Free Subaru GL VIN Decoder

How to decode a Subaru GL VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Subaru GL VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code awarded to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to distinguish the vehicle brand, country of manufacture, and vehicle type. For Subaru GL models, the WMI JF1 signifies passenger cars manufactured by Subaru Corporation located in Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, covering model years from 1984 to 1988. Conversely, JF2 designates Subaru’s multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs), indicating the same manufacturer location and covering model years from 1983 to 1988. These WMIs are crucial for identifying and tracking vehicles globally, ensuring uniqueness in vehicle identification numbers (VINs). This system aids in vehicle registration, recall implementation, and historical tracking of any vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a Subaru GL

WMI: JF1

• Model Years Covered: 1984-1988
• Example VIN: JF1AF43B0EC110937
• Manufacturer Name: Subaru Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Shibuya-Ku
• State or Province: Tokyo
• Country: Japan

WMI: JF2

• Model Years Covered: 1983-1988
• Example VIN: JF2AF53B2DE101001
• Manufacturer Name: Subaru Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Shibuya-Ku
• State or Province: Tokyo
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Subaru GL 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 Subaru GL:

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 GL 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 GL VIN — Year Code

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

Known Subaru GL Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Subaru GL

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

What info can a Subaru GL VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1983, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Drive Type: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 1983 model, this may indicate a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 4WD (4-Wheel Drive), offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and functionality.
• Engine and Transmission Details: The VIN could provide crucial information about the vehicle’s engine, such as a gasoline engine with a displacement of 1.8 liters (1800 CC or 109.84 CI) and a manual transmission with 4 speeds, shedding light on the vehicle’s performance capabilities and operational parameters.
• Vehicle Weight Class: Decoding the VIN can provide insights into the vehicle’s weight class, falling within the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of Class 1B, ranging from 3,001 to 4,000 lb (1,360 to 1,814 kg), reflecting its size and potential load capacity.
• Safety Equipment: The VIN may indicate safety features such as manual seat belts, offering valuable insights into the standard safety equipment at the time of manufacture.
• Vehicle Type and Specifications: The VIN can specify the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, featuring detailed specifications like a 4-cylinder engine and 2 doors, offering a comprehensive overview of the vehicle’s build and intended use.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Subaru GL