Where is the compliance plate on a Subaru Forester?
The compliance plate is usually located on the driver’s door jamb, with variations by market and model year. If you don’t find it there, other common spots include the engine bay firewall area or inside the vehicle’s door itself. The plate provides essential details like the VIN and compliance with applicable standards.
Where to look by market
This section highlights typical locations by region. If your Forester is from a different market or year, the plate might be in a slightly different spot. Always consult the owner’s manual for the exact location of your vehicle.
- United States and Canada: The certification/VIN label is typically on the driver’s door jamb (the vertical edge where the door closes) or on the edge of the door itself. In some models, a second label may be in the glove box or the engine bay; check both areas if needed.
- European Union and United Kingdom: The type-approval or compliance label is usually affixed to the driver’s door frame on the B-pillar area, with the VIN often visible on the dashboard near the windshield or inside the door jamb.
- Australia and New Zealand: The compliance plate is commonly found on the driver's side door frame or, in some cases, on the firewall inside the engine bay, depending on the model year. The plate shows ADR compliance details, VIN, and weight ratings.
- Other markets (Japan, parts of Asia, etc.): Look for a door jamb label near the driver's door or a firewall/engine bay plate. If in doubt, refer to the owner’s manual or contact Subaru support for the exact location for your vehicle’s year and market.
Concluding: In most Forester models, the door jamb location is the quickest check. If you still can’t locate a plate, search the engine bay firewall area or the glove box as secondary options and verify with official documentation.
What the compliance plate shows
The plate or label typically lists the VIN, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross axle weight ratings (GAWR), tire sizes and pressures, and the standards to which the vehicle conforms. The exact items can vary by market and model year.
How to use this information safely
Knowing where to find the compliance plate helps verify the vehicle’s identity and safety specifications, especially when buying a used Forester or confirming import eligibility. Do not remove or alter the plate; tampering can be illegal in many jurisdictions.
Summary
The compliance plate on a Subaru Forester is most often found on the driver’s door jamb, though some markets place it in the engine bay firewall area or other concealed spots. The precise location depends on market and year, so consult the owner’s manual or Subaru support for your specific vehicle. The plate provides critical details such as VIN, GVWR, GAWR, tire sizes, and the standards the vehicle complies with.
Where to find chassis number on Subaru Forester?
Subaru Chassis Number or VIN location
Almost all Subaru cars have the Chassis Number (car built for the Japanese Domestic Market) or VIN (everywhere else) stamped on a metal plate that can be found riveted to the top of the near-side strut tower, although some cars have the plate in one of the front door frames.
Where is the compliance plate on my car?
A compliance plate is usually found in the car's engine bay, door pillar or footwell. In some cases, there might be a significant difference between the build and compliance plate dates due to shipping and storage time of the particular vehicle.
Where is the VIN number on a 2018 Subaru Forester?
You have to go over to the other side of the vehicle. Open up the passenger. Side. Door again bend down and there's a sticker over there.
Where is the VIN plate on a Subaru?
Locations can include the vehicle firewall, build plate located in the engine bay or base of the passenger side 'B' pillar. 1. Diagram 1 shows an example of the easiest location to access – the build plate located in the engine bay. The V.I.N. is highlighted in red.
