What color is my Subaru by VIN?
The color cannot be determined from the VIN alone. Subaru does not encode exterior color in the VIN; to identify the color you should locate the paint code on the vehicle, check the window sticker or build sheet, or contact a Subaru dealer to pull the official build data. If you share your VIN and model/year, I can walk you through the right sources, but a VIN-based color lookup is not reliably authoritative.
How VINs relate to color information
In most vehicles, including Subarus, the 17-character VIN identifies factory origin, model, body style, engine, and build sequence. The model year, plant, and serial number are among the characters, but exterior paint color is not part of the standardized VIN data. Color is tracked separately as a paint code, and the code is linked to a color name in Subaru’s color catalog. Some third-party VIN tools may claim to reveal color, but they rely on databases that may not reflect the exact factory paint code for your car.
How to reliably determine your Subaru's color
Use the steps below to verify the exterior color using official sources or the vehicle’s own labeling. If you only have the VIN, these steps help you translate that information into a color name.
- Locate the VIN on the vehicle: typically visible on the dashboard near the windshield (driver’s side) or on the driver’s door jamb label, and also stamped on the vehicle’s metal plate.
- Look for the paint/color code on the door jamb label, trunk lid sticker, or inside the glove box. The label will often list a paint code or color designation separate from the VIN.
- Cross-reference the paint code with Subaru’s official color catalog or with your vehicle’s window sticker/build sheet to identify the exact color name.
- If the label is missing or unreadable, contact a Subaru dealer or use Subaru’s official VIN lookup/build data service to retrieve the color information associated with the VIN.
Concluding: The color you see on the car should match the color named in the paint code reference. If the car has been repainted, there can be discrepancies between the VIN’s original color and the present exterior color.
Where to find the paint code on a Subaru
Common locations include the driver’s door jamb sticker and sometimes the glove box, trunk lid, or engine bay. Look for a label marked with “Color” or “Paint” followed by a short alphanumeric code. The corresponding color name is typically listed in Subaru’s color catalog or on the dealer’s build sheet.
Getting official confirmation from Subaru or a dealer
Provide the VIN and model/year to a Subaru dealer or contact Subaru customer service. They can pull the official build data or a VIN-specific paint record, which will identify the factory exterior color associated with that vehicle.
Summary
In short, the exterior color is not encoded in the VIN itself. To determine your Subaru’s color, locate the paint code on the vehicle and cross-reference it with Subaru’s color catalog or the window sticker/build sheet. If the label is missing or unclear, consult a Subaru dealer or official VIN lookup service for the exact color information. Always verify against the physical color on the car, especially if the vehicle has undergone repainting.
