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Free Subaru VIN Decoder

Decode any Subaru VIN for free and read the model, engine, body and factory options in seconds, plus recalls and safety ratings, for Subaru vehicles built in Japan. No registration.

JF1SJ9LC4FG123456See a decoded Subaru VIN
WMI: JF1 · JF2 · JF3 Plant-code decode Recall lookup NCAP safety
39 Subaru models covered Free instant decode, no sign-up Official open-data sources

How to read a Subaru VIN number

A Subaru VIN has 17 characters. Each section tells you something different about the car.

JF1
1–3WMI · maker & country
SJ9LC4
4–9VDS · model, body, engine
F
10Model year
G
11Assembly plant
123456
12–17Serial number
WMI (1–3) World Manufacturer Identifier, Subaru uses JF1 · JF2 · JF3.
VDS (4–9) model line, body, engine and restraint, position 9 is the check digit.
Model year (10) a single letter or digit for the model year.
Plant (11) the assembly plant where this Subaru was built.
Serial (12–17) the unique production sequence number.

Where is Subaru made?

Subaru is a Japanese manufacturer (Subaru Corporation) based in Gunma. European cars are built in Japan and carry JF-prefix WMIs; nearly all use boxer engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive.

JP Ōta (Gunma)JP YajimaUS Lafayette, IN

Popular Subaru models we decode

All variants and years are covered, see the full list further down.

Estate / SUV

Outback

Rugged all-wheel-drive estate crossover.

Mid SUV

Forester

Practical, capable family SUV.

Compact SUV

XV / Crosstrek

Raised compact crossover.

Compact

Impreza

Symmetrical-AWD hatch and saloon.

Estate

Levorg

Sporty performance estate.

Sports saloon

WRX

Rally-bred turbocharged performance saloon.

Why check a Subaru VIN before buying?

A Subaru VIN check helps you avoid odometer fraud, confirm the car matches its documents, reveal outstanding recalls, and verify the exact specification before you commit, essential for imported or cross-border vehicles.

Free VIN decode vs full history report

The free decoder covers the basics from open data. A full history report adds the records that aren't publicly available.

Free VIN decode

This tool · €0
  • ✓ Full specifications
  • ✓ Safety recalls
  • ✓ Safety ratings (NCAP)
  • ✓ Emissions & CO₂
  • Mileage history
  • Theft / stolen check
  • Accident history
Full history

Full history report

via carVertical
  • ✓ Everything in the free decode
  • ✓ Mileage / odometer verification
  • ✓ Stolen-vehicle check
  • ✓ Accident & damage records
  • ✓ Ownership & registration history
Check full history

20% off with code vindecoderapp · the “Check full history” button is an affiliate link to carVertical, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

How to find your Subaru VIN number

The 17-character VIN appears in several places on the car and its paperwork.

Windscreen & door

Through the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, and on the driver's door-jamb sticker.

Engine bay & body

Many Subaru models also stamp the VIN on the engine-bay bulkhead or a strut tower.

Registration documents

The VIN is printed on the registration certificate (V5C / title) and the insurance documents.

Subaru models in our spec database (39)

Every Subaru model and generation we hold specifications for.

360 1958–1971Ascent 2022+BRZ 2016–2021Baja 2003–2006Crosstrek 2015–2017Crosstrek Wilderness 2024+Exiga 2008+Forester 2000–2018G3X Justy 2004–2007Impreza 2005–2011Impreza 4 doors 2012–2016Impreza 5 doors 2012–2016Impreza WRX STi 1998–2014Impreza Wagon 1993–2005Justy 2008–2016Justy 3 doors 1989–2003Justy 5 doors 1989–2003Legacy 2002–2022Legacy Sedan B4 2009–2014Legacy Wagon 2002–2014Levorg 2014+Liberty Sedan 2008–2015Mini Jumbo 3 doors 1988–1991Mini Jumbo 5 doors 1988–1992Outback 1999–2019Outback Wilderness 2024+R1 2005–2010R2 1969–2010SVX 1992–1997Solterra 2021+Stella 2006–2011Trezia 2010–2014Tribeca 2005+Vivio 3 Doors 1992–2000Vivio 5 Doors 1992–2000WRX 2015+WRX STI 2015+WRX STI S209 2019+XV 2012–2015

Decode other makes

Comparing vehicles from different brands? Open another make-specific decoder, or browse all makes.

Subaru VIN Decoder FAQ

Common questions about checking Subaru vehicle identification numbers.

What is a Subaru VIN decoder?+
A Subaru VIN decoder reads the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number and returns the model, engine, body type, model year, production plant and factory options. Our Subaru VIN checker is free and needs no registration.
How do I decode a Subaru VIN for free?+
Enter the 17-character VIN in the box at the top of the page and submit. The free Subaru VIN checker instantly runs a lookup and returns specifications, recall information and available safety ratings.
Where is the VIN located on a Subaru?+
On most Subaru vehicles the VIN is visible at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, on the driver's door jamb sticker, and on the vehicle registration document (V5C / title).
How many characters is a Subaru VIN?+
A valid Subaru VIN has exactly 17 characters and never contains the letters I, O or Q, to avoid confusion with the digits 1 and 0.
Where is Subaru made, and how do I tell from the VIN?+
Subaru is associated with Japan and is built at several plants. The country and plant are encoded in the VIN: Subaru uses WMI prefixes such as JF1 · JF2 · JF3, and position 11 identifies the assembly plant.
Is the Subaru VIN decoder really free?+
Yes. Decoding specifications, recalls and safety ratings is completely free with no account required. A paid full-history report is optional if you also need mileage and theft checks.
Can I check Subaru recalls by VIN?+
Yes. The decoder cross-references Subaru recall campaigns from NHTSA, Transport Canada and the EU Safety Gate so you can see whether a specific VIN is affected.
What is the difference between a free decode and a full history report?+
The free decode covers specifications, recalls, safety ratings and emissions. The full report adds mileage verification, stolen-vehicle checks, accident records and ownership history.

Decode your Subaru VIN, free

Enter the 17-character VIN to get instant specifications, recalls and safety data. No registration required.

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