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Subaru VIN Decoder

Subaru VIN Decoder

Subaru began its automotive pursuits as other ultra-successful manufacturers, out of Japan. They restructured after the war and focused on the automotive sector in the United States. Known for their unrivaled safety and top-tier engines, Subaru has built a loyal following.

Subaru offers a unique lookup feature for its cars: an “Original Window Sticker” on the vehicle. If you want to know how your vehicle was delivered, Head to the Subaru website and search for the Digita Monroney for the invoice.

Any Subaru, built in the US or imported, is required by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to have a 17-digit code identifying the features of that specific car. Using the GoodCar VIN Decoder, discover how the Subaru VIN comprises numbers and letters in a 17-digit alphanumeric sequence, providing detailed manufacturer information.

The ISO is the global organization overseeing the implementation of individualized ID numbers. The NHTSA in the United States administers the VINs of nearly 284 million vehicles.

Deciphering a Subaru VIN

Each character within the 17-digit string has a set position and offers specific information. The 17 characters' VIN is unique to each vehicle, and general positions and information stay the same across all other VINs.

Manufacture Identifier
  • 1
region
  • F
automaker
  • T
manufacturer
Vehicle descriptor section
  • 8
  • W
series
  • B
body type
  • A
restraint system
  • T
engine
 
  • B
checksum DIGIT
 
  • 8
model year
 
  • U
manufacturing plant
production sequence number
  • c
  • 3
  • 8
  • 8
  • 9
VIN Digit
Meaning
1st
Location one of the Subaru VIN indicates the general region of the world where the vehicle was manufactured.
1st + 2nd
In combination with the first position, Subaru describes the country where the vehicle was built.
3rd
Position three is the passenger car or truck’s manufacturer.
4th - 8th
The next five positions of the Subaru VIN tell the most information about the specific vehicle. Body type, restraint system, and so on. Positions four and five describe the specific vehicle group and series.
5th
Position five gives the vehicle series.
6th
In the sixth position of the Subaru VIN is the body type, such as a two or four-door, or hatchback.
7th
Restraint systems are described in position seven; these could be dual front airbags, side curtains, or seatbelt pre-tensioners.
8th
Subaru's four-cylinder engine types are reserved for the eight position.
9th
Position nine is the check digit for the specific vehicle. Along with the check digit, a pre-determined algorithm is used to validate the VIN.
10th
The Subaru model year is reserved for position ten.
11th
Position eleven tells the exact plant where a specific model was built and assembled.
12th - 17th
The next six slots are generally used for the vehicle's serial or sequence number. There is a lot of leeway for manufacturers when using these last digits. Descriptions of sensor-based technology add-ons are given, such as lane-assist.

Where Can I Find the VIN on My Subaru?

Look for the Subaru VIN in two NHTSA-required locations: the driver’s side dashboard at the windshield and the driver’s side door jam. The VIN is stamped on a plate or sticker with the plant where the vehicle was built and the types of tires and air pressure needed.

VINs may be stamped on the front fender inside the engine compartment and on a plate at the firewall of the engine bay. The VIN will also be included in any vehicle documentation, such as title, insurance, or registration papers.

Popular Subaru Models

Subaru wrx

The Subaru WRX may not be the best-selling model, but it is certainly the fastest. This quick little four-door has a supercharged, technologically advanced four-cylinder engine that creates 271 hp. The WRX is lightning fast, going from 0 to 60 in under three seconds.

Subaru forester

The Forester by Subaru is an extremely reliable SUV with plenty of power and towing capacity. The four-cylinder engine delivers 180 hp and great gas mileage 26 city and 33 highway. The all-wheel drive *compact SUV offers advanced safety features along with entertainment and technology advancements.

Subaru solterra

Automakers around the globe often partner with other builders to introduce a specialty automobile. In other instances, brands utilize the manufacturing plants of other car builders to build a more efficient car or truck. Such is the case of the Subaru Solera and the Toyota bZ4x. The Soltera's VIN structures are similar to those of the bZ4x, and confusion reigns inside insurance and government title offices.

Since its introduction to the United States market, Subaru has been known as a dependable AWD brand. To improve its stellar safety ratings, Subaru introduced “EyeSight”- a set of driver-assist technologies. These new features help the driver avoid collisions by pre-braking and throttle management.

Prospective Subaru owners should always have access to a history report for the model they hope to purchase. Quality reporting services such as GoodCar’s Vehicle History Reports provide a complete timeline of every significant event that has happened to that specific vehicle. Millions of data points are scanned from private and public databases for any information on the VIN.

GoodCar reports can benefit the prospective buyer and also help to determine the best insurance. GoodCar accesses approved NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) databases to discover everything about the vehicle.

Subaru VIN Lookup

price

The reports provide detailed vehicle specifications, including model, transmission types, and standard and optional equipment. GoodCar offers the body and drive type, braking and restraint system, and the plant where the car was built. Reports go a step further and give estimated pricing and trade-in values, sales history, and NHTSA crash ratings.

Records

One of the more significant pieces of information provided is the title status. Over fifty title brands, such as salvage or junk condition, are searched for in state records. Salvage means the vehicle has been damaged beyond repair and holds no value. Junk titles mean the car is incapable of safe operation. Other title brands include fire, water/flood damage, and rebuilt titles.

odometer

Odometer fraud is a significant vehicle crime that many prospective buyers fall victim to. Manufacturers are discovering ways to make the mileage indicator more secure. However, many of the devices are easily hacked, or they are analog. GoodCar provides every instance of the car serviced or recalled with the mileage and timeline recorded.

Dealers

Any new car that develops a problem and goes through the dealership’s service lane several times and cannot be repaired is deemed a Lemon Car. After verifying all documentation, the automaker must purchase the vehicle back from the owner.

History report

Vehicle History reports uncover any recalls by VIN. The NHTSA or manufacturer’s recall notices are given for the vehicle’s structure, engine, or powertrain. GoodCar offers the recall status, NHTSA ID, date, and description, along with the remedy.

Subaru Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

Recalls are handed down by the NHTSA or the manufacturer when it is determined the vehicle, car seat, or equipment poses a safety risk or does not meet minimum safety protocols. Most recalls are voluntary and repaired free of charge.

  • Subaru recalled the 2024 Crosstrek and Imprezas for a faulty instrument panel that may come in contact with the steering column, causing an unsafe driving hazard. Insulation and wiring may become damaged. Dealers will inspect any vehicles and add an additional clamp on the column if necessary.
  • From 2021 to 2023, Crosstrek, Forester, Legacy, and Outback SUVs were recalled for a faulty switch preventing backup cameras and warning lights from turning on when the vehicle is shifted or the gear position indicator does not work correctly. In some cases, the vehicle will not start. Owners are urged to bring the vehicle to the dealership to replace the faulty switch.
  • A consumer alert for 2019 to 2022 Subarus, which can pose a risk of fire. The recall affects 271,694 vehicles. The heater core’s wiring connection may have a defect while the heater is in operation, which may cause an engine compartment fire. Owners should park their vehicles until the free recall repair is completed.
  • Subaru has had over 500,000 vehicles recalled because of the faulty Takata airbags. The recall affects several models from 2003 to 2014 in the Subaru lineup. The Takata airbags could explode, sending shrapnel into the passenger compartment. The NHTSA has said the airbag inflators are at fault, and the vehicle should be parked until Subaru can fix the issue.