Subaru VIN decoder

Free Subaru VIN decoder: lookup windows sticker / build sheet options

Example: JTMABABA6RA073214

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Each Subaru vehicle is assigned a unique 17-digit number known as a vehicle identification number (VIN). This code, made up of letters and digits, is used by Subaru manufacturers, dealerships, and insurance companies to identify and monitor specific cars. The VIN can be found on the vehicle itself. You can use a Subaru VIN decoder to learn more about the encoded data, including information on the vehicle's manufacture, model, production background, and other features. With the help of this decoder, you can discover more about your individual Subaru. Fun fact: Subaru is a Japanese automaker founded in 1953, known for producing a variety of vehicles including sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs, as well as its signature all-wheel drive technology.

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John - out author and car expert

By John Devn

our car expert

2 minutes read

Updated 2026-06-11

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Where to find Subaru VIN number

It can be found in several locations, including:

  • On the driver's side door jamb, in the area where the door connects to the car's frame when closed.
  • On the vehicle's driver's side dashboard, right below the windshield. It should be visible from outside through the windshield.
  • The VIN may be engraved on the engine block, typically located near the front of the engine.
  • The VIN may be imprinted on the chassis or frame.
  • The VIN may also be displayed on the transmission.
  • If a vehicle history report is available, the VIN will be listed. This report contains information about the car's ownership, maintenance history, and any previous accidents.
  • The VIN is often cited in documents related to the car, such as the owner's manual.
Where to find Subaru VIN number
Chart option of VIN number

Chart option of VIN number

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a Subaru vehicle. This code is usually the first three characters found in a VIN and helps to determine the country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. Some examples of WMI codes for Subaru vehicles include:

WMI code Company Location Date
4S3 Subaru-Isuzu of America  USA 1899-12-31
4S4 Subaru-Isuzu of America  USA 1899-12-31
JF1 Fuji Heavy Industries  Japan 1899-12-31
JF2 Fuji Heavy Industries  Japan 2008-11-06
JF3 Fuji Heavy Industries  Japan  2012-12-23
JF4 Fuji Heavy Industries  Japan 2012-12-23
JFB Fuji Heavy Industries  Japan 1899-12-31

The Vehicle Description Section (VDS) is a portion of the VIN that provides specific information about the vehicle's make, body design, powertrain, and transmission. It usually consists of six to seven characters that can be used to identify the car's original configuration and check for any modifications.

The Vehicle Identification Section (VIS) is another part of the VIN that provides specific information about the vehicle, such as the make, body design, powertrain, and transmission. The VIS typically consists of six to eight characters that can be used to identify the vehicle's features, place of manufacture, production order, and model year.

What you can know from VIN decoder tool

The VIN decoder tool can provide the following information:

  • Make, model, and year of the vehicle
  • Engine type and size
  • Transmission type
  • Trim level, options, and packages
  • Vehicle body style and number of doors
  • Manufacturing location of the vehicle
  • Safety equipment and features
  • Production date and sequence number
  • Vehicle color and interior trim
  • Vehicle's fuel efficiency and emissions rating
  • Recall and service bulletins
  • Manufacturer's warranty information
  • Registration and title information

Example of free VIN decoding

The VIN number "JF2GPANC1GH306365" belongs to a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (2.0i Limited PZEV) wagon.

  • 1st character (J): Indicates the country of origin, which in this case is Japan
  • 2nd character (F): Indicates the manufacturer, which in this case is Subaru
  • 3rd character (2): Identifies the vehicle attributes, such as model type, restraint types, body type, engine, and transmission
  • 4th-8th characters (2GPAN): Identifies the model, which in this case is Crosstrek
  • 9th character (C): Check digit, used to ensure the accuracy of the VIN
  • 10th character (1): Identifies the model year, which in this case is 2016
  • 11th character (G): Identifies the manufacturer's plant code, which in this case is unknown
  • 12th-17th characters (H306365): Identifies the production number, used to identify the specific vehicle within the production run

Using this breakdown of the VIN, we can determine that this is a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (2.0i Limited PZEV) wagon manufactured by FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES U.S.A., INC.

What you can know from VIN history

A vehicle history report, or VHR, can provide additional information about a vehicle's history, including:

  • Past ownership and registration information
  • Accident and damage reports
  • Service and maintenance records
  • Safety recalls and defects
  • Odometer readings and rollback history
  • Salvage or scrap classification
  • Flood or fire damage reports
  • Lemon history
  • Total loss records
  • Emissions test results
  • Title and registration information
  • Plate numbers
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Buying a used Subaru? Reliability, problems & recalls

Updated Jun 11, 2026 · sources: NHTSA, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, iSeeCars

Reliability. RepairPal ranks Subaru 14th of 32 brands, with average repair costs of $617 a year, slightly below the $652 industry average. Consumer Reports named Subaru the #1 brand for reliability in its 2024-2025 ranking. Source: repairpal.com

Resale value. Subarus hold their value well: the Forester, Crosstrek, and Impreza lose only about 29% of value over five years, versus a 41.5% average; the Outback loses about 39%. The Crosstrek also won a top resale-value award three years running. Source: iseecars.com

Theft risk. Subarus are rarely stolen. No Subaru appears on the 2024 most-stolen vehicle list, and the 2022-2024 Crosstrek had one of the lowest theft claim rates of any model. Source: iihs.org

Most-reported problems on used Subarus

  • Head gasket leaks (older non-turbo engines)
  • Excessive oil use (some 4-cylinder engines)
  • Transmission problems (2010-2017 Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek, Forester)
  • Windshield cracking (2015-2016 and 2019-2022 models)
  • Brake light switch failure
  • Dangerous airbags (2003-2014 models)

Notable safety recalls (NHTSA)

  • Airbag recall (2003-2014 models) — The passenger airbag can explode and spray metal fragments; check the car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm repair.
  • Fire-risk recall (2019-2022 Ascent) — A cabin-heater wiring fault can start a fire even when parked; owners were told to park outdoors until fixed.
  • Backup-camera recall (2021-2023 models) — Water in a switch can disable the backup camera and reverse lights or prevent starting; dealers fix it free.

Confirm open recalls free by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Sources: NHTSA, plus the reliability and resale data linked above.

What’s new (2026)

  • The Crosstrek loses just 29.1% of its value over five years — 4th best among small SUVs versus a 41.8% average; the Forester loses 32.6%. Source: iseecars.com
  • Subaru ranked #2 most reliable car brand in Consumer Reports' 2025 reliability survey, down one spot from #1 the year before. Source: consumerreports.org
  • Rear wheel bearings can wear out early and get noisy on 2019–2024 Forester, Ascent, Impreza, Crosstrek and 2020–2025 Outback/Legacy; Subaru released improved parts in 2025. Source: reddit.com

What buyers are asking right now

Are Subaru CVT automatic transmissions reliable long-term?
Most last past 150,000 miles if the fluid is changed every 30,000–50,000 miles, but 2016–2020 models have the most failure complaints around 80,000–120,000 miles. Run the VIN before buying to see if the transmission warranty was extended.
Do all used Subarus have the head gasket problem?
No — it mainly affects 2004–2010 models; newer engines fixed it, but 2011–2014 cars can burn oil. Engines from 2019 on show no widespread head gasket or oil problems.
Why are Subaru windshield replacements so expensive?
The safety-system cameras sit on the glass and must be recalibrated after every replacement, so a new windshield runs $1,500–$2,500 on 2019 and newer Forester and Outback models. Adding no-deductible glass coverage to your insurance is worth it.

Models of Subaru

  • The VIN may have been lost, covered up with paint or another substance, or purposefully removed by the owner or another person attempting to hide the identification of the car.

  • Reach out to the car manufacturer for assistance. They may be able to provide information on obtaining the VIN or have records of it.
  • Contact the car dealership where the vehicle was purchased. They may have information on the VIN or be able to assist in locating it.

All information about Subaru on this page is based on data from:

NHTSA logo

NHTSA

SaferCar logo

SafeCar

NMVTIS logo

NMVTIS