The Subaru factory plate is an essential component of any Subaru vehicle, serving several important functions related to vehicle identification, compliance, warranty, and anti-theft protection. Understanding the importance of the factory plate and how to read it can provide valuable insights into the history and condition of a Subaru vehicle, making it easier to make informed purchasing and ownership decisions.
What is a Subaru Factory Plate?
Subaru factory plate, also known as the VIN plate, is a metal plate that is affixed to the dashboard of a Subaru vehicle. This plate contains important information about the vehicle, including the make, model, year of manufacture, engine type, and transmission type. The most important piece of information on the factory plate, however, is the 17-character VIN, which is a unique identification code assigned to each vehicle by the manufacturer.
Location of the Subaru Factory Plate
The Subaru factory plate, also known as the vehicle identification plate or type plate, contains important information about the vehicle’s identification and specifications. The location of the factory plate can vary depending on the year and model of the Subaru vehicle. Here are some of the most common locations of the Subaru factory plate:
- Driver’s side door jamb: One of the most common locations for the Subaru factory plate is on the driver’s side door jamb. It is usually located on the pillar between the front and rear doors, and it may be attached to the door itself.
- Dashboard: On some Subaru models, the factory plate may be located on the dashboard, near the base of the windshield on the driver’s side. This location is easy to see from outside the vehicle, and it is often used on Subaru models that do not have a door-mounted factory plate.
- Engine compartment: In some cases, the Subaru factory plate may be located on the engine block or under the hood. This is more common on older Subaru models, and it can be a bit more difficult to access the factory plate in these locations.
- Front strut tower: On some Subaru models, the factory plate may be located on the front strut tower, near the top of the wheel well.
- Rear trunk lid: On some Subaru models, the factory plate may be located on the rear trunk lid, near the latch or hinge.
- Rear driver’s side frame rail: On some Subaru models, the factory plate may be located on the rear driver’s side frame rail, near the fuel tank.
In the more recent models, the VIN plate is a lasered adhesive plate located on the B-pillar on the driver’s side. Except for the Justy where the Subaru VIN plate is a riveted metal plate in the engine compartment as in the older models.
At older models two sheet metal plates are riveted on the left and on the right strute dome. The type plate is mostly on the right-hand side (viewed in the direction of travel) and includes among other things the VIN and weight data. The other plate s the model code plate.
Exceptions:
The Justy only has a type plate. It is on the engine compartment bulkhead on the right.
On the Subaru Tribeca type plate is on the B-spar on the front passenger’s side
Composition and Appearance of the Subaru Factory Plates
The Subaru factory plate is typically made of aluminum or a similar lightweight material that is durable and resistant to corrosion. The plate may be stamped or etched with the information using a special tool, and some models may have the information printed on the plate using a high-tech printing process.
The composition of the Subaru factory plates varies depending on which country or works they were produced in and according to the different models.
The appearance of the Subaru factory plate can vary depending on the year and model of the vehicle, as well as the country where it was manufactured or sold. However, there are some common elements that can be found on most Subaru factory plates, including:
- Manufacturer’s logo: The Subaru logo is typically found at the top of the factory plate.
- Model name: The name of the Subaru model is usually located on the factory plate, along with the specific trim level or package.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) : The Subaru VIN Number is a unique 17-digit code that identifies the specific vehicle. It is typically located in the middle of the factory plate.
- Production date: The date the vehicle was produced is usually located on the factory plate, along with the production facility where the vehicle was manufactured.
- Safety and emissions certifications: The factory plate may contain information related to safety and emissions certifications for the vehicle.
Justy
Outback (Sticker)
Tribeca (stuck sign)
WRX STI
The Subaru Factory plate (older vehicles, metal) is riveted to the body on both sides. Other than on the Justy, special rivets bearing the word Subaru are used.
The Importance of the Subaru Factory Plate
The Subaru factory plate is an essential component of a Subaru vehicle, serving several important functions:
- Vehicle Identification: The VIN on the factory plate is used to identify the vehicle, allowing for easy tracking of its history, ownership, and maintenance records. This information can be crucial when purchasing a used Subaru vehicle, as it can provide valuable insights into the vehicle’s condition and potential issues.
- Compliance: The factory plate also contains information about the vehicle’s compliance with safety and emissions regulations, which can impact the vehicle’s legal status and resale value.
- Warranty: The factory plate is also important when it comes to warranty claims. The VIN on the plate is used to verify the vehicle’s eligibility for warranty repairs and other services.
- Anti-Theft: The factory plate also serves as a deterrent to vehicle theft, as the unique VIN on the plate can be used to identify a stolen vehicle and track its location.
How to Read a Subaru Factory Plate?
Reading a Subaru factory plate is relatively simple. The plate contains a series of codes and numbers that can be used to identify key information about the vehicle. Here is a breakdown of the information contained on a typical Subaru factory plate:
- World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): The first three characters of the VIN on the factory plate indicate the manufacturer and location of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Description Section (VDS): The next six characters of the VIN provide information about the vehicle’s model, body style, engine type, and transmission.
- Check Digit: The ninth character of the VIN is a check digit that is used to verify the accuracy of the VIN.
- Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS): The last eight characters of the VIN provide a unique identification code for the vehicle.
Subaru Model Code Plate
The Subaru Model Code Plate is a small metal plate that contains important information about a specific Subaru model. It is typically located on the driver’s side door jamb or in the engine compartment of the vehicle. The code plate contains a series of letters and numbers that represent specific features and options that are included in the Subaru model.
Model code plates contain information about a vehicle. The plate fixe on with rivets.
Location of the Subaru Model Code Plate
The Subaru model code plate normally find on the left-hand side (viewed in the direction of travel) near the suspension strut dome. It is riveted on in the same way as the type plate. In the B9 Tribeca, the model code plate glue to the passenger door. The Justy and the more recent models with adhesive VIN plates do not have model code plates.
What the Subaru Model Code Plate Looks Like and What Information it Contains?
The Subaru model code plate contains the VIN, the colour code, the odel, the body type, the internal short designation, teh engine type and the transmission type. The various meanngs can only be deciphered through Subaru using the VIN and so are not suitable for use in identifying a particular vehicle.
Forester
Impreza
Tribeca
The model code plate contains the VIN, the colour code, the odel, the body type, the internal short designation, teh engine type and the transmission type. The various meanngs can only be deciphered through Subaru using the VIN and so are not suitable for use in identifying a particular vehicle.
Common Subaru Model Code Plate Designations
While each Subaru Model Code Plate is unique to the specific vehicle, there are some common designations that you may encounter when decoding the code. Here are a few of the most common Subaru Model Code Plate designations:
- Impreza: This designation typically starts with the letters “GC” or “GD” and represents a compact car or hatchback.
- Legacy: This designation typically starts with the letters “BL” or “BM” and represents a midsize sedan or wagon.
- Outback: This designation typically starts with the letters “BG” or “BH” and represents a crossover SUV.
- WRX: This designation typically starts with the letters “GD” and represents a performance-oriented version of the Impreza.
Why is the Subaru Factory Plate Important
The Subaru Factory Plate, also known as the vehicle identification plate or VIN plate, is an essential part of owning a Subaru vehicle. This plate contains important information about the car’s specifications and history that can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Vehicle Identification: The Subaru Factory Plate provides a unique identification number for each vehicle, known as the VIN. This number is used by law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and other organizations to identify stolen or damaged vehicles.
- Ownership History: The Subaru Factory Plate can provide information about the vehicle’s ownership history, such as how many previous owners it has had, where it was registered, and whether it has been in any accidents or suffered damage.
- Vehicle Specifications: The Subaru Factory Plate provides detailed information about the vehicle’s specifications, such as its model, trim level, engine size, transmission type, and other important features. This information can be used when shopping for a new or used vehicle, or when seeking maintenance or repairs for your Subaru.
- Maintenance and Repairs: The Subaru Factory Plate provides information about the vehicle’s weight, tire size, recommended tire pressure, and other important specifications that can be helpful when performing maintenance or repairs on the vehicle. This information can ensure that the vehicle is properly maintained and functioning at its best.
- Resale Value: The Subaru Factory Plate can also provide valuable information about the vehicle’s history and specifications that can affect its resale value. Buyers and sellers can use this information to negotiate a fair price for the vehicle.
In summary, the Subaru Factory Plate is an essential component of a Subaru vehicle that provides important information about its history and specifications. By understanding how to read and interpret the information on the plate, you can make informed decisions about buying, maintaining, and selling your Subaru vehicle.
