Subaru VIN Decoder — Free Subaru VIN Lookup & Model Guide
Subaru VIN decoder: Enter any 17-character Subaru VIN below to decode the model year, trim, engine, transmission, drivetrain, factory equipment and open safety recalls — free, powered by official NHTSA data. Subaru is Subaru vehicles are widely available on the U.S. used-car market. Decode any Subaru VIN to confirm its factory build and check for open safety recalls.
About Subaru
Subaru vehicles are widely available on the U.S. used-car market. Decode any Subaru VIN to confirm its factory build and check for open safety recalls.
Subaru vehicles are decoded using the NHTSA vPIC public API. Every 17-character Subaru VIN identifies the country of manufacture (positions 1–3, the World Manufacturer Identifier or WMI), the model, body style and engine (positions 4–8), a check digit (position 9), the model year (position 10), the assembly plant (position 11) and the unique serial number (positions 12–17). Combine a VIN decode with a free recall check before you buy any used Subaru. For the make-specific breakdown, see the free Subaru VIN decoder guide.
How to read a Subaru VIN
A Subaru VIN is a 17-character code. The first three characters, the WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) — identify the country and manufacturer. The 10th character encodes the model year (e.g. K = 2019, L = 2020, M = 2021, N = 2022, P = 2023, R = 2024, S = 2025). Enter your VIN in the decoder above and VinSpecs returns the exact Subaru build sheet in seconds, including engine, transmission, drivetrain, restraints and assembly plant.
Popular Subaru models
Subaru Legacy
Sedan · Multiple model years
Subaru Outback
SUV · Multiple model years
Subaru Forester
SUV · Multiple model years
Subaru Impreza
Hatchback · Multiple model years
Subaru XV CrossTrek
Vehicle · Multiple model years
Subaru WRX
Vehicle · Multiple model years
All Subaru models (A–Z)
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Check any Subaru for open safety recalls
Recall repairs are free at any authorized Subaru dealer, regardless of the car's age or how many owners it has had. Use the recall checker by year, make and model, or decode a specific VIN above for its exact recall status.
Frequently asked questions about Subaru VINs
Where is the VIN on a Subaru?
The 17-character VIN is stamped in several places on every modern Subaru: visible through the windshield on the driver's-side dashboard, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, on the vehicle registration and insurance card, and on major mechanical components like the engine block. Cross-check them, all should match.
How do I decode a Subaru VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN into the VinSpecs decoder above. You'll get the exact Subaru model year, trim, engine, transmission, drivetrain, restraint system and assembly plant, plus any open NHTSA safety recalls. No signup, no cost.
How can I check for Subaru recalls?
Use the free recall checker by year/make/model, or decode a specific VIN for its per-vehicle recall status. Recall repairs are always free at authorized dealers.
What is the Subaru WMI code?
The Subaru WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) is encoded in the first three characters of the VIN and identifies the country and manufacturer. Because Subaru produces vehicles in Japan and often other countries, different WMIs are assigned to different plants and countries, decode any specific VIN to see the exact assembly origin.
Which Subaru model years can I decode?
NHTSA vPIC covers Subaru vehicles from 1981 forward, when the modern 17-character VIN standard took effect. Older Subaru VINs are shorter and use different formats, those are not decodable through vPIC.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC (specifications), NHTSA Recalls (recall status). VinSpecs is an independent service and is not affiliated with Subaru or any government agency.