Free 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, as well as its location and vehicle type. For instance, Subaru of America, Inc., based in Lafayette, Indiana, uses the WMI “4S3” to mark passenger cars such as the 2012 Subaru Legacy. This code is integral to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the vehicle, including its model year. The 2012 Subaru Legacy’s VIN begins with “4S3,” signifying its manufacture by Subaru in the United States, specifically as a passenger car. Understanding the WMI is crucial for identifying specific vehicle attributes and origin.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Subaru Legacy

WMI: 4S3

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
• Example VIN: 4S3BMBA60C3002409
• Manufacturer Name: Subaru of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Lafayette
• State or Province: Indiana
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2012 Subaru Legacy 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 2012 Subaru Legacy:

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 2012 Subaru Legacy 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 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Subaru Legacy Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Subaru Legacy

The final 6 characters in a 2012 Subaru Legacy’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2012, providing insights into the potential age and market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type: It categorically reveals engine specifics, such as a 2.5L horizontally opposed (boxer) engine with a displacement of 2500.0cc, designed by Subaru, underscoring the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can indicate the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, such as gasoline, assisting in assessing fuel efficiency and operational costs.
• Safety Features: Understanding of the vehicle’s safety amenities is possible, as it illustrates the existence of airbags in both the 1st and 2nd rows, alongside front and side locations, highlighting integral safety design considerations.
• Drive Type: The VIN can provide insights into the vehicle’s drive train, noting an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) setup, reflecting on the vehicle’s driving dynamics and efficiency.
• Transmission: The VIN can also specify the transmission style, in this instance a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), offering insights into the vehicle’s driving performance and efficiency.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN discloses the vehicle’s body class as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, indicating the car’s design appeal and practicality for potential users.
• Manufacturing Information: It includes specifics about the manufacturing, such as the assembly plant located in Lafayette, Indiana, under the company SIA, highlighting the origin and quality standards of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Subaru Legacy