Subaru Engine Serial Number Decoder

Robin/Subaru Product Number Label The product number and serial number will be found on a bar code attached to your engine. The specification number and the code number form the product number that will appear first on the bar code. Look up your Robin/Subaru engine parts. How to decipher the serial number (VDS) on a Subaru? The vehicle descriptor section (VDS) is a tool that indicates the generation and the version of the vehicle. The model code or vehicle descriptor section (VDS) of a Subaru is located within the 17 digit serial number (VIN) of your vehicle.

• The engine serial number is made up of several components. For example, a full engine serial number could be PJ56P. The engine serial number is the complete number shown. This is made up of. The list number or build list, typically 2 to 4 letters followed by 4 or 5 numbers; a letter identifying the country; a series of numbers showing.
• Subaru EN engine. The Subaru EN inline-four engine was introduced in 1988 to replace the straight-two EK series engine that was originally engineered as an air-cooled engine and then was modified as a water-cooled engine used in the 1969–1972 Subaru R-2. The EN is used in all kei cars and kei trucks currently in production by Subaru.

• NOTE: This information appears to not conform with current information
• Note: This information is incorrect for 4th Generation JDM Legacys.

Subaru uses a 17-character VIN format and code for vehicles sold in the United States. These rules also largely apply to the Saab 9-2x, a badge-engineered Subaru Impreza WRX wagon.

Subaru VIN code[edit]

The following sample is the sequence and meaning of each character in the Subaru VIN:

Position	Sample	Description
1	J	World Manufacturer Identifier
2	F
3	1
4	C	Line type
5	X	Body style
6	8	Engine type
7	6	Model identifier
8	5	Restraint type
9	9	Check digit
10	T	Model year
11	H	Plant of manufacture & transmission type
12	1	Sequential production number
13	0
14	0
15	2
16	1
17	6

Subaru WMIs[edit]

The WMI is specified in the first three characters of the Subaru VIN

WMI	Country	Description	Vehicle Types
JF1	Japan	Fuji Heavy Industries	Passenger Vehicle
JF2	Japan	Fuji Heavy Industries	MPV
4S3	USA	Subaru-Isuzu Automotive / Subaru of Indiana Automotive	Passenger Vehicle
4S4	USA	Subaru-Isuzu Automotive / Subaru of Indiana Automotive	MPV

MPV means Multi-Purpose Vehicle (station wagon, SUV, van or truck)

Line type[edit]

The line type is specified in the fourth character of the Subaru VIN

VIN Code	Description
A	DL/GL/GL-10/Leone/Loyale/Alcyone XT/XT6
B	Legacy/Baja
C	Alcyone SVX
G	Impreza
K	Justy
S	Forester
V	WRX/LEVORG
W	Tribeca/B9 Tribeca/Ascent
Z	BRZ/FRS/GT86

Body style[edit]

The body style is specified in the fifth character of the Subaru VIN *This section is incorrect for 4th Gen Outbacks

VIN Code	Description
A	XX-94 Justy 3-Door
B	80-84 2nd gen. Leone/DL/GL sedan
C	1st gen. Sedan (Impreza/Legacy); 85-94 Leone/DL/GL/Loyale sedan
D	XX-94 Justy 5-Door; 2nd gen. Sedan (Impreza/Legacy)
E	3rd gen. Sedan (Impreza/Legacy)
F	1st gen. Wagon (raised-roof Legacy/Impreza/Forester); 80-89 2nd gen. Leone/DL/GL hatchback
G	2nd gen. Wagon (raised-roof Legacy/Outback/Impreza/Forester); 85-94 3rd gen. Leone/DL/GL/Loyale hatchback
H	3rd. gen Legacy/Outback Wagon/Impreza Hatch
J	1st gen. non-raised-roof Legacy Wagon
K	2nd gen. non-raised-roof Legacy Wagon
L	4th gen. Legacy Sedan
M	1st gen. Impreza Coupe; 80-84 2nd gen. Leone/DL/GL wagon; 5th gen. Legacy Sedan, 1st gen Ascent
M	Levorg Wagon
N	85-94 3rd. gen Leone/DL/GL/GL-10/Loyale wagon
P	4th gen. Legacy/Outback Wagon
R	Impreza Hatch Widebody
S	6th Gen. Outback Wagon
T	Baja; 80-84 2nd gen. Leone/DL/GL Brat
U	85-87 2nd gen. Leone/DL/GL Brat
V	Impreza WRX Sedan Widebody
W	80-84 2nd gen. Leone/DL/GL coupe
X	XT/SVX Coupe; Tribeca

Engine type[edit]

The engine type is specified in the sixth character of the Subaru VIN

VIN Code	Description
1	1300cc - 1989; 1800cc FWD 1996
2	1600cc - 1989; 1800cc Impreza 1993-95; 1800cc Impreza AWD 1996-97; 2000cc AWD Turbo 2002-05
3	1600 4WD - 1989; 3300cc FWD/AWD 1992-1995; 2200cc FWD 1996-99
4	1800cc 1985-94; 2200cc AWD 1996-2000; FB 1600cc DIT AWD 2015+
5	1800cc 4WD w/out air susp - 1988, 1989; 1800cc 4WD 1990-94 2000cc 2004-
6	2200cc 1990; 2200cc FWD/AWD 1991-95; 2200cc AWD (Ghost); 2500cc AWD 1996-2000; 2500cc AWD
7	1800cc 4WD w/ air susp; 2200cc FWD 1989-94; 2500cc AWD Turbo
8	2500cc FWD; 1200cc 4WD 1991; 1200cc AWD 1992-94; 3000cc 2001-2009; 3300cc FWD/AWD 1996-97
9	2500cc 4WD w/ & w/out air susp 1989-91; 3600cc 2008-up
A	2400cc AWD
B	?
D	2000cc DOHC Turbo Diesel

Model[edit]

The model is identified in the seventh character of the Subaru VIN

VIN Code	Description
1	Base
2	Brighton
3	L
4	2.5GT with cloth
5	LS/S
6	LSi, Outback base
7	GT/RS, Outback AWP
8	Outback Limited Wagon/SUS
9	Postal Vehicle/WRX/Outback VDC
0	Outback L.L. Bean
K	STI WRX/Levorg/Outback
P	Ascent
V	XV Crosstrek

Restraint Type (Passenger) or Weight Class (MPV)[edit]

The restraint type, for passenger vehicles, or the weight class (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), for MPVs, is specified in the eighth character of the Subaru VIN

VIN Code	Description
1	No Passive Restraint
2	Automatic Seat Belt w/o Air Bag
3	Automatic Seat Belt w/ Air Bag
4	Manual Seat Belt w/ Air Bag 1993-94; Automatic Seat Belt w/ Driver/Passenger Air Bags
5	Manual Seat Belt w/ Driver/Passenger Air Bags
6	Manual Seat Belt w/ Driver/Passenger Air Bags and Side Air Bags
A	Class A (GVWR 3000 lbs. or less)
B	Class B (GVWR 3001-4000 lbs.)
C	Class C (GVWR 4001-5000 lbs.)
D	Class D (GVWR 5001-6000 lbs.)

The Check Digit is identified in the ninth character of the Subaru VIN

The Model Year is identified in the tenth character of the Subaru VIN

Letters began being reused in 2010.

VIN Code	Description
1	2001
2	2002
3	2003
4	2004
5	2005
6	2006
7	2007
8	2008
9	2009
A	1980, 2010
B	1981, 2011
C	1982, 2012
D	1983, 2013
E	1984, 2014
F	1985, 2015
G	1986, 2016
H	1987, 2017
I	not used
J	1988, 2018
K	1989, 2019
L	1990
M	1991
N	1992
P	1993
R	1994
S	1995
T	1996
V	1997
W	1998
X	1999
Y	2000

Plants and transmission type[edit]

The assembly plant and transmission type is specified in the eleventh character of the Subaru VIN

VIN Code	Plant	Transmission
1	SIA	FWD 5MT
3	SIA	Full-time AWD 6MT/AT
4	SIA	Full-time AWD 5AT
5	SIA	Sport Shift Automatic
6	SIA	Full-time AWD 5MT
7	SIA	Full-time AWD 4EAT
8	SIA	Full-time AWD 4EAT (Postal RHD)
9	SIA	FWD 4EAT
A	FHI	FWD 4MT
B	FHI	FWD 5MT
C	FHI	FWD 3AT/ECVT
D	FHI	On-demand AWD 5MT
E	FHI	4spd 4wd Dual Range MT 81-84, 85-89 Hatchback, 85-89 Brat. 5spd 4wd dual range MT 85-89
F	FHI	On-demand AWD 3AT
G	FHI	Full-time AWD 5MT. Full-time AWD CVT.
H	FHI	Full-time AWD 4EAT
K	FHI	FWD 4EAT
L	FHI	Full-time AWD 6MT
P	FHI	Full-time AWD 4EAT (Postal RHD)

• • SIA = Subaru-Isuzu of America (now known as Subaru of Indiana Automotive), Lafayette, Indiana
  • FHI = Fuji Heavy Industries, Gunma, Japan

The Vehicle Production Sequence number is specified in the twelfth - seventeenth characters of the Subaru VIN

• • 100000 and after - Legacy Sedan SUS (Jan 98 - May 98)
  • 210001 and after - Legacy Sedan
  • 310001 and after - Legacy Station Wagon
  • 410001 and after - Impreza Coupe; Ascent
  • 510001 and after - Impreza Sedan
  • 610001 and after - Legacy Station Wagon Outback
  • 710001 and after - Forester Wagon
  • 810001 and after - Impreza Sports Wagon

External links[edit]

Online Subaru VIN decoder

SUBARU SERIAL NUMBER VIN DE-CODER, READ YOUR VEHICLE'S VINExamples
on this page, through 2009 model year: Legacy, Outback - Forester - Impreza, WRX, STI - Tribeca - Baja - SVX
other pages: 2010 VINS

Note - this unofficial independent Subaru research site is designed to help you learn about Subarus. It is not sponsored, authorized, supported or approved by Subaru or any dealer and is not connected to or affiliated with, any dealer. Always contact your local dealer. Inspect any vehicle prior to purchasing. Information subject to change, correction, updating.

text, formatting c j spitz, unauthorized reproduction prohibited. thanks for visiting. you are here http://www.cars101.com/subaru/vin.html v 2.23.10

The current VIN is 17 characters long.
This system started in 1981. Prior to that, VINs varied in length from 11 to 17 characters.

Where is it located: Left front corner of dashboard, driver's door jam, various body panels and engine components, your registration and title Canon selphy cp810 driver for windows 10.

A code's specific meaning may be different on a yearly basis but the position remains the same.

VIN real examples are below	4	S	3	B	E	6	3	5	X	3	6	2	0	0	0	0	1
position #	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12-17
means	manufacturer's code	line	body	engine	model/trim	restraint systems	check digit	year	factory andtransmission	sequential production number

Positions 1-2-3 are the Manufacturer ID code.
1: country code. J is Japan (1 or 4 is USA, 2 is Canada, 3 Mexico, K Korea, S England, W Germany, Z Italy etc)
2. manufacturer. F is Fuji Heavy Industries (A is Audi, B BMW, C Chrysler, F Ord, G GM, H Honda, S Subaru, V VW etc)
3. Vehicle type or manufacturing division

JF1 is FHI Fuji Heavy Industry passenger vehicle, made in Japan
4S3 is a SIA Subaru-Isuzu factory passenger vehicle
4S4 is a SIA Subaru-Isuzu factory MPV multi purpose vehicle such as the 2005 Outback, but not the 04 which was a 4S3 because it was still considered a car.

Position 4 is Line type, ie. what product line. B is Legacy, G is Impreza, S is Forester,

Position 5- tells what kind of body, ie Impreza sedan, Legacy wagon, Baja, Impreza or Forester wagon, Legacy wagon etc.
D- Impreza sedan; L- Legacy sedan; G Impreza Sport wgn and Forester; P- Legacy wagon; T- Baja
This code can change yearly.

Position 6 - Engine types, varies by year. This can change yearly
2 is 2.0L turbo 4cyl; 6 is either 2.2L or 2.5L 4 cyl; 7 is a 2.5L turbo STi motor; 8 is a 3.0L 6 cyl.

Position 7 - model type and trim. First, you have to know the model, then you can decipher the correct trim.

2003: 1: Baja, 2: Brighton, 3: Legacy L, Forester X, 4: Legacy GT, 5: Legacy GT w/ leather, Impreza TS, Forester XS, 6: Legacy Outback, 7: Legacy Outback w/ All Weather pkg, Impreza RS sedan, 8: Legacy Outback Limited wagon and sedan, Impreza Outback Sport, 9: Legacy Outback wagon H6, Impreza WRX, 0: Legacy Outback LL Bean wagon

2005

number	Legacy sedan	Legacy wagon	Outback	Forester	Impreza	Baja
1	2.5i	2.5i	2.5i
2	2.5i Limited	2.5i Limited	2.5i Limited	Sport
3	X	Turbo
4	3.0R sedan
5	3.0R VDC	XS
6	3.0R LL Bean	RS sedan w/ sport pkg
7	GT Limited	GT Limited	XT Limited	XS w/ moonroof, LL Bean	RS sedan, wagon
8	GT	GT	XT	Outback Sport
9	XT	WRX sedan, wagon
0	WRX STi

Position 8 is the Restraint. 5- manual seat belts with dual front airbags, 6- manual seat belts with dual front and dual side airbags.
C: Class C (4001-5000lbs) MPV Hacking bank account software free pc windows 10.

Position 9: check digit. A mathamatical formula that takes all the other characters in the VIN and comes up with a value of 0-9 or X, thus ensuring accuracy. I have no idea how this works. It's a mystery.

Position 10: Model year: J is 1988, K is 1989, L 1990, M 1991, N 1992, P 1993, R 1994, S 1995, T 1996, V 1997, W 1998, X 1999, Y 2000, 1 2001, 2 2002, 3 2003,
4 2004, 5 2005, 6 2006, 7 2007, 8 2008..

Enigmatis the mists of ravenwood walkthrough. Position 11- Manufacturing plant and Transmission: can vary by year
SIA (US Built)- 4: SIA, 5spd SportShift automatic, 5: SIA, 4spd SportShift automatic, 6: 5spd manual awd, 7: automatic awd, '-' can be 6spd manual, postal car depending on the year
FHI (Japan built)- G: manual awd, H: automatic awd, L 6spd manual

Position 12-17- sequential production numbers. Changes yearly, based on the line
100001 Baja; 200001 Legacy and Outback sedan; 300001 Legacy and Outback wagon; 500001 Impreza sedan; 600001 Legacy and Outback wagon;
700001 Forester; 800001 Impreza Sport wagon

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Real examplesExample from 2005. This is an Outback XT Limited wagon
4S4 B P 6 7 C 4 5 4 32662- (last digit left blank because this is a real car).

position	1-2-3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12-17
this VIN	4S4	B	P	6	7	C	?	5	4	50431-
what it means	made in USA at SIA, is a truck	Legacy line	Legacy wagon	either 2.2 or 2,.5L. since it's 2005 it's 2.5	since it's a 4S4 truck, this must be an Outback XT Limited	manual seat belts and front and side airbags	check digit, a mathematical mystery	5= 2005	in 2005, 4 meant 5spd automatic	sequential production number

.Example from 2005. This is an Impreza STi sedan
JF1 G D 7 0 6 9 5 L 51722-- (last digit left blank because this is a real car).

position	1-2-3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12-17
this VIN	JF1	G	D	7	0	6	?	5	L	50431-
what it means	made by Fuji in Japan	Impreza line	Impreza sedan	2.5L turbo, STi only	since it's an Impreza 0 = STi	manual seat belts and front and side airbags	check digit, a mathematical mystery	5= 2005	in 05 L was AWD 6spd manual	sequential production number

.Example from 2003. This is an Impreza WRX sedan
JF1 G D 2 9 6 3 3 G 50431- (last digit left blank because this is a real car).

position	1-2-3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12-17
this VIN	JF1	G	D	2	9	6	?	3	G	50431-
what it means	made by Fuji in Japan	Impreza line	Impreza sedan	2.0L turbo	WRX or H6 Legacy wagon (this is a WRX)	manual seat belts and front and side airbags	check digit, a mathematical mystery	it's a 2003	in 1995 G was manaul AWD if made in Japan	sequential production number

.Example from 1995. This is an automatic 2wd Legacy L wagon
4S3 B K 6 3 5 X S 9 32008- (last digit left blank because this is a real car).

position	1-2-3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12-17
this VIN	4S3	B	K	6	3	5	?	S	9	932008-
what it means	made in SIA	Legacy line	wagon	2.2L	must have been 2wd L wgn	manual seat belts and dual airbags	check digit, a mathematical mystery	1995	in 1995 9 must have been SIA automatic 2wd	sequential production number

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2009 VIN chart

2008 2008

start of specific model

2009 Tribeca
-

*****
2008 Tribeca
******
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2007 Tribeca

2006 B9 TRIBECA
c SoA

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2009 Legacy and Outback

2008 Legacy and Outback VIN
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2007 Legacy and Outback VIN
07 Legacy, Outback
c SoA

top2006 Legacy and Outback VIN
C SoAtop2005 Outback, Legacy
*****
2004 LEGACY, OUTBACK VIN

C SoA
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top1999 Outback, Legacy

2009 Forester
-
*****
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Subaru Engine Serial Number Lookup

top2008 Forester(see schematic above)

2007 Forester
c SoA

top2004 Forester
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2000 Forester

2009 Impreza

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2008 Impreza

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top2008 Impreza STI
2008 Subaru Impreza STI VIN codes
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2007 Impreza
**********top2006 Impreza WRX, STI VIN codes
cSoA
2004 Impreza WRX, STI VIN code
c SoA
2002 Impreza
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2001 Impreza VIN
c SoAtop1999 Impreza

1997 Impreza VIN codes
c SoA

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2006 BAJA
2004 Baja

Subaru Block Numbers

Subaru Engine Identification Codes

1997 SVX

Subaru Engine Identification Numbers

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Subaru Engine Serial Number Decoder