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Find Your Subaru's Color Code

A color code is the unique ID for your car's specific paint. Color codes are the only way to guarantee a perfect match - names are unreliable.

Where to find your Subaru Color Code

Subaru color codes can be found on a Color ID Tag, which is typically a small, rectangular sticker or metal plate packed with technical vehicle data. It often features a silver, black, or white background with dense alphanumeric text and barcodes.

In addition to the Color Code, the Color ID Tag contains a lot of other information - like the VIN, wheelbase, and interior trim. See the diagram below to determine which of these codes corresponds to your exterior paint.

What a Subaru color code ID tag looks like

What a Subaru color code ID tag looks like

How to find your Subaru color code

Identifying your Color Code

The color plate may be on top of the drivers side strut; in recent years it is in the driver or passenger side door jambs. Typical Subaru paint codes are three digits long and composed of numbers and letters. For two tone cars a code like "3M6" appears: "Two Tone Color Combination 3M6 Atlantic Blue Pearl 33A Granite Gray Opal Clearcoat 35S". The color code matters since the same paint can have different names across models.

  • Driver's Side Strut Tower

    Driver's Side Strut Tower

    This sticker may also be on the passenger side strut tower. It may be difficult to read if covered in dirt or oil.

  • Driver's Side Door or Door Jamb

    Driver's Side Door or Door Jamb

    The most common location. The code may be on the pillar itself, the door edge, or near the latch.

  • Passenger Side Door or Door Jamb

    Passenger Side Door or Door Jamb

    The code may be on the pillar itself, the door edge, or near the latch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Color Codes

Where is the paint code on my Subaru?

Most paint codes are found on the driver’s door jamb. Other common locations include under the hood, inside the trunk near the spare tire, or less commonly the glove box. You can use our make and year-specific diagrams to confirm the exact location for your vehicle.

Can I use my Subaru's VIN to find the paint color code?

No. The VIN does not contain your paint color code. It only helps identify formula variations after the correct color code is known. You must locate the paint code on the vehicle itself for accurate matching.

What does a Subaru paint code look like?

Paint codes are short combinations of letters and numbers, typically 2–6 characters long. Formats vary by manufacturer, but the code will always be clearly labeled on the vehicle’s identification plate or sticker.

Are Subaru paint codes in the same place on every vehicle?

No. Some manufacturers use consistent locations, while others vary by model and year. Always check the diagrams for your exact vehicle year and make.

Why are some Subaru paint codes harder to find than others?

Some manufacturers place paint codes in hidden or unusual locations, such as under trunk carpeting or among many other numbers. This is common with brands like Audi, Porsche, and Mercedes.

How do I find interior Subaru paint color codes?

Interior colors are not factory-coded on vehicles. To identify an interior color, you’ll need to match it using physical color chips or a body shop reference book. Once identified, we can make the paint for you.

What if I still can’t find my Subaru paint code?

Double-check all locations shown in the diagrams, including less obvious areas. On classic or rare vehicles, you may need to contact the manufacturer directly. If you’re still unsure, contact us and we’ll help guide you.

More About Subaru Color Codes

Subaru did not make it easy to find the color code. For some reason, they sometimes put the color plate on top of the drivers side strut. Now, this is a ridiculous location but so it goes. In recent years, they have become more reasonable and put the color plate in the driver or passenger side door jambs. Typical Subaru paint codes are three digits long and composed of numbers and letters. Two Tone Subaru Color Code Formats An example of a two color code is "3M6" which corresponds to: "Two Tone Color Combination 3M6 Atlantic Blue Pearl 33A Granite Gray Opal Clearcoat 35S". If your car has two colors, you will see the two tone color code. When you look on our site at your year, make and model, you can see a listing of the two tone color codes and the corresponding paint colors. Subaru, like all manufacturers, uses the exact same color across many models and then will have a different color name for each model. It's the same paint! This is why the color code is so important to order the correct paint.

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