Subaru VIN decoder

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

Example: jf2shabc4dh446076

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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

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Updated 2023-04-04

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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

Buying a used Subaru? Reliability, problems & recalls

Reliability. RepairPal rates Subaru 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 14th out of 32 brands. Average annual repair cost is $617 versus a $652 industry average, with 0.3 repair-shop visits per year (below the 0.4 average). Severity of repairs is slightly above average at 13% versus 12% across all makes. Consumer Reports named Subaru the #1 Overall and #1 Mainstream Brand for reliability in its most recent annual ranking (2024–2025). Source: repairpal.com

Resale value. iSeeCars analysis shows the Subaru Forester depreciates 28.9% after five years (71.1% resale value), the Crosstrek 28.8% (71.2% resale value), and the Impreza wagon 29.1% (70.9% resale value)—all well above the all-vehicle average of 41.5% depreciation. The Outback depreciates 38.6% over five years per iSeeCars, slightly below the compact-SUV category average of 39.9%. The Subaru Crosstrek was also named top Small SUV in JD Power's 2026 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards for the third consecutive year. Source: iseecars.com

Theft risk. Subarus are not among the most-stolen vehicles in the United States. IIHS-HLDI data for model years 2022–2024 shows the Subaru Crosstrek 4WD with EyeSight ranked among the lowest whole-vehicle… Source: iihs.org

Most-reported problems on used Subarus

  • EJ25 head gasket failure
  • FB engine excessive oil consumption
  • Lineartronic CVT reliability concerns
  • Windshield cracking
  • Brake light switch failure
  • Takata passenger airbag inflator rupture

Notable safety recalls (NHTSA)

  • 16V-358 / 16V-359 / 16V-361 — Takata passenger-side front airbag inflators containing non-desiccated ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant can rupture when…
  • 22V-907 — A defective wiring connection in the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) cabin heater can cause the heater to overheat and…
  • 23V-755 — An insufficiently welded inhibitor switch can allow water intrusion, causing the backup camera and reverse warning lights to stop…

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

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