Subaru Service History
Not all used Subaru 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.
Table of Contents:
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
- Regular Maintenance: Records of essential repairs and maintenance of the oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid top-ups to ensure the car performs well.
- Service History: Be informed of the vehicle's maintenance frequency to determine whether the vehicle was well maintained.
- Component Replacements: 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.
- Problematic Areas and Components: Identifies parts or systems that have required frequent repairs, which may indicate potential reliability problems.
Other Vehicle History Information
A Subaru vehicle history report has more than just a vehicle history report. It offers a comprehensive background check, including:
Detailed Specifications
View detailed factory specs, including trim, drive type, engine size, transmission type, and factory-installed features.
Title Information
See whether the Subaru has a Clean, Salvage, Rebuilt, Flood, or Lemon title, alerting you to major past issues.
Lien & Loans
Learn if the vehicle still has outstanding financial obligations (liens/loans) tied to it. All loans/liens need to be resolved before purchase.
Ownership History
Check the number of previous owners, usage type (personal, lease, or fleet), and duration of ownership.
Mileage Record
View odometer readings over time to confirm accuracy and check for rollbacks or inconsistencies.
Recall History
Check for manufacturer recalls for Subaru vehicles and veriify whether the necessary repairs have been completed.
Accident History
View details on details about reported accidents, and see how much structural damage was sustained.
Warranty Coverage
See the remaining coverage for factory warranties such as basic, powertrain, corrosion, and roadside assistance.
Auction Records & Photos
Check past auction sales with condition reports, pricing, and up to 10 images, helping buyers verify past presentation and market value.
Why Checking Subaru Service History Matters?
A complete 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 History?
Want to get a reliable Subaru vehicle history report in a second? Follow these simple steps to get yours.
1
Find the VIN on the car’s paperwork or the dashboard
2
Enter the VIN into the form along with additional details like email or phone number
3
Click the “Check VIN” button, then complete the payment
4
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 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 Subaru Service History
The table below highlights the key differences between a good and a bad serviced car.
Good Subaru Service History | Bad Subaru Service History |
|---|---|
Oil and fluid changes done on schedule | Missed or irregular oil changes |
Timing belt/chain replaced at recommended mileage | Delayed timing belt replacement leading to engine risks |
Routine brake, tire, and filter replacements | Ignored wear and tear items |
Lower risk of engine and drivetrain issues | Frequent mechanical failures |
Smooth driving, reliable performance | Ongoing warning lights and performance issues |
Higher resale value and buyer confidence | Reduced value and buyer hesitation |
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:
Check the original specifications to ensure compatibility.
Genuine Subaru parts offer better reliability and longevity than aftermarket alternatives.
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 Subaru Upcoming Maintenance for Free?
Like every vehicle, a Subaru needs consistent maintenance to continue running at its best. Regular servicing not only helps prevent costly breakdowns but also extends the life of your vehicle and maintains strong resale value.
1
Log in to your account or sign up for free if you don’t have one.
2
Go to the “tools” section in the member area.
3
Enter your VIN and the current mileage.
4
Click “Get Maintenance Records” to access the free maintenance tips, recall details, and warranty information.
FAQ About Subaru Service History
Subarus commonly experience transmission problems. Slipping during acceleration suggests a possible solenoid issue, and overheating triggers the transmission temperature warning light.
You can see your car service history through VIN by entering the VIN on the form above and getting the vehicle's report.
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.
Quick VIN Decoder
Get comprehensive vehicle history reports
Quick VIN Decoder
Get comprehensive vehicle history reports