Looking to touch up your Subaru’s paint but don’t know where to find the paint code? You’re just minutes away from discovering exactly where to look. Whether you’re dealing with a minor scratch or planning a more extensive touch-up, finding the correct paint code is crucial for a perfect match. This guide will walk you through every possible location where Subaru hides these important codes on your vehicle.
What Is a Subaru Paint Code?
A Subaru paint code is a unique alphanumeric identifier that specifies the exact color formula used on your vehicle. These codes are typically three characters long, containing a mix of letters and numbers. For example, K1X represents Crystal White Pearl, while 02C stands for the iconic WR Blue that many Subaru enthusiasts love.
The paint code ensures you get the exact shade match when ordering touch-up paint or getting bodywork done. Even slight variations in color formulation can be noticeable, especially in direct sunlight.
Primary Subaru Paint Code Locations
Finding your Subaru’s paint code is straightforward once you know where to look. There are three main places where Subaru typically displays this information:
1. Passenger Side Door Jamb
The most common and easiest location to check is the passenger side door jamb. Here’s how to find it:
- Open the front passenger door
- Look at the area where the door connects to the car body (the door jamb)
- Find a white or silver sticker with various vehicle information
- Locate “COLOR CODE” or “PAINT CODE” on this label
- The three-character code next to this label is your paint code
This sticker also contains other useful information like your VIN, manufacture date, and tire pressure recommendations.
2. Under the Hood on Strut Towers
If you can’t find the paint code on the door jamb, your next stop should be under the hood:
- Open the hood of your Subaru
- Look at the strut towers (the large metal structures that the suspension connects to)
- The paint code is typically found on a sticker or metal plate on these towers
The exact location varies slightly by model year:
- 1990 and newer models: Check the driver side strut tower
- 2007 and newer models: Look at the passenger side front strut tower
3. Driver Side Door Jamb
Some Subaru models, particularly older ones, may have the paint code located on the driver’s side door jamb instead. The process for finding it is identical to checking the passenger side:
- Open the driver’s door
- Examine the door jamb area for the information sticker
- Look for the paint code labeled as “COLOR CODE”
Paint Code Format and Examples
Subaru paint codes follow a specific format to help identify the exact color of your vehicle. Here’s what you need to know:
Standard Format
Subaru paint codes typically consist of:
- Three characters (letters and numbers)
- Sometimes displayed with a space between characters
- Usually printed in black text on a white label
Common Subaru Paint Code Examples
| Paint Code | Color Name | Commonly Found On |
|---|---|---|
| K1X | Crystal White Pearl | Most modern Subaru models |
| 02C | WR Blue | WRX, STI, and limited editions |
| H5Q | Green Metallic | Forester, Outback models |
| 37J | Ice Silver Metallic | Various models |
| D4S | Hyper Blue | Special edition WRX, STI |
| M7Y | Plasma Yellow Pearl | Crosstrek Sport |
Two-Tone Vehicles
If your Subaru has a two-tone paint job (like some Outback models with lower body cladding in a different color), the paint code information will include both colors:
- The main body color code will be listed first
- The secondary color (usually for lower body or bumpers) will be listed second
- Both may be labeled separately as “UPPER” and “LOWER”
Model-Specific Variations
While the general locations remain consistent, there are some variations depending on which Subaru model you own.
Subaru Forester
In most Forester models, especially those manufactured after 2007, the paint code is located on the passenger side door jamb. For older Foresters (pre-2007), check the driver’s side strut tower under the hood.
Subaru Impreza, WRX and STI
For the Impreza family, including WRX and STI models, the paint code is typically found on the passenger side door jamb. Some performance-oriented models like the WRX might also have this information on a separate manufacturer’s plate under the hood.
Subaru Outback
Outback models generally follow the standard locations, with most having the paint code on the passenger side door jamb. Two-tone Outbacks will list both color codes on the same sticker, clearly labeled for the upper and lower body sections.
Subaru Crosstrek
For the Crosstrek, which is a newer addition to the Subaru lineup, the paint code is almost always found on the passenger side door jamb sticker. The format follows the standard three-character code system.
Subaru BRZ
The BRZ, being a sports car developed in conjunction with Toyota, still follows Subaru’s standard paint code location practices. Look first on the passenger door jamb, then under the hood if needed.
Subaru Legacy
The Legacy sedan typically has its paint code located on the passenger side door jamb. In some earlier generations (pre-2000), you might need to check under the hood on the driver’s side strut tower.
Subaru Ascent
As Subaru’s newest and largest model, the Ascent follows the modern standard of placing the paint code on the passenger side door jamb.
Timeline of Paint Code Location Changes
Subaru has made some changes to where they place paint codes over the years:
| Time Period | Primary Location | Secondary Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Driver side door jamb | Under hood |
| 1990-2006 | Driver side strut tower | Passenger door jamb |
| 2007-Present | Passenger door jamb | Passenger side strut tower |
This timeline helps explain why you might find different information depending on the age of your Subaru.
What To Do If You Can’t Find Your Paint Code
If you’ve checked all three common locations and still can’t find your Subaru’s paint code, don’t worry. There are several alternatives:
Contact Your Subaru Dealer
Your local Subaru dealership can look up your paint code using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The parts department typically has this information readily available in their computer system.
Check Your Vehicle Documentation
Sometimes the paint code is listed in your original vehicle documentation, particularly in the detailed specification sheets that came with your car when it was new.
VIN Decoder Services
There are online VIN decoder services that can provide your paint code along with other vehicle information. However, not all of these services include paint code data.
Reasons Why Your Paint Code Might Be Missing
If you can’t find your paint code in the usual spots, consider these possibilities:
- The door jamb sticker was removed or damaged during previous repairs
- The vehicle has been repainted with a non-factory color
- Body panels have been replaced without new stickers being applied
- Wear and tear has made the sticker illegible
Reading and Interpreting Your Subaru Paint Code
Once you’ve located your Subaru’s paint code, understanding what it means can help ensure you get the right paint.
Understanding Color vs. Paint Code
It’s important to note that color names can be misleading. For example, “Crystal White Pearl” might look similar to “Satin White Pearl,” but they have different paint codes (K1X vs. 37J) and are not interchangeable.
Always use the specific paint code rather than the color name when ordering touch-up paint or arranging bodywork.
Paint Code vs. Color Code
On Subaru vehicles, the terms “paint code” and “color code” are used interchangeably. If you see either term on your vehicle’s information sticker, it’s referring to the same thing – the three-character code that identifies your exact paint color.
Special Finishes
Many Subaru colors, especially in newer models, feature special finishes like:
- Pearl (contains tiny reflective particles)
- Metallic (contains aluminum flakes)
- Mica (contains crystalline particles)
These special finishes require specific application techniques for best results. The paint code indicates not just the color but also the type of finish.
Using Your Paint Code for Repairs
Now that you’ve found your Subaru paint code, here’s how to use it effectively:
Ordering Touch-Up Paint
When ordering touch-up paint for minor scratches and chips:
- Provide the exact three-character paint code
- Specify your Subaru’s year and model (as formulations can change slightly)
- Consider ordering a complete kit that includes primer and clear coat
Professional Body Shop Repairs
When taking your car to a body shop:
- Provide the paint code to ensure an exact match
- Mention if your car has been previously repainted
- Ask them to blend the new paint into adjacent panels for a seamless look
DIY Paint Matching Tips
If you’re doing a DIY touch-up:
- Clean the area thoroughly before applying paint
- Apply in thin layers rather than one thick coat
- Test the color on an inconspicuous area first
- Allow proper drying time between coats
- Apply clear coat for a factory-like finish
Common Subaru Colors and Their Codes
Subaru has several signature colors that have become iconic to the brand. Here are some of the most popular:
Popular Subaru Blues
- WR Blue (02C): The iconic rally-inspired blue found on WRX and STI models
- Lapis Blue Pearl (K3X): A deeper, darker blue popular on newer models
- Hyper Blue (D4S): A bright, vibrant blue used on special edition models
Popular Subaru Reds
- Pure Red (M7Y): A bright, non-metallic red
- Lightning Red (C7P): A slightly darker red with metallic flakes
- Venetian Red Pearl (59M): A deeper, more sophisticated red
Popular Subaru Whites and Silvers
- Crystal White Pearl (K1X): A bright white with subtle pearl effect
- Ice Silver Metallic (G1U): The standard silver seen on many Subarus
- Satin White Pearl (37J): A warmer white with pronounced pearl effect
Popular Subaru Earth Tones
- Wilderness Green Metallic (H5Q): A subdued green popular on Foresters
- Desert Khaki (X8Q): A tan/beige color found on Crosstrek models
- Autumn Green Metallic (69Z): A deeper green with gold undertones
Keeping Track of Your Paint Code
Once you’ve located your Subaru’s paint code, it’s a good idea to keep this information handy:
- Take a clear photo of the sticker showing the paint code
- Write down the code and keep it in your glove compartment
- Add it to your vehicle maintenance records
- Store it in your phone’s notes app
Having this information readily available will save you time when you need touch-up paint or body repairs in the future.
Why Exact Paint Matching Matters
Using the correct paint code is crucial for several reasons:
- Resale Value: Mismatched paint can reduce your vehicle’s value
- Aesthetic Appeal: Even slight color differences can be noticeable in certain lighting
- UV Protection: Factory-matched paint contains the proper UV inhibitors
- Corrosion Prevention: Proper paint seals and protects the metal underneath
Even colors that seem simple, like white or black, have multiple variations in the Subaru lineup. What looks like “just white” might actually be Crystal White Pearl, Satin White Pearl, or Ceramic White – all with different formulations and appearances.
By finding and using your exact Subaru paint code, you ensure that any repairs or touch-ups will blend seamlessly with your vehicle’s original finish, maintaining both its appearance and value for years to come.
