How to Read a Subaru VIN: Decoding Subaru VIN Numbers

If you are looking to buy a used Subaru or need to identify parts for your vehicle, it’s important to know how to read a Subaru VIN. A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufactured after 1981. The VIN contains important information about the vehicle’s manufacturer, model, engine type, and more. In this article, we will explain how to decode Subaru VIN numbers and provide tips on interpreting the information they contain.

Key Takeaways

• A Subaru VIN contains 17 characters that provide information about the vehicle’s manufacturer, model, engine type, and options package.
• The first three characters of a Subaru VIN indicate the manufacturer, model, and body style.
• The fourth through eighth characters indicate the vehicle’s features, such as the engine type and options package.
• The ninth character is a check digit that ensures the VIN is valid.
• The tenth character indicates the model year.
• The eleventh character indicates the manufacturing plant.
• The remaining characters indicate the vehicle’s production number.

Subaru VIN Structure

A Subaru VIN is composed of 17 characters that provide information about the vehicle’s manufacturer, model, engine type, and options package. The VIN is divided into sections that provide specific details about the vehicle. Here is a breakdown of the structure of a Subaru VIN:

• First three characters: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) code
• Fourth through eighth characters: Vehicle Description Section (VDS) code
• Ninth character: Check digit
• Tenth character: Model Year Identifier (MYI)
• Eleventh character: Plant code
• Twelfth through seventeenth characters: Production Sequence Number (PSN)

Now let’s take a closer look at each section.

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code

The first three characters of a Subaru VIN are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) code. This code identifies the manufacturer, model, and body style of the vehicle. The first character represents the country of origin, the second character represents the manufacturer, and the third character represents the vehicle type. For Subaru, the WMI code is JF1, JF2, or JF3.

Vehicle Description Section (VDS) Code

The fourth through eighth characters of a Subaru VIN make up the Vehicle Description Section (VDS) code. This section provides information about the vehicle’s features, such as the engine type and options package. Here is a breakdown of the VDS code:

• Fourth character: Body type
• Fifth character: Engine type
• Sixth and seventh characters: Model and trim level
• Eighth character: Restraint system

Check Digit

The ninth character of a Subaru VIN is a check digit that ensures the VIN is valid. The check digit is calculated using a formula that takes the other characters of the VIN into account.

Model Year Identifier (MYI)

The tenth character of a Subaru VIN indicates the vehicle’s model year. The MYI code is a letter that corresponds to a specific year. Here is a table of Subaru MYI codes and their corresponding years:

Plant Code

The eleventh character of a Subaru VIN indicates the manufacturing plant. This code is a letter that corresponds to a specific plant.

Production Sequence Number (PSN)

The remaining characters of a Subaru VIN make up the Production Sequence Number (PSN). This section indicates the production number of the vehicle.

How to Decode a Subaru VIN

Now that you know the structure of a Subaru VIN, let’s go over how to decode each section. Here is a breakdown of how to decode a Subaru VIN:

1. Identify the WMI code: The first three characters of a Subaru VIN are the WMI code, which identifies the manufacturer, model, and body style of the vehicle. For Subaru, the WMI code is JF1, JF2, or JF3.

2. Look at the VDS code: The fourth through eighth characters of a Subaru VIN make up the VDS code, which provides information about the vehicle’s features, such as the engine type and options package. Use the breakdown of the VDS code above to identify the information contained in this section.

3. Check the check digit: The ninth character of a Subaru VIN is a check digit that ensures the VIN is valid. Use a VIN decoder tool to make sure the check digit is correct.

4. Determine the model year: The tenth character of a Subaru VIN indicates the vehicle’s model year. Use the table of MYI codes above to determine the year.

5. Identify the manufacturing plant: The eleventh character of a Subaru VIN indicates the manufacturing plant. Use a VIN decoder tool to identify the specific plant.

6. Look at the production number: The remaining characters of a Subaru VIN make up the PSN, which indicates the production number of the vehicle.

Tips on Interpreting Subaru VIN Numbers

While the structure of a Subaru VIN is consistent across all vehicles, there are some tips to keep in mind when interpreting the information contained in a VIN number. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Be aware of inconsistencies: While the structure of a Subaru VIN is consistent, there can still be errors or inconsistencies in the information contained in the VIN. For example, the VDS code may indicate a certain engine type, but the vehicle may actually have a different engine.

• Use a VIN decoder tool: A VIN decoder tool can help you interpret the information contained in a Subaru VIN. These tools can provide additional information about the vehicle, such as the number of owners, accident history, and more.

• Check for recalls: The VIN is often used to identify vehicles that have been recalled. Use the VIN to check if the vehicle has any outstanding recalls that need to be addressed.

Conclusion

Decoding a Subaru VIN is an important skill for anyone looking to buy a used Subaru or identify parts for their vehicle. By understanding the structure of a Subaru VIN and how to decode each section, you can gain valuable insights into the vehicle’s manufacturer, model, engine type, and options package. Use the tips on interpreting Subaru VIN numbers to ensure you are making an informed decision when buying a used Subaru.