Subaru Service History
Not all used Subarus are in great shape. Some may have skipped maintenance or had repeated repairs, which can lead to costly problems later. Checking the Subaru service history by VIN or plate number gives you access to full maintenance and repair records. It helps you spot signs of neglect, access hidden issues, and make a smarter buying decision.
Buying a used Acura? Ensure you’re making a smart investment by checking its service history by VIN or license plate. Get detailed insights into maintenance, repairs, recalls, and more before you buy. Enter the Acura VIN number for instant results!
What is Subaru Service History?
The Subaru service history is a complete record of the vehicle’s maintenance and repair history, providing crucial information about the vehicle, including oil changes, part replacement, and major repairs.
The service history records help the buyer assess the car’s overall condition before the buyer decides to purchase it. If you cannot find the vehicle’s VIN, you can conduct a vehicle history check using the license plate.
What's in the Subaru History Report?
A complete Subaru history report reveals all the needed information about the vehicle’s past to ensure the buyer and seller are transparent about its past condition. The information is in the report below.
Maintenance History
Regular maintenance is important to keep the car in good condition and prevent extensive repairs. The service history record includes the
- Routine maintenance: Records of essential repairs and maintenance of the oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid top-ups to ensure the car performs well.
- Service Frequency: Be informed of the vehicle’s maintenance frequency to determine whether the vehicle was well maintained.
- Parts Replacement: Details on components such as air filters, brake pads, and spark plugs changed according to their scheduled maintenance.
Repair History
A vehicle’s repair history gives insight into past mechanical issues and costly repairs. The report includes:
- Major Repairs Completed: Information on significant fixes, including engine repairs, transmission replacements, and other critical work.
- Recurring Issues: Identifies parts or systems that have required frequent repairs, which may indicate potential reliability problems.
Other Vehicle History Information
A full vehicle history report includes additional details beyond maintenance and repairs. These insights help in evaluating the overall condition of the Subaru vehicle:
Complete technical specifications including engine type, transmission, dimensions, weight, and performance metrics specific to this Subaru model.
Current and historical title status, including clean, salvage, rebuilt, or other designations that may affect the vehicle’s value and insurability.
Information about any financial claims against the vehicle, including active loans or liens that may need to be resolved before ownership transfer.
Chronological record of previous owners, including duration of ownership, locations, and whether the vehicle was used for personal, commercial, or fleet purposes.
Verified odometer readings throughout the vehicle’s history, helping identify potential odometer rollbacks or inconsistencies.
Comprehensive list of manufacturer recalls affecting this Subaru, including information on whether the recall work was completed.
Detailed reports of any reported accidents, including severity, damage extent, and repairs performed following the incidents.
Information about original and remaining factory warranty coverage, plus any extended warranties that may have been purchased.
Historical auction listings with photos and condition reports if the vehicle was ever sold at dealer auctions.
Why Subaru Records Matter
A completely Subaru service history benefits sellers and buyers in several ways.
Ensures Transparency:
Buyers can check the car's past maintenance and overall condition.
Boosts Resale Value:
A detailed service record increases trust and makes the car more valuable.
Prevents Costly Repairs:
Identifies hidden problems early, saving buyers from expensive fixes.
Helps with Warranty Coverage:
Some warranties require proof of routine maintenance for claims.
Easier Loan Approval:
Lenders are more likely to offer better financing terms for vehicles with complete service records.
Gives Buyers Peace of Mind:
A well-documented history assures buyers that they are making a safe investment.
How to Check Subaru Service Report?
Checking a Subaru service history by VIN is simple. Follow these steps:
Find the VIN on the car’s paperwork or the dashboard
Enter the VIN into the form along with additional details like email or phone number
Click the “Check VIN” button, then complete the payment
Download the Subaru Service History Report
If the VIN is unavailable, you can also get a full service history check with the license plate number.
How a Subaru Service History Increases Resale Value?
Keeping the records of the Subaru service history helps maintain its market value and even increases the value due to a few factors, namely:
Showing that the car was well-maintained and regularly serviced.
Giving buyers confidence in the vehicle’s reliability.
Allows sellers to justify a higher asking price with a documented maintenance history.
Good vs. Bad Service History
Good Service History
Bad Service History
Regular, timely maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations)
Gaps between services, skipped maintenance
Few or no major repairs
Frequent major repairs or unresolved issues
Parts replaced on time (brake pads, filters, spark plugs)
Delayed or neglected parts replacements
Clear, complete service records
Missing or incomplete service records
Runs smoothly, no warning lights, good condition
Rough idle, unusual noises, frequent engine lights
Higher resale value
Lower resale value
Finding the Right Replacement Parts for Subaru
If you need to do some repairs after you bought a Subaru, it’s important to find the right parts. Here’s how you can do it:
Verify Factory Specs:
Check the original specifications to ensure compatibility.
Use OEM Parts:
Genuine Subaru parts offer better reliability and longevity than aftermarket alternatives.
Check the Window Sticker:
The original window sticker (available by VIN, license plate, or model year) details factory-installed features, packages, and options to help you find the right parts.
How to Check Upcoming Maintenance for Free?
Keeping up with vehicle maintenance is important for safety, durability, and performance. Follow these simple steps for a free VIN-based maintenance recommendation for essential parts like tires, brakes, engine, and cooling system.
Log in to your account. You can sign up for free if you don’t have an account.
Go to the “tools” section in the member area.
Enter your VIN and the current odometer reading.
Click “Get Maintenance Records” to access the free maintenance, recall details, and warranty information.
Get Service History Lookup for Other Makes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest issue with Subaru?
Subarus commonly experience transmission problems. Slipping during acceleration suggests a possible solenoid issue, and overheating triggers the transmission temperature warning light.
How do you look for a car service history?
You can see your car service history through VIN by entering the VIN on the form above and getting the vehicle’s report.
At what mileage does a Subaru break down?
Many Subaru engines can reliably surpass 200,000 miles, and the secret to achieving this longevity lies in consistent maintenance, encompassing oil changes, fluid checks, and tune-ups.
