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Subaru VIN Decoder

Subaru has sold cars in the US since 1968 and builds vehicles in Lafayette, Indiana. Its horizontally opposed engines and standard all-wheel drive set it apart.

Built before 1981?

Can I decode a Subaru VIN from before 1981?

Not yet. A Subaru built before 1981 used a shorter, manufacturer-specific number rather than the 17-character standard, and our classic decoder does not cover Subaru so far. Every VIN searched there is recorded, and the makes people look up most are the ones we add next.

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Classic Subaru VINs Not yet Every VIN searched is recorded, and the makes people look up most are added next.
Reading a Subaru VIN

What do the first three characters of a Subaru VIN mean?

Japanese-built Subarus begin JF1 or JF2, while those built in Indiana begin 4S3 or 4S4. A Legacy and an Outback from the same year can carry different prefixes depending on the plant.

What each of the 17 positions means

The 17 positionsJF1 …
  • 1–3Manufacturer
  • 4–8Vehicle details
  • 9Check digit
  • 10Model year
  • 11Plant
  • 12–17Serial number
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