Free 2012 Subaru Outback VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 Subaru Outback VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Subaru Outback VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designated to each manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code reveals key information about the vehicle, including the manufacturer, and often the type of vehicle and manufacturing location. For instance, the WMI “4S4” is assigned to Subaru of America, Inc., indicating that the vehicle was made by them. For Subarus produced in Lafayette, Indiana, specifically multipurpose passenger vehicles like the 2012 Subaru Outback, this WMI is particularly relevant. By analyzing these initial digits, one can decipher essential details about the vehicle’s origins and category.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Subaru Outback

WMI: 4S4

• Model Years Covered: 2005-2024
• Example VIN: 4S4BRBLC0C3201122
• Manufacturer Name: Subaru of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Lafayette
• State or Province: Indiana
• Country: United States

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

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 Outback 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 Outback VIN — Year Code

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

Known 2012 Subaru Outback Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Subaru Outback

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

Check your Subaru Outback’s VIN below:

What info can a 2012 Subaru Outback VIN reveal?

• Model Year and Make: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2012, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle and indicating that it is a Subaru Outback.
• Engine and Performance: The VIN indicates that the engine is a 2.5L, horizontally opposed (boxer) with four cylinders made by Subaru, potentially influencing the vehicle’s power and performance.
• Body Class and Style: The VIN specifies that the vehicle is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a Wagon body style, providing a clear picture of its design and intended use.
• Safety Features: The VIN reveals the presence of front, side, and curtain airbags in both the 1st and 2nd rows, as well as a direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), highlighting the vehicle’s potential built-in safety mechanisms.
• Transmission and Drive Type: The VIN suggests that this Subaru Outback features a 6-speed manual/standard transmission and All-Wheel Drive (AWD), offering insights into its potential handling and drivability.
• Fuel Type: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle’s primary fuel type is gasoline, which can be common and accessible for most users and provide insights into its potential fuel efficiency.
• Plant Details: Manufacturing information from the VIN, such as the plant city being Lafayette, Indiana, and the plant company name SIA in the United States, can potentially trace the vehicle’s origin, affecting its potential valuation and appeal.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Subaru Outback

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