Free 2018 Subaru Outback VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2018 Subaru Outback VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2018 Subaru Outback VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a unique three-letter or digit sequence that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle. In the case of the 2018 Subaru Outback, the WMI “4S4” is specific to Subaru of America, Inc., highlighting its place of manufacture as Lafayette, Indiana, United States. This identifier not only pinpoints the company but also denotes the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), offering insights into its intended use and capabilities. WMIs serve as an essential part of a vehicle’s identification number (VIN), enabling easier recall tracking, registration, and verification processes internationally. Consequently, the WMI is a crucial component in the global automotive industry’s identification system, ensuring precise identification of vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 2018 Subaru Outback

WMI: 4S4

• Model Years Covered: 2005-2024
• Example VIN: 4S4BSDTC2J3379806
• 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 Subaru Outback VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2018 Subaru Outback VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2018 Subaru Outback Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2018 Subaru Outback

The final 6 characters in a 2018 Subaru Outback’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2018 Subaru Outback VIN reveal?

• Model Year and Make: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as being the year 2018, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle as well as its association with the Outback brand.
• Engine Specifications: Through the VIN, it’s possible to learn details about the engine, such as being equipped with a C5 engine model featuring a 4-cylinder configuration that displaces 2.5 liters, possibly indicating the vehicle’s performance capability and potential fuel economy.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can indicate that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, possibly giving a clue about fuel consumption patterns and running costs.
• Safety Features: Safety features like the presence of front, side, curtain airbags in both 1st and 2nd rows, and seat cushion airbags for the driver and passenger could be derived from the VIN, possibly highlighting the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
• Drive Type and Transmission: Details such as the vehicle being equipped with a 4-wheel drive (4WD) system and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) can be identified, suggesting its versatility and the type of driving experience it offers.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN may reveal that the vehicle’s body class is defined as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, possibly indicating its design purpose and capacity.
• Plant Information: The VIN can provide specifics about the manufacturing, including that the Outback was assembled in Lafayette, Indiana, United States by the SIA company, hinting at the geographic origin and potentially the manufacturing quality of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2018 Subaru Outback