Subaru VIN Decoder
Subaru VIN Decoder
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the VinWhere Vehicle Data Team · Source: NHTSA vPIC
A Subaru VIN decoder reads a 17-character Subaru Vehicle Identification Number to identify factory data such as model year, make, model, body style, engine, drivetrain, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available. The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) — for example, JF1 identifies subaru built in japan.
What a Subaru VIN can tell you
A Subaru VIN can reveal the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available. Most Subarus encode symmetrical all-wheel drive.
Subaru VIN prefixes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Subaru VIN identify the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. Common Subaru prefixes include:
| WMI prefix | Identifies |
|---|---|
| JF1, JF2 | Subaru built in Japan |
| 4S3, 4S4 | Subaru built in the USA (Indiana) |
Reading a Subaru VIN
Country of build
A Subaru VIN starting with JF was built in Japan, while 4S indicates the US plant in Lafayette, Indiana.
All-wheel drive
Most Subaru models use standard all-wheel drive, which is reflected in the VIN's drivetrain field.
Position 10: model year
The 10th character encodes the Subaru model year code.
Sample Subaru VIN decode
An example decode for a Subaru VIN, showing the factory fields VinWhere returns:
- Year
- 2022
- Make
- SUBARU
- Model
- —
- Body
- Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- Engine
- —
- Drive
- AWD/All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- —
- Built in
- Lafayette, UNITED STATES (USA)
Example VIN for illustration. Decode your own Subaru VIN above for exact results.
How to read a Subaru VIN
Every 17-character Subaru VIN follows the same position structure. The 10th character is the model year (see the VIN year chart) and the 11th is the assembly plant.
| Position(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Country or region of manufacture (WMI) |
| 2 | Manufacturer (WMI) |
| 3 | Vehicle type or manufacturing division (WMI) |
| 4–8 | Vehicle attributes: model, body, engine, restraints (VDS) |
| 9 | Check digit (validates the VIN) |
| 10 | Model year |
| 11 | Assembly plant |
| 12–17 | Production sequence / serial number |
Common Subaru models
VinWhere decodes VINs across the Subaru lineup, including:
Subaru build sheet by VIN
Can I get a Subaru build sheet by VIN?
Yes. A Subaru build sheet is the factory record of how a specific vehicle was originally built — its installed options, packages, and paint and trim codes. VinWhere reconstructs this from the VIN: it decodes the factory specification, then checks the original Subaru window sticker (Monroney label), which lists the as-built options and original MSRP.
Start with the Subaru window sticker lookup to see the original as-built options and MSRP for your VIN.
Where to find your Subaru VIN
- Driver-side dashboard, through the windshield
- Driver door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance card and policy
Data sources and limitations
Subaru VIN decoding is based on manufacturer-reported vehicle data from the official NHTSA vPIC database, plus brand-specific window sticker providers where available. Some fields — trim, options, or window sticker — may be unavailable depending on the model year, vehicle type, and source. A VIN decode shows factory specifications only, never owner names, addresses, or private DMV records.
Subaru VIN decoder FAQ
How do I decode a Subaru VIN for free?+
Enter your 17-character Subaru VIN into VinWhere's free decoder to see the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, and assembly plant when available.
What does a Subaru VIN starting with 4S mean?+
A Subaru VIN starting with 4S was built in the United States at the Lafayette, Indiana plant. JF indicates Japan.
Does the decoder show all-wheel drive?+
Yes, when the manufacturer reported it. The VIN's drivetrain field reflects Subaru's all-wheel-drive system on most models.