How to Check a Subaru VIN to Avoid Buying a Stolen Car

Buying a used car should feel like a smart move—not a legal gamble. But stolen vehicles sometimes make it onto the market, and buyers who don’t know how to verify a car’s identity can end up losing their investment. If you’re shopping for a used Subaru, learning how to check Subaru VIN is your first step in staying safe.

Every vehicle, including every Subaru, has a unique 17-character VIN. This code is like the car’s fingerprint. It contains information about the vehicle’s make, model, year, assembly plant, and more. More importantly, it’s used by authorities, insurers, and vehicle databases to track the car’s history, including theft records, accident reports, title status, and service history.

If someone tries to sell you a stolen Subaru, they may alter the VIN or give you a fake one altogether. Learning how to find and verify the VIN is your first line of defense.

Where to Find the VIN on a Subaru

Subaru places the VIN in multiple spots to help prevent fraud. Look for it in the following locations:

• Windshield (driver’s side dashboard) – visible from outside
• Driver-side door jamb – on a label or plate
• Engine bay – often on the firewall or near the radiator
• Vehicle documents – such as the title, registration, and insurance

✅ Pro tip: Make sure all VINs match across these locations. Mismatches are a major red flag and could indicate tampering.

How to Check a Subaru VIN for Theft Records

Once you have the correct VIN, here’s how you can use it to protect yourself from buying a stolen Subaru:

Order a Full Vehicle History Report

To dig deeper, use tools like CARFAX, AutoCheck, or a trusted Subaru VIN check service. These reports give you:

• Title status (salvage, rebuilt, etc.)
• Accident history and airbag deployments
• Service records and recalls
• Odometer readings
• Any theft recovery records

Cross-Check with Your Local DMV

Visit or call your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to verify the vehicle’s title and registration. Some DMV websites even offer online services for title lookup or verification.

This step is especially useful if:

• The seller has no title
• You suspect the title may be fake or “washed”
• The seller is hesitant to meet at a public location

What to Watch for When Inspecting a Subaru for VIN Fraud

Some scammers go to great lengths to make stolen vehicles look legitimate. Here are common warning signs:

• VIN plate looks tampered with: Scratches, loose rivets, or misaligned fonts can be a sign it was replaced.
• Paint or etching differences around the VIN: A different color or texture near the VIN plate may indicate attempts to alter it.
• Missing documents: A seller who won’t show the title, or whose name isn’t on it, could be hiding something.
• Too-good-to-be-true price: If the deal seems too sweet, it might be bait.

Always cross-reference the physical VIN with all the documents provided—registration, title, service records—and make sure the seller’s ID matches the name on the title.

What to Do if You Suspect the Car Is Stolen

If anything feels off, stop the transaction immediately. Do not confront the seller directly. Instead:

• Contact local law enforcement
• Share the VIN and seller’s details
• Report the issue to the NICB

Already bought the car and now have doubts? Report it right away. This can help reduce your liability and show that you acted in good faith.

Final Thoughts

A used Subaru can be a great buy—but only if it comes with a clean, verifiable history. Taking just a few minutes to check Subaru VIN information can save you from a lot of legal and financial trouble.

Whether you’re shopping for a Subaru Forester, Outback, or WRX, don’t skip the VIN check. A simple Subaru VIN check may be the smartest step you take before buying.

Before signing any paperwork or handing over cash, always run a VIN check. It’s fast, affordable, and could be the smartest move you make when buying a used Subaru.