JF1
Subaru passenger cars built in Japan — including WRX
Decode any Subaru VIN free — Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, WRX, and more — for the factory trim, engine, plant, and open recalls.
Factory build data from manufacturer and government sources
The first three characters (the WMI) identify the manufacturer and where the vehicle was built. Common Subaru prefixes:
Subaru passenger cars built in Japan — including WRX
Subaru SUVs built in Japan
Subaru passenger cars built in Indiana
Subaru SUVs built in Indiana — Outback and Ascent
Performance models like the WRX and BRZ are Japan-built (JF…); Outbacks, Legacys, and Ascents for the US come from Lafayette, Indiana (4S…).
Subaru paint codes are three characters — K1X Crystal Black Silica, for example — on the firewall plate or door jamb.
Driver-side dashboard, visible through the windshield
Driver-side door jamb label
Firewall plate under the hood (also carries the paint code)
Decoding a different brand? Ford VIN decoder · Toyota VIN decoder · Chevrolet VIN decoder · Honda VIN decoder · Tesla VIN decoder · Nissan VIN decoder · Audi VIN decoder · BMW VIN decoder · All makes
Type or paste the 17-character VIN from the dashboard, door jamb, frame, or title.
Year, model, trim, engine, plant, and factory equipment from manufacturer and government records.
No account, no credit card. Add a CARFAX or VinAudit history report later only if you want one.
The most reliable spots: Driver-side dashboard, visible through the windshield; Driver-side door jamb label; Firewall plate under the hood (also carries the paint code). All show the same 17-character VIN — if they disagree with the title, do not buy the vehicle.
The Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza for the US market are built in Lafayette, Indiana and carry 4S prefixes. Foresters, Crosstreks, WRXs, and BRZs come from Japan with JF prefixes. The decode shows the plant for your VIN.
Yes — the decode expands the model characters into engine and drivetrain, confirming symmetrical AWD (or the BRZ's rear-wheel drive) plus the exact engine, which matters for the head-gasket and oil-consumption histories of specific engines.
Yes. The full Subaru decode — year, model, trim, engine, factory equipment, and open recalls — is free with no account or credit card. Paid CARFAX or VinAudit reports are optional and add accident, title, and ownership history.
Free decode of the factory build — trim, engine, equipment, and open recalls.