Free 1999 Subaru Forester VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1999 Subaru Forester VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1999 Subaru Forester VIN

WMIs, or World Manufacturer Identifiers, are unique codes used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. They consist of the first three characters of a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and provide specific information about the vehicle’s manufacturer, including the name, location, and type of vehicle they produce. For instance, the 1999 Subaru Forester’s WMI, “JF1,” signifies that it was manufactured by Subaru Corporation in Japan, specifically in Tokyo’s Shibuya-Ku region. This code not only indicates that the vehicle is a passenger car but also helps in tracking the vehicle’s manufacturing history and details. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI is crucial for registration, service, and research purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1999 Subaru Forester

WMI: JF1

• Model Years Covered: 1998-2008
• Example VIN: JF1SF6350XH703827
• 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 1999 Subaru Forester VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

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

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1999 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 1999 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 1999 Subaru Forester VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1999 Subaru Forester VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1999 Subaru Forester Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 Subaru Forester

The final 6 characters in a 1999 Subaru Forester’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Subaru Forester’s VIN below:

What info can a 1999 Subaru Forester VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially being the year 1999, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: It may indicate the vehicle is categorized as a Passenger Car, specifically a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), highlighting its design and intended use.
• Engine and Performance: The VIN details the engine’s displacement as 2.5 liters (2500.0 CC), possibly pointing to the engine size and, indirectly, its performance capabilities.
• Drive Type and Transmission: It suggests the vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and has an automatic transmission with 4 speeds, potentially indicating its drivetrain and ease of use.
• Safety Features: The VIN may indicate the presence of SRS Airbag for the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) and manual seat belts, possibly indicating the vehicle’s primary safety mechanisms.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN could reveal that the vehicle was manufactured in Ota, Gunma, Japan by FHI, providing insights into its origin and the manufacturing quality associated with its geographic production location.
• Additional Specifications: Additional details such as a trim level of ‘L’, doors count as 4, and the Series2 specifying a Wagon body style, may offer a deeper understanding of its physical attributes and styling.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 Subaru Forester