Free Subaru Forester VIN Decoder

How to decode a Subaru Forester VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Subaru Forester VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a key component of a vehicle’s unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which distinctly identifies the automobile’s manufacturer, vehicle type, and country of origin. For the Subaru Forester, the WMI codes JF1 and JF2 denote vehicles produced by Subaru Corporation in Japan, classified under different vehicle types and manufacturing periods. Specifically, JF1 was assigned to Subaru Forester passenger cars manufactured from 1998 to 2008, while JF2 marks multipurpose passenger vehicles produced from 2009 to 2024. Both vehicles originate from Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, highlighting Subaru’s commitment to manufacturing versatile and durable vehicles for a global market. This distinctive system ensures that each Subaru Forester can be accurately identified and traced back to its origins.

List of WMI Codes for a Subaru Forester

WMI: JF2

• Model Years Covered: 2009-2024
• Example VIN: JF2SH63609G702099
• Manufacturer Name: Subaru Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Shibuya-Ku
• State or Province: Tokyo
• Country: Japan

WMI: JF1

• Model Years Covered: 1998-2008
• Example VIN: JF1SF6550WH702107
• Manufacturer Name: Subaru Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Shibuya-Ku
• State or Province: Tokyo
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Subaru Forester VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the most popular vehicle descriptor codes for a 2024 Subaru Forester:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a Subaru Forester VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the Subaru Forester VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Subaru Forester VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Subaru Forester Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Subaru Forester

The final 6 characters in a Subaru Forester’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a Subaru Forester VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as the year 2018, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type and Performance: Specific information about the engine, such as a 2.0L engine with 250 horsepower, can indicate the vehicle’s performance level, potentially appealing to buyers seeking specific power requirements.
• Safety Features: The dataset suggests a presence of standard safety features like Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Curtain Airbags for both 1st and 2nd rows, highlighting the vehicle’s focus on passenger protection.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: With a primary fuel type of gasoline, users can gauge the vehicle’s fuel consumption patterns and overall efficiency, an essential factor for cost-conscious buyers.
• Drive Type and Transmission: Featuring All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the dataset outlines the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drivetrain functionality, crucial for navigating specific driving conditions.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Standard features like Lane Keeping Assistance and Forward Collision Warning indicate the vehicle’s incorporation of advanced technologies to enhance driving safety and convenience.
• Manufacturing Details: Insight into the manufacturing location (Ota, Japan), along with the assembly plant (Yajima plant), can provide users with an understanding of build quality and design origin, factors influential in evaluating manufacturing standards and vehicle reliability.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Subaru Forester