Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Subaru/VIN Codes
This chart is applicable to Subaru models made for North America.
Subaru uses a 17-character VIN format and code for vehicles sold in the United States. These rules also apply to the Saab 9-2X, a badge-engineered Subaru Impreza wagon and to the Scion FR-S/Toyota 86/Toyota GR86, a twin of the Subaru BRZ.
Subaru VIN code
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 |
The above serial number describes the following vehicle built in Japan by Fuji Heavy Industries:
1996 Subaru Alcyone SVX, 3.3L EG33 engine, AWD 4EAT transmission, manual seat belts
with driver / passenger airbags. The 216th vehicle produced during the 1996 model year.
with driver / passenger airbags. The 216th vehicle produced during the 1996 model year.
Subaru WMIs
The WMI is specified in the first three characters of the Subaru VIN
| WMI | Country | Description | Vehicle Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| JF1 | Japan | Fuji Heavy Industries/Subaru Corp. (Includes Scion FR-S/Toyota 86/Toyota GR86.) | Passenger Vehicle |
| JF2 | Japan | Fuji Heavy Industries/Subaru Corp. | MPV |
| JF3 | Japan | Fuji Heavy Industries | truck |
| JF4 | Japan | Fuji Heavy Industries-built Saab (9-2X) | Passenger Vehicle |
| MMR | Thailand | Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) Ltd. | |
| PLP | Malaysia | Tan Chong Motor Assemblies | |
| 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 (Normally includes SUV or passenger van. Subaru has often classified 4wd versions of other body styles as an MPV as well.)
Line type
The line type is specified in the fourth character of the Subaru VIN
| VIN Code | Description |
|---|---|
| A | STD/DL/GL/GLF/GL-10/RX/Loyale/Brat |
| A | XT/XT6 |
| B | Legacy/Outback/Baja |
| C | SVX |
| G | Subaru Impreza '93-/Impreza WRX '02-'14/XV Crosstrek '13-'15/Crosstrek '16-/Saab 9-2X '05-'06 |
| K | Justy '87-'94 & '95 in Canada |
| S | Forester |
| V | WRX '15- |
| V | Levorg (2nd gen. known as WRX Sportswagon in Australia & WRX wagon in S.E. Asia) (Not sold in North America) |
| W | B9 Tribeca/Tribeca |
| W | Ascent |
| Z | Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S/Toyota 86/Toyota GR86 |
A also indicated Restraint type for 1981-1986 models. A meant Manual seatbelts.
Body style
The body style is specified in the fifth character of the Subaru VIN
| VIN Code | Description |
|---|---|
| A | '87-'94 Justy 3-Door |
| A | '15-'21 WRX, WRX STi sedan (1st gen.) |
| B | '81-'84 DL/GL 4-door sedan (2nd gen.) |
| B | '22- WRX sedan (2nd gen.) |
| C | '85-'93 DL/GL/GL-10/RX/Turbo/Loyale sedan (3rd gen.) |
| C | '90-'94 Legacy sedan (1st gen.) |
| C | '93-'01 Impreza sedan (1st gen.) |
| C | '13-'20 BRZ coupe (1st gen.) |
| D | '90-'94 Justy 5-Door |
| D | '95-'99 Legacy sedan, '97-'99 Legacy SUS (2nd gen. Legacy) |
| D | '02-'07 Impreza sedan, Impreza WRX sedan (2nd gen.) |
| D | '22- BRZ coupe (2nd gen.) |
| E | '00-'04 Legacy sedan, Outback sedan (3rd gen. Legacy) |
| E | '08-'11 Impreza sedan, '08-'10 Impreza WRX sedan (3rd gen.) |
| F | '81-'89 STD/DL/GL 3-door hatchback (2nd gen.) |
| F | '93-'01 Impreza wagon, '95-'01 Impreza Outback Sport (1st gen.) |
| F | '94 Legacy GT wagon [raised-roof] (1st gen.) |
| F | Wagon: Forester (1st gen.) '98-'02 |
| G | '86-'90 DL/GL/RX/Turbo/Loyale 3-door coupe (3rd gen.) |
| G | '96-'99 Legacy Outback wagon [raised-roof] (2nd gen. Legacy) |
| G | '02-'07 Impreza wagon, Impreza WRX wagon, Impreza Outback Sport (2nd gen.), '05-'06 Saab 9-2X |
| G | Wagon: Forester (2nd gen.) '03-'08 |
| H | '00-'04 Legacy wagon, Outback wagon (3rd gen. Legacy) |
| H | '08-'11 Impreza 5-door hatchback, '08-'11 Impreza Outback Sport, '08-'10 Impreza WRX 5-door hatchback (3rd gen.) |
| H | Wagon: Forester (3rd gen.) '09-'13 |
| J | '90-'94 Legacy wagon [non-raised-roof] (1st gen.) |
| J | '12-'16 Impreza sedan (4th gen.) |
| J | Wagon: Forester (4th gen.) '14-'18 |
| K | '89-'90 GL/GL-10/Turbo/Loyale Touring wagon [raised roof] (3rd gen.) |
| K | '95-'99 Legacy wagon [non-raised-roof] (2nd gen.) |
| K | '17-'23 Impreza sedan (5th gen.) |
| K | Wagon: Forester (5th gen.) '19-'24, Forester Wilderness '22-'25 |
| L | '05-'09 Legacy sedan, '05-'07 Outback sedan (4th gen. Legacy) |
| L | Wagon: Forester (6th gen.) '25-, Forester Wilderness '26- |
| M | '81-'84 DL/GL 4-door wagon (2nd gen.) |
| M | '95-'01 Impreza coupe (1st gen.) |
| M | '10-'14 Legacy sedan (5th gen.) |
| M | '19- Ascent (1st gen.) |
| M | Levorg wagon (1st gen.) (Not sold in North America) |
| N | '85-'94 DL/GL/GL-10/Turbo/Loyale wagon (3rd gen.) |
| N | '13-'16 Scion FR-S, '17-'20 Toyota 86, '22- Toyota GR86 coupe |
| N | '15-'19 Legacy sedan (6th gen.) |
| N | Levorg wagon (WRX Sportswagon in Australia/WRX wagon in S.E. Asia) (2nd gen.) (Not sold in North America) |
| P | '05-'07 (& '08-'09 in Canada) Legacy wagon, '05-'09 Outback wagon (4th gen. Legacy) |
| P | '12-'16 Impreza 5-door hatchback (4th gen.), '13-'15 XV Crosstrek, '16-'17 Crosstrek (1st gen.) |
| R | Brat 1981 (1st gen.) |
| R | '08-'14 Impreza WRX STi 5-door hatchback [widebody] (3rd gen.) |
| R | '11-'14 Impreza WRX 5-door hatchback [widebody] (3rd gen.) |
| R | '10-'14 Outback wagon |
| S | '15-'19 Outback Wagon |
| T | Brat 1982-1985 (2nd gen.) |
| T | '03-'06 Baja |
| T | '17-'23 Impreza 5-door hatchback (5th gen.), '18-'23 Crosstrek (2nd gen.) |
| T | '20-'25 Outback Wagon |
| U | Brat 1986-1987 (2nd gen.) |
| U | '24- Impreza 5-door hatchback (6th gen.), '24- Crosstrek (3rd gen.) |
| V | '11-'14 Impreza WRX, WRX STi sedan [widebody] (3rd gen.) |
| W | '81-'84 DL/GL/GLF 2-door hardtop coupe (2nd gen.) |
| W | '20-'25 Legacy sedan (7th gen.) |
| X | '85-'91 XT/XT6 coupe |
| X | '92-'97 SVX coupe |
| X | '06-'07 B9 Tribeca, '08-'14 Tribeca |
Engine type
The engine type is specified in the sixth character of the Subaru VIN
| VIN code | Engine | Application |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2.0L DOHC, 16-valve FA20D flat-4 (Toyota 4U-GSE). Toyota D-4S Direct/Port injection. Dual VVT. |
Subaru BRZ '13-'20, Toyota Scion FR-S '13-'16, Toyota 86 '17-'20 |
| A | 2.0L DOHC, 16-valve FB20B flat-4. MPI. Dual VVT. | Subaru Impreza '12-'16 (except WRX models), XV Crosstrek '13-'15, Crosstrek '16-'17 |
| A | 2.0L DOHC, 16-valve FB20D flat-4. Direct injection. Dual VVT. | Subaru Impreza '17-'23, Impreza Base, Sport '24-'25, Crosstrek Base '18-'25, Premium '18-'24, Limited '18-'20 |
| A | 2.5L DOHC, 16-valve FB25D flat-4. Direct injection. Dual VVT. | Subaru Forester '19-'24, Forester Wilderness '22-'25, Legacy '20-'25, Outback '20-'25 |
| A | 2.4L DOHC, 16-valve turbo/intercooled FA24F flat-4. Direct injection. Dual VVT. | Subaru Ascent '19-'25, WRX '22-'25 |
| B | 2.0L DOHC, 16-valve FB20X flat-4 + 1 electric motor. Nickel-metal hydride Battery Pack. MPI. Dual VVT. |
Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid '14-'15, Crosstrek Hybrid '16 |
| B | 2.4L DOHC, 16-valve FA24D flat-4. Toyota D-4S Direct/Port injection. Dual VVT. | Subaru BRZ '22-'25, Toyota GR86 '22-'25 |
| D | 2.0L DOHC, 16-valve FB20V flat-4 + 2 electric motors. Lithium-ion battery pack. Direct injection. Dual VVT. Atkinson cycle. | Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV) '19-'23 |
| D | 2.5L DOHC, 16-valve FB25D flat-4. Direct injection. Dual VVT. | Subaru Forester '25 (except Wilderness), '26 |
| G | 2.4L DOHC, 16-valve turbo/intercooled FA24F flat-4. Direct injection. Dual VVT. | Subaru Legacy XT '20-'25, Legacy Sport '23-'25, Outback XT '20-'25, Outback Wilderness '22-'25 |
| H | 2.5L DOHC, 16-valve FB25D flat-4. Direct injection. Dual VVT. | Subaru Impreza RS '24-'25, Crosstrek Sport '21-'25, Limited '21-'25, Wilderness '24-'25, Premium '25- |
| S | 2.5L DOHC, 16-valve FB25D flat-4 + 2 electric motors. Lithium-ion battery pack. Direct injection. Dual VVT. Atkinson cycle. | Subaru Forester Hybrid '25-'26 |
| 1 | 2.0L DOHC, 16-valve turbo/intercooled FA20F flat-4. Direct injection. Dual VVT. | Subaru WRX '15-'21 |
| 2 | 1.6L OHV, 8-valve EA71 flat-4. 2-bbl. carb. 2WD. (Some 49-state models had 1-bbl. carb. in '83-'84) | Subaru Standard Hatchback 2wd '81-'87, DL Hatchback, 2-d Hardtop, 4-d Sedan 2wd '81-'84, GL Hatchback 2wd w/man. trans. '86-'87 |
| 2 | 1.8L SOHC, 16-valve EJ18 flat-4. MPI. | Subaru Impreza (all models) '93-'94, Impreza Base, L 1.8, Outback Sport 1.8 '95 |
| 2 | 1.8L SOHC, 16-valve EJ18 flat-4. MPI. AWD. | Subaru Impreza Brighton '96-'97 |
| 2 | 2.0L DOHC, 16-valve turbo/intercooled EJ205 flat-4. MPI. | Subaru Impreza WRX '02-'05, Saab 9-2X Aero '05 |
| 2 | 2.5L DOHC, 16-valve turbo/intercooled EJ257 flat-4. MPI. Dual VVT. | Subaru WRX STi '15-'21, STi S209 '19 |
| 3 | 3.3L DOHC, 24-valve EG33 flat-6. MPI. | Subaru SVX '92-'95 |
| 3 | 2.2L SOHC, 16-valve EJ22 flat-4. MPI. FWD. | Subaru Legacy L '96 |
| 3 | 2.5L DOHC, 16-valve turbo/intercooled EJ257 flat-4. MPI. Dual VVT. | Subaru WRX STi Type RA '18 |
| 4 | 1.8L OHV, 8-valve EA81 flat-4. 2-bbl. carb. 2WD. (Some 49-state models had 1-bbl. carb. in '83-'84) | Subaru DL Wagon 2wd '81-'84, GL 2-d Hardtop 2wd '83-'84, GL 4-d Sedan, Wagon 2wd '81-'84, GLF 2-d Hardtop 2wd '81-'82, GL-10 2-d Hardtop, 4-d Sedan '83-'84, GL-10 Wagon '83, GL Hatchback 2wd '81-'85, GL Hatchback 2wd w/auto. trans. '86-'87, GL Hatchback 2wd '88-'89 |
| 4 | 1.8L SOHC, 8-valve EA82 flat-4. 2-bbl. carb. 2WD. | Subaru DL 3-d coupe 2wd '86, DL sedan, wagon 2wd '85-'86, GL sedan, wagon 2wd '85, GL 3-d coupe, sedan, wagon 2wd w/man. trans. '86 |
| 4 | 1.8L SOHC, 8-valve EA82 flat-4. TBI. 2WD. | Subaru DL 3-d coupe, sedan, wagon 2wd '87-'89, GL 3-d coupe, sedan, wagon 2wd w/auto. trans. '86, GL 3-d coupe, sedan, wagon 2wd '87-'89, GL-10 sedan, wagon 2wd '86-'88, Loyale 2wd '90-'93 |
| 4 | 1.8L SOHC, 8-valve EA82 flat-4. MPI. 2WD. | Subaru GL-10 sedan, wagon 2wd '85, XT coupe 2wd '85-'91 |
| 4 | 1.8L SOHC, 8-valve turbo EA82T flat-4. MPI. 2WD. | Subaru GL Turbo 2wd 3-d coupe '87, GL Turbo 2wd sedan '87, GL Turbo 2wd wagon '87, GL-10 Turbo 2wd sedan '86-'89, GL-10 Turbo 2wd wagon '86-'89, Loyale Turbo 2wd '90, XT coupe Turbo 2wd '85-'87 |
| 4 | 2.2L SOHC, 16-valve EJ22 flat-4. MPI. AWD. | Subaru Impreza L '96-'01, LX '96, Impreza Outback Sport '96-'01, Legacy Brighton, L '96-'99, LS '96, Outback '96 |
| 5 | 1.8L OHV, 8-valve EA81 flat-4. 2-bbl. carb. 4WD. (Some models had 1-bbl. carb. in '82) | Subaru DL Wagon 4wd '81-'84, GL 4-d Sedan 4wd '84, GL Wagon 4wd '81-'84, Standard Hatchback 4wd '81, DL Hatchback 4wd '81, GL Hatchback 4wd '81-'89, Brat DL 4wd '81-'83, Brat GL 4wd '81-'87 |
| 5 | 1.8L OHV, 8-valve turbo EA81T flat-4. MPI. 4WD. | Subaru Turbo 2-d Hardtop 4wd '84, Turbo Wagon 4wd '83-'84, Brat Turbo 4wd '83-'84 |
| 5 | 1.8L SOHC, 8-valve EA82 flat-4. 2-bbl. carb. 4WD. | Subaru DL wagon 4wd '85-'86, DL wagon 4wd '87 (49-state version), GL sedan, wagon 4wd '85, GL 3-d coupe, sedan, wagon 4wd '86, GL 3-d coupe, sedan, wagon 4wd '87 (49-state version) |
| 5 | 1.8L SOHC, 8-valve EA82 flat-4. TBI. 4WD. | Subaru DL wagon 4wd '87 (CA version), '88-'89; GL 3-d coupe, sedan, wagon 4wd '87 (CA version), '88-'89; Loyale 4wd '90-'94 |
| 5 | 1.8L SOHC, 8-valve turbo EA82T flat-4. MPI. 4WD. | Subaru GL Turbo 4wd 3-d coupe '86-'87, RX Turbo 4wd 3-d coupe '87-'89, RX Turbo 4wd sedan '85-'88, Turbo 4wd wagon '85, GL Turbo 4wd wagon '87-'89, GL-10 Turbo 4wd wagon w/man. trans. '86-'88, GL-10 Turbo 4wd wagon '89, Loyale Turbo 4wd '90 |
| 6 | 2.2L SOHC, 16-valve EJ22 flat-4. MPI. | Subaru Impreza L 2.2 '95, LX '95, Impreza Outback Sport 2.2 '95, Legacy '90-'95 |
| 6 | 2.2L SOHC, 16-valve turbo EJ22T flat-4. MPI. | Subaru Legacy Sport Sedan '91-'94, [LE] Touring Wagon '92-'94 |
| 6 | 2.5L DOHC, 16-valve EJ25D flat-4 (Phase I). MPI. | Subaru Impreza 2.5RS '98, Forester '98, Legacy 2.5GT '96-'99, LSi '96-'97, SUS '97-'99, Outback '96-'99 |
| 6 | 2.5L SOHC, 16-valve EJ253 flat-4 (Phase II). MPI. | Subaru Impreza 2.5RS '99-'01, Impreza (except WRX) '02-'05, Impreza Outback Sport '02-'05, Forester '99-'05, Legacy '00-'05, Outback '00-'05, Baja Base '03, Sport '03-'06, Saab 9-2X Linear '05 |
| 6 | 2.5L SOHC, 16-valve EJ253 flat-4. MPI. Intake VVL. | Subaru Impreza (except WRX) '06-'11, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport '06-'11, Forester '06-'10, Legacy '06-'09, Outback '06-'09, Saab 9-2X 2.5i '06 |
| 6 | 2.5L DOHC, 16-valve turbo/intercooled EJ255 flat-4. MPI. Intake VVT. | Subaru Forester XT '04-'10, Legacy GT '05-'09, Outback XT '05-'09, Baja Turbo '04-'06 |
| 7 | 1.2L SOHC, 9-valve EF12 I3. 2-bbl. carb. 2wd. | Subaru Justy '87-'89, Justy DL '90-'92 |
| 7 | 1.2L SOHC, 9-valve EF12 I3. MPI. 2wd. | Subaru Justy GL '90-'94, Justy DL '93-'94 |
| 7 | 1.8L SOHC, 8-valve turbo EA82T flat-4. MPI. 4WD w/air suspension. | Subaru Turbo 4wd sedan '85, GL-10 Turbo 4wd sedan '86-'89, GL-10 Turbo 4wd wagon w/auto. trans. '86-'89, XT coupe Turbo 4wd '85-'89 |
| 7 | 2.5L DOHC, 16-valve turbo/intercooled EJ255 flat-4. MPI. Intake VVT. | Subaru Impreza WRX '06-'14, Impreza WRX STi '04-'07, Impreza 2.5GT '09-'10, Saab 9-2X Aero '06 |
| 8 | 1.2L SOHC, 9-valve EF12 I3. 2-bbl. carb. 4wd. | Subaru Justy GL 4wd '88-'89 |
| 8 | 1.2L SOHC, 9-valve EF12 I3. MPI. 4wd. | Subaru Justy GL 4wd '90-'94 |
| 8 | 2.7L SOHC, 12-valve ER27 flat-6. MPI. FWD. | Subaru XT6 '88-'91 |
| 8 | 3.3L DOHC, 24-valve EG33 flat-6. MPI. AWD. | Subaru SVX '96-'97 |
| 8 | 3.0L DOHC, 24-valve EZ30D flat-6. MPI. Intake VVT & VVL. | Subaru Legacy 3.0R '08-'09, Outback H6-3.0 '01-'04, Outback 3.0R '05-'09, B9 Tribeca '06-'07 |
| 8 | 2.5L DOHC, 16-valve turbo/intercooled EJ257 flat-4. MPI. Dual VVT. | Subaru Impreza WRX STi '08-'14 |
| 9 | 2.7L SOHC, 12-valve ER27 flat-6. MPI. AWD. | Subaru XT6 '88-'91 |
| 9 | 3.6L DOHC, 24-valve EZ36D flat-6. MPI. Dual VVT. | Subaru Tribeca '08-'14 |
| VIN Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 4 | FB 1600cc DIT AWD 2015+ |
| D | 2000cc DOHC Turbo Diesel |
Model
The model is identified in the seventh character of the Subaru VIN
| VIN Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Standard model '81-'87, Loyale RS 3-door coupe (non-Turbo) '90 |
| 1 | Impreza Base model '93-'95, 2.5i '07, 2.5i Special Edition '07, Impreza 2.5i '08-'09, Impreza 2.5i Premium '08, Saab 9-2X Linear '05, Saab 9-2X 2.5i '06 |
| 1 | Legacy 2.5i '05-'08, 2.5i Special Edition '06-'09 |
| 1 | Outback H6-3.0 wagon 35th Anniv. Ed. '04, Outback 2.5i '05-'08, 2.5i Special Edition '06, '09, 2.5i Basic '07, 2.5i L.L. Bean Edition '07-'08 |
| 1 | Forester Base model '98-'99, 2.5X '09 |
| 1 | Tribeca 5-psgr. base model '08-'09 |
| 1 | Baja Base model '03 |
| 2 | DL '81-'89, Loyale (non-Turbo) '90-'94, Brat DL '81-'83, Justy DL '87-'94, XT coupe DL '85-'88 |
| 2 | Impreza L fwd sedan w/man. trans. [w/o opt. power equipment, A/C, & stereo] '93, Impreza L Early '94 (only has driver-side airbag), Impreza Brighton coupe '96-'97, Impreza Brighton wagon - Canada only: '98-'01, Impreza Outback Sport '07, Saab 9-2X Aero '05-'06 |
| 2 | Legacy Base model '90, '95, Legacy Brighton wagon '95-'00, Legacy L 35th Anniv. Ed. '04, Legacy 2.5i Limited '05-'09 |
| 2 | Outback 2.5i Limited wagon '05-'08, 2.5i Limited sedan '06-'07, 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean Edition wagon '07-'08 |
| 2 | SVX L Early '94 (has motorized seatbelts & driver-side airbag) |
| 2 | B9 Tribeca 5-psgr. '06-'07 |
| 2 | Tribeca 5-psgr. Limited '08-'09, Tribeca 5-psgr. Special Edition '09 |
| 2 | Baja Sport '03-'06 |
| 3 | GL '81-'89, Brat GL '81-'87, Justy GL '87-'94, Justy RS '88-'89, XT coupe GL '85-'89, '91 |
| 3 | Impreza L '94 (has dual airbags), L '95-'01, Outback Sport '95, Impreza Outback Sport Special Edition '07, Impreza Outback Sport '08-'09 |
| 3 | Legacy L '90-'04, Legacy Sun Sport, Alpine Sport, Outdoor, & GT wagons '94, Legacy Outback '95, Legacy L Special Edition '03 |
| 3 | Outback 2.5XT Limited '07-'09 |
| 3 | SVX L '94-'97 (has manual seatbelts & dual airbags) |
| 3 | Forester L '98-'02, 2.5X '03-'08, Sports 2.5X '07, 2.5X Premium '09 |
| 3 | B9 Tribeca 5-psgr. '06-'07 |
| 3 | Tribeca 5-psgr. Limited w/Navigation '08-'09 |
| 3 | Baja Turbo '04-'06 |
| 4 | GLF '81-'82, GL-10 '85-'89, XT6 coupe '88-'89, '91 |
| 4 | Impreza L "Plus" [L fwd sedan w/man. trans. w/opt. power equipment, A/C, & stereo plus all other Impreza L models] '93, Impreza WRX '07-'08, WRX Limited '07, Impreza 2.5GT '09 |
| 4 | Legacy LS '90, 2.5GT '00-'04, 3.0R '09 |
| 4 | Outback 3.0R sedan '05, 3.0R wagon w/cloth seats '06 |
| 4 | SVX LS '92, '94 |
| 4 | Forester 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition '09, 2.5X Limited '09 |
| 5 | GL Turbo (except '87 4wd wagon) '83-'87, GL-10 Turbo '86-'89, Brat GL Turbo '83-'84, XT coupe GL-10 Turbo '85-'87 |
| 5 | Impreza LS '93-'94, LX '95-'96, 2.5TS '02-'04, Impreza WRX TR '07, Impreza WRX Premium '08 |
| 5 | Legacy LS "Special" '90, Legacy LS '91-'96, Legacy LSi '91-'95, 2.5GT Limited '00-'02, 3.0R Limited '08-'09 |
| 5 | Outback 3.0R VDC Limited wagon '05-'06, 3.0R Limited '09 |
| 5 | SVX LS-L (LS w/Touring Package) '92-'93, SVX LSi Awd '94-'95 |
| 5 | Forester S '98-'02, 2.5XS '03-'05, 2.5X Premium '06-'08, 2.5XT '09 |
| 5 | B9 Tribeca 7-psgr. '06-'07 |
| 6 | RX Turbo '85-'89 |
| 6 | Impreza WRX STi '07, Impreza WRX '09, WRX Premium '09 |
| 6 | Legacy LSi '96-'97, Outback base model '00-'02, Outback 'Audio Edition' (Premium Audio instead of All-Weather Pkg.) wagon '03 |
| 6 | Outback 3.0R L.L. Bean Edition wagon '05-'08, 3.0R L.L. Bean Edition sedan '06-'07, 2.5i Limited '09 |
| 6 | SVX LSi '96-'97 |
| 6 | Forester Sports 2.5X '08, Sports 2.5XT '08, Forester 2.5XT Limited '09 |
| 6 | B9 Tribeca 7-psgr. '06-'07 |
| 6 | Tribeca 7-psgr. base model '08-'09 |
| 7 | GL Turbo 4wd wagon '87-'89, Loyale Turbo '90, Loyale RS Turbo 3-door coupe '90 |
| 7 | Impreza 2.5RS '98-'05, 2.5i '06, Impreza WRX STi Limited '07 |
| 7 | Legacy Sport Sedan '91-'94, Legacy [LE] Touring Wagon '92-'94, Legacy 2.5GT '96-'99, Legacy 2.5GT Limited '98-'99, Outback w/All-Weather Pkg. '00-'02, Outback base model '03-'04, Legacy 2.5GT Limited '05-'09, Legacy 2.5GT Limited spec.B '06 |
| 7 | Outback 2.5XT Limited '05-'06 |
| 7 | Forester 2.5XS L.L. Bean Edition '05, 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition '06-'08 |
| 7 | Tribeca 7-psgr. Limited '08-'09, Tribeca 7-psgr. Special Edition '09 |
| 8 | Impreza Outback Sport '96-'06, Impreza Outback Sport Special Edition '05-'06 |
| 8 | Legacy 2.5GT '05 |
| 8 | Legacy Outback '96-'99, Legacy Outback Limited '97-'99, Legacy SUS '97-'99, Outback Limited wagon '00-'04, Outback Limited sedan '00-'04, Outback 2.5XT '05-'06 |
| 8 | Tribeca 7-psgr. Limited w/Navigation '08-'09 |
| 9 | Impreza WRX '02-'06, WRX TR '06, WRX Limited '06, Impreza WRX STi '08-'09 |
| 9 | Legacy L Awd wagon rhd Postal Vehicle '95-'99, Outback H6-3.0 VDC wagon '01-'04, Outback H6-3.0 wagon w/cloth seats '03, Outback H6-3.0 sedan '02-'04, Outback H6-3.0 VDC sedan '02-'04, Legacy 2.5GT spec.B '07-'09 |
| 9 | Forester 2.5XT '04-'05, 2.5XT Limited '06-'08, Sports 2.5XT '07 |
| 0 | Impreza WRX STi '04-'06, Impreza 2.5i Premium '09 |
| 0 | Legacy 2.5i '09 |
| 0 | Outback H6-3.0 L.L. Bean Edition wagon '01-'04, Outback base model '08, Outback 2.5i '09 |
| 0 | Tribeca 7-psgr. Limited w/Navigation & Rear-seat DVD Entertainment System '08-'09 |
rhd=right-hand drive
Restraint Type (Passenger) or Weight Class (MPV)
The restraint type, for passenger vehicles, or the weight class (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), for MPVs & trucks, is specified in the eighth character of the Subaru VIN. Beginning in 2010, MPVs include both restraint type and weight class (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
| VIN Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | No Passive Restraint |
| 2 | Automatic Seat Belt w/o Airbag |
| 3 | Automatic Seat Belt w/Driver Airbag (1992-1994 Legacy, SVX) |
| 4 | Manual Seat Belt w/Driver Airbag (1993-1994 Impreza) |
| 5 | Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags |
| 6 | Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags and Side Airbags. (Includes '05-'06 Saab 9-2X.) |
| 1 | Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags and front seat-mounted Side Airbags and roof-mounted front-row Side Curtain Airbags ('13-'20 BRZ, '13-'16 Scion FR-S, '17-'20 Toyota 86) |
| 1 | Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted front-row Side Curtain Airbags & Driver's Knee Airbag ('22-'25 BRZ, '22-'25 Toyota GR86) |
| 6 | Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags and front seat-mounted Side Airbags and roof-mounted front to rear Side Curtain Airbags ('10-'11 Impreza, '10-'14 Impreza WRX, '10-'14 Legacy) |
| 6 | Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted front to rear Side Curtain Airbags & Driver's Knee Airbag ('12-'23 Impreza, '15-'25 WRX) |
| 6 | Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted front to rear Side Curtain Airbags & Driver/Fr. Psgr. Seat Cushion Airbags ('15-'19 Legacy) |
| 6 | Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted front to rear Side Curtain Airbags & Driver's Knee Airbag & Fr. Psgr. Seat Cushion Airbag ('20-'25 Legacy) |
| C | Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted front to rear Side Curtain Airbags & Driver's Knee Airbag & Fr. Psgr. Seat Cushion Airbag ('24-'25 Impreza) |
| A | Class A (GVWR 3000 lbs. or less) |
| B | Class B (GVWR 3001-4000 lbs.) |
| C | Class C (GVWR 4001-5000 lbs.) |
| 6 | Class C (GVWR 4001-5000 lbs.) (For '09 Forester only) |
| D | Class D (GVWR 5001-6000 lbs.) |
| C | Class C (GVWR 4001-5000 lbs.), Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted front to rear Side Curtain Airbags ('10-'13 Forester, '10-'14 Outback) |
| C | Class C (GVWR 4001-5000 lbs.), Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted front to rear Side Curtain Airbags & Driver's Knee Airbag ('13-'15 XV Crosstrek, '16-'23 Crosstrek, '14-'24 Forester, '25 Forester Wilderness) |
| C | Class C (GVWR 4001-5000 lbs.), Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted front to rear Side Curtain Airbags & Driver/Fr. Psgr. Seat Cushion Airbags ('15-'19 Outback) |
| C | Class C (GVWR 4001-5000 lbs.), Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted front to rear Side Curtain Airbags & Driver's Knee Airbag & Fr. Psgr. Seat Cushion Airbag ('20-'25 Outback, '24-'25 Crosstrek [Japanese-built models], '25 Forester [except Wilderness & Hybrid]) |
| 6 | Class C (GVWR 4001-5000 lbs.), Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted front to rear Side Curtain Airbags & Driver's Knee Airbag & Fr. Psgr. Seat Cushion Airbag ('24-'25 Crosstrek [US-built models], '26- Forester [except Hybrid]) |
| D | Class D (GVWR 5001-6000 lbs.), Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted side curtain Airbags ('10-'14 Tribeca) |
| D | Class D (GVWR 5001-6000 lbs.), Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted side curtain Airbags for all 3 rows & Driver's Knee Airbag ('19-'25 Ascent) |
| D | Class D (GVWR 5001-6000 lbs.), Manual Seat Belt w/Driver/Passenger Airbags & front seat-mounted Side Airbags & roof-mounted front to rear Side Curtain Airbags & Driver's Knee Airbag & Fr. Psgr. Seat Cushion Airbag ('20-'25 Outback, '25- Forester Hybrid) |
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, 2020 |
| M | 1991, 2021 |
| N | 1992, 2022 |
| P | 1993, 2023 |
| R | 1994, 2024 |
| S | 1995, 2025 |
| T | 1996, 2026 |
| V | 1997 |
| W | 1998 |
| X | 1999 |
| Y | 2000 |
Plants and transmission type
The assembly plant and transmission type is specified in the eleventh character of the Subaru VIN
| VIN Code | Plant | Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SIA | FWD 5MT ('90-'96 Legacy) |
| 1 | SIA | Full-time AWD 5MT ('17-'23 Impreza) |
| 1 | SIA | Full-time AWD 6MT ('10-'14 & in Canada: '15-'17 Legacy, Outback) |
| 2 | SIA | Full-time AWD 5AT ('10-'14 Legacy 3.6R, Outback 3.6R) |
| 3 | SIA | Full-time AWD 6MT ('07-'09 Legacy GT spec.B). |
| 3 | SIA | Full-time AWD CVT ('10-'25 Legacy 2.5, Outback 2.5, '15-'19 Legacy 3.6R, Outback 3.6R, '20-'25 Legacy 2.4T, Outback 2.4T, '17-'23 Impreza, '19-'25 Ascent, '24-'25 Crosstrek, '26- Forester) |
| 4 | SIA | Full-time AWD 5AT ('05-'09 Legacy, Outback, '06-'07 B9 Tribeca, '08-'14 Tribeca) |
| 5 | SIA | Full-time AWD 4-spd. Automatic w/Sport Shift ('03-'04 Legacy GT) |
| 6 | SIA | Full-time AWD 5MT |
| 7 | SIA | Full-time AWD 4EAT |
| 8 | SIA | Full-time AWD 4EAT ('95-'99 Legacy wagon RHD Postal vehicle) |
| 9 | SIA | FWD 4EAT ('90-'96 Legacy) |
| A | FHI | FWD 4MT |
| B | FHI | FWD 5MT |
| C | FHI | FWD 3AT ('81-'89 compact models, '90-'93 Loyale). FWD 4AT ('88-'91 XT/XT6). FWD ECVT ('89-'93 Justy). |
| D | FHI | On-demand 4WD 4MT ('81-'84), On-demand 4WD 5MT ('85-'94) |
| E | FHI | 4MT Dual Range 4wd ('81-'84, '85-'89 Hatchback, '85-'87 Brat). 5MT Dual Range 4wd '85-'89 (excluding Hatchback & Brat) |
| F | FHI | On-demand 4WD 3AT ('83-'89 compact models, '90-'94 Loyale, '85-'87 XT coupe GL-10 Turbo 4wd). On-demand 4WD ECVT ('90-'93 Justy). |
| G | FHI | Full-time AWD 5MT '88-'11. Includes '05-'06 Saab 9-2X. |
| G | FHI Yajima plant - Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan | Full-time AWD 5MT ('12-'16 Impreza, '12-'14 Impreza WRX, '13-'15 XV Crosstrek, '16-'17 Crosstrek, '12-'13 Forester) |
| G | FHI Yajima plant - Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan | Full-time AWD 6MT ('14-'18 Forester, '18-'23 Crosstrek). |
| H | FHI | Full-time AWD 4EAT '88-'11. Includes '05-'06 Saab 9-2X. |
| H | FHI Yajima plant - Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan | Full-time AWD 4EAT ('12-'13 Forester). |
| H | FHI Yajima plant - Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan | Full-time AWD CVT ('12-'16 Impreza, '13-'15 XV Crosstrek, '14-'15 XV Crosstrek Hybrid, '16-'25 Crosstrek, '16 Crosstrek Hybrid, '19-'23 Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV), '14-'25 Forester). |
| K | FHI | FWD 4EAT |
| L | FHI | Full-time AWD 6MT ('04-'11 Impreza WRX STi) |
| L | FHI Yajima plant - Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan | Full-time AWD 6MT ('12-'14 Impreza WRX STi) |
| P | FHI | Full-time AWD 4EAT ('91-'94 Legacy wagon RHD Postal vehicle) |
| 1 | FHI | RWD 6MT ('13 BRZ, Scion FR-S) |
| 2 | FHI | RWD 6AT ('13 BRZ, Scion FR-S) |
| 8 | FHI Main plant - Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan | RWD 6AT ('14-'20, '22-'25 BRZ, '14-'16 Scion FR-S, '17-'20 Toyota 86, '22-'25 Toyota GR86) |
| 9 | FHI Main plant - Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan | RWD 6MT ('14-'20, '22-'25 BRZ, '14-'16 Scion FR-S, '17-'20 Toyota 86, '22-'25 Toyota GR86) |
| 8 | FHI Main plant - Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan | AWD CVT ('14-'16, '24-'25 Impreza, '14-'15 XV Crosstrek, '16-'25 Crosstrek, '15-'25 WRX) |
| 9 | FHI Main plant - Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan | AWD 5MT ('14-'16 Impreza, '14-'15 XV Crosstrek, '16-'17 Crosstrek) |
| 9 | FHI Main plant - Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan | AWD 6MT ('15-'25 WRX, '15-'21 WRX STi, '18-'23 Crosstrek) |
- SIA = Subaru-Isuzu Automotive (now known as Subaru of Indiana Automotive), Lafayette, Indiana
- FHI = Fuji Heavy Industries, Gunma prefecture, Japan
The Vehicle Production Sequence number is specified in the twelfth - seventeenth characters of the Subaru VIN
- 002001 and after - Touring Wagon ('89), Loyale Touring wagon ('90)
- 002001 - 199999 - Impreza sedan ('12-'16), Impreza WRX sedan ('12-'14)
- 002001 - 199999 - Legacy sedan ('12-'19)
- 002001 - 099999 - Legacy sedan ('20-'25)
- 002001 and after - Forester ('26-)
- 050001 - 059999 - Saab 9-2X ('05-'06)
- 100000 and after - Hatchback
- 100000 and after - SVX
- 100000 and after - Legacy Sedan SUS (Jan 98 - May 98)
- 100000 and after - Baja
- 100001 - 299999 - Outback wagon ('20-'25)
- 200001 and after - 4-dr sedan ('81-'89), Loyale 4-dr sedan ('90-'93)
- 200001 and after - Legacy Sedan '96-'08, Outback Sedan '00-'07
- 200001 - 399999 - Impreza hatchback ('12-'16, '24-'25), Impreza WRX hatchback ('12-'14), XV Crosstrek ('13-'15), Crosstrek ('16-'23)
- 200001 - 399999 - Crosstrek [Japan-built] ('24-'25)
- 200001 - 399999 - Outback wagon ('12-'19)
- 210001 and after - Legacy Sedan '95, '09-'11
- 300001 and after - Hardtop coupe ('81-'84)
- 300001 and after - XT/XT6 coupe ('85-'91)
- 300001 and after - Legacy Station Wagon '96-'07; Outback wagon '05-'08
- 310001 and after - Legacy Station Wagon '95; Outback wagon '09-'11
- 370001 and after - Legacy Outback wagon '96
- 400001 and after - Station Wagon ('81-'89), Loyale station wagon ('90-'94)
- 400001 and after - Impreza Coupe ('95-'01)
- 400001 and after - B9 Tribeca ('06-'07)/Tribeca ('08-'11)
- 400001 - 599999 - Forester ('12-'25)
- 400001 - 599999 - Tribeca ('12-'14); Ascent ('19-'25)
- 500001 and after - Brat
- 500001 and after - Impreza Sedan ('93-'11)
- 600001 and after - Legacy sedan ('90-'93: All, '94: Japanese-built)
- 640001 and after - Legacy sedan ('94: US-built)
- 600001 and after - Outback wagon '97-'04
- 600001 - 699999 - BRZ ('13-'19)
- 600001 - 699999 - Impreza Sedan ('17-'23)
- 700001 and after - Justy 3-d ('87-'94)
- 700001 and after - Forester ('98-'11)
- 700001 - 799999 - Scion FR-S ('13-'16), Toyota 86 ('17-'19)
- 700001 - 749999 - BRZ ('20, '22-'25)
- 700001 - 899999 - Impreza 5-door hatchback ('17-'23)
- 700001 - 899999 - Crosstrek [US-built] ('24-'25)
- 750001 and after - Justy 5-d ('90-'94)
- 750001 - 799999 - Toyota 86 ('20), Toyota GR86 ('22-'25)
- 800001 and after - 3-door coupe ('86-'89), Loyale 3-door coupe ('90)
- 800001 and after - Impreza Sports Wagon ('93-'07); Impreza 5-door hatchback ('08-'11)
- 800001 - 899999 - WRX ('15-'25)
- 800001 - 999999 - Crosstrek [Japan-built] ('24)
- 900001 and after - Legacy wagon ('90-'93: All, '94: Japanese-built)
- 940001 and after - Legacy wagon ('94: US-built)
- 990001 and after - Legacy GT wagon w/stepped roof ('94: US-built)
External links
Online Subaru VIN decoder Online [www.auto-vin-decoder.com Universal VIN decoder]