market.
Where are Subaru vehicles for the US built?
In North America, Subaru builds or built at Lafayette, Indiana (Outback, Legacy, Ascent, Crosstrek). Their VINs start with 4S3 and 4S4. Imported Subaru vehicles keep the code of their home plant.
Does the VIN show the model year of a Subaru?
Yes: on Subaru VINs the 10th character is the model year (see the VIN year chart). The letter repeats every 30 years, so check it against the production years of the model.
Can I see the history of a Subaru from its VIN?
The free decode shows what the car is. Accidents, title brands and odometer readings are in the Subaru history report; recalls are checked on the Subaru VIN check page.