If you own — or are about to buy — a Subaru Sambar, you've probably run into a wall of letters and numbers: KS3, KS4, KV4, TT2, TV1, TW. It looks like alphabet soup, but those codes are the single most useful thing to know about your truck. They tell you the generation, whether it's a truck or a van, 2WD or 4WD, and ultimately which parts actually fit. Order a belt or filter for the wrong code and you'll be shipping it right back.
Here's the plain-English version, so you can identify your Sambar in about 60 seconds.
Why the model code matters (especially for parts)
The Sambar was built across two very different generations, plus carbureted, fuel-injected, and supercharged engine variants — and parts don't always cross over between them. A distributor cap for a carbureted KS4 isn't the same as one for a supercharged EFI model. The chassis code is the shortcut that cuts through all of it. Get it right once, and ordering parts becomes easy.
How the Sambar code system works
Once you know the pattern, the codes basically read themselves:
- First letters (KS / KV / TT / TV / TW) — tell you the generation and body style.
- S vs V — in the classic generation, KS = truck and KV = van.
- Last digit — odd vs even — odd = 2WD, even = 4WD. So KS3 is a 2WD truck and KS4 is a 4WD truck; TV1 is a 2WD van and TV2 is a 4WD van.
The two Sambar generations
Fifth generation — "Classic" (1990–1999): KS3, KS4, KV3, KV4
This is the rounded, old-school Sambar most people picture. Trucks are KS3 (2WD) and KS4 (4WD); vans are KV3 (2WD) and KV4 (4WD). It's powered by the 658cc EN07 four-cylinder — carbureted on early trucks, shifting to fuel injection later in the run, with supercharged versions making around 54–63 hp. One heads-up: the earliest 1990–1995 examples could come with a quirky ECVT automatic that's best avoided, since parts for it are hard to get in the US.
Sixth generation (1999–2012): TT1, TT2, TV1, TV2, TW
The more modern, boxier Sambar. Trucks are TT1 (2WD) and TT2 (4WD); vans are TV1 (2WD) and TV2 (4WD); the TW codes cover the Dias Wagon. Still the trusty EN07 engine, now fuel-injected across the board, again with naturally aspirated and supercharged options. Note: after Subaru ended in-house production in 2012, later "Sambars" are rebadged Daihatsu Hijets with completely different mechanicals.
Quick reference table
| Code | Generation | Body | Drive | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KS3 | 5th (Classic) | Truck | 2WD | 1990–1999 |
| KS4 | 5th (Classic) | Truck | 4WD | 1990–1999 |
| KV3 | 5th (Classic) | Van | 2WD | 1990–1999 |
| KV4 | 5th (Classic) | Van | 4WD | 1990–1999 |
| TT1 | 6th | Truck | 2WD | 1999–2012 |
| TT2 | 6th | Truck | 4WD | 1999–2012 |
| TV1 | 6th | Van | 2WD | 1999–2012 |
| TV2 | 6th | Van | 4WD | 1999–2012 |
| TW1 / TW2 | 6th (Dias Wagon) | Wagon | 2WD / 4WD | 1999–2012 |
Where to find your code
Your Sambar's code is part of its chassis number — for example, a plate reading KS4-123456 means you've got a 4WD Classic truck. Look for the stamped plate in the engine bay or on the firewall, check the number stamped on the frame, or read it off your import/registration paperwork. (We wrote a full walkthrough on this: see how to find your kei truck's VIN / chassis number.)
Now order the right parts
Once you know your code, you're ready to shop with confidence. We stock genuine OEM and quality aftermarket parts for every Sambar generation — filters, belts, ignition, gaskets and more — all imported from Japan and shipped fast from our USA warehouse. Browse the full Subaru Sambar parts collection to get started.
Not 100% sure which variant you've got? That's what we're here for. Send us your chassis number (or a photo of the plate) at scott@keiimportparts.com and we'll confirm exactly what fits — the first time.
Own a different kei truck? We've also got you covered for the Honda Acty, Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet, and Mitsubishi Minicab.