Subaru Serial Number Lookup

The specification and code number together are known as the PRODUCT NUMBER. All Subaru 4 cycle engines have a Product Number label similar to the labels illustrated below. The Product Number Label has a 15 digit alphanumeric string that consists of the SPECIFICATION (SPEC) number (11 digits) and the CODE number (4 digits).

• Serial Number Lookup Warranty

Serial Number Lookup Warranty

• 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.

• 1Subaru VIN code

Subaru VIN code[edit]

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

Subaru WMIs[edit]

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

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

Body style[edit]

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

Engine type[edit]

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

Model[edit]

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

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

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.

Plants and transmission type[edit]

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

• • 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 decoderOnline [www.auto-vin-decoder.com Universal VIN decoder]

If you need to service your Subaru engine, whether you're calling a mechanic or doing the work yourself, you need to be able to identify the engine. You can get most of the information you'll need from your vehicle identification number (VIN), but there may also be some other identifying numbers on your engine that will help you identify the engine.

On the Engine

Some Subaru engines have a code printed directly on the engine. This code helps you identify the engine's specifications and factory code. The first 11 digits indicate the engine's specifications and the last four digits indicate the code specific to your engine. Since there are thousands of combinations of numbers in these codes, you should call your Subaru dealer or mechanic and report the code so that she can tell you what the code means. If you are asked your engine's serial number, you can find this number on the machined boss on the left side of the clutch housing.

VIN

Perhaps the best way to quickly identify your Subaru engine is to look at the Subaru's VIN. Depending on what model of Subaru you have, you can find the VIN on the left corner of the dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, the body panels, some engine components and on your vehicle's title and registration. Your VIN is made up of a series of numbers and letters. If you count over to the fourth character in the series, you will be able to tell what product line the engine was made for. While these letters vary from year to year, generally a 'B' indicates the Subaru Legacy, 'G' indicates the Impreza and 'S' indicates the Forester. The fifth character indicates the body style; for example, a sedan, wagon or sport utility. However, this code changes yearly, so you may need to ask a Subaru dealer or mechanic or consult an owner's manual to find out what this character means. The sixth character in the VIN specifically identifies the engine. While engine type codes vary slightly, '2' usually means it's a 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder, '6' either means 2.2- or 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, '7' means 2.5-liter turbo STi engine and '8' indicates a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine. The tenth character in the VIN indicates the year the engine was built. When Subaru began, this character was a letter. 'J' means 1988, 'K' means 1989, 'L' means 1990 and so on. Since 2001, this character has been a number. '1' indicates 2001, '2' indicates 2002, '3' indicates 2003 and so on.

• car engine image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com

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