Subaru Forester oil specs by year

Subaru Forester oil specs changed across the 2005–2025 range. The most recent checked year uses 4.6 qt of 0W-16. Select the exact year to see the checked capacity, viscosity, and filter for that model year.

Multiple engine options: The Subaru Forester was offered with 4 engine options across its history. Open the exact year page and select your engine to see the correct capacity and viscosity for your vehicle.
Year Capacity Oil type Filter Page
2025 4.6 qt 0W-16 WIX 51032; WIX 51036; WIX 51040 Verified fit Open record →
2024 4.4 qt 0W-20 AMSOIL EA15K13; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2023 4.4 qt 0W-20 PRO-TEC PXL57055; AMSOIL EA15K13; AMSOIL EA15K01 Verified fit Open record →
2022 4.4 qt 0W-20 PRO-TEC PXL57055; AMSOIL EA15K13; AMSOIL EA15K01 Verified fit Open record →
2021 4.4 qt 0W-20 AMSOIL EA15K13; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2020 4.4 qt 0W-20 AMSOIL EA15K13; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2019 4.4 qt 0W-20 AMSOIL EA15K13; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2018 5.4 qt 5W-30 AMSOIL EA15K13; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2017 5.4 qt 5W-30 AMSOIL EA15K13; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2016 5.4 qt 5W-30 AMSOIL EA15K13; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2015 5.4 qt 5W-30 AMSOIL EA15K13; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2014 5.4 qt 5W-30 AMSOIL EA15K13; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2013 5.5 qt 0W-20 Purolator L14615; CHAMP / LUBER-FINER PH2867; CHAMP / LUBER-FINER PH2876 Verified fit Open record →
2012 5.5 qt 0W-20 PRO-TEC PXL57055; CHAMP / LUBER-FINER PH2876; Purolator L14615 Verified fit Open record →
2011 5.5 qt 0W-20 CHAMP / LUBER-FINER PH2876; Purolator L14615; Purolator L14459 Verified fit Open record →
2009 4.4 qt 5W-30 AMSOIL EA15K12; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2008 4.2 qt 5W-30 AMSOIL EA15K12; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2007 4.2 qt 5W-30 AMSOIL EA15K12; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2006 4.2 qt 5W-30 AMSOIL EA15K12; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →
2005 4.2 qt 5W-30 AMSOIL EA15K12; AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02 Verified fit Open record →

Subaru Forester oil spec changes by year

Checked records show 5 spec changes across the 2005–2025 range. 2009: capacity changed from 4.2 qt to 4.4 qt (vs 2008). 2011: capacity and viscosity changed from 4.4 qt / 5W-30 to 5.5 qt / 0W-20 (vs 2009). 2014: capacity and viscosity changed from 5.5 qt / 0W-20 to 5.4 qt / 5W-30 (vs 2013). 2019: capacity and viscosity changed from 5.4 qt / 5W-30 to 4.4 qt / 0W-20 (vs 2018). 2025: capacity and viscosity changed from 4.4 qt / 0W-20 to 4.6 qt / 0W-16 (vs 2024). Open the exact year page for the full source notes before buying.

  • 2009: capacity changed to 4.4 qt (was 4.2 qt in 2008). Open 2009 record →
  • 2011: capacity and viscosity changed to 5.5 qt / 0W-20 (was 4.4 qt / 5W-30 in 2009). Open 2011 record →
  • 2014: capacity and viscosity changed to 5.4 qt / 5W-30 (was 5.5 qt / 0W-20 in 2013). Open 2014 record →
  • 2019: capacity and viscosity changed to 4.4 qt / 0W-20 (was 5.4 qt / 5W-30 in 2018). Open 2019 record →
  • 2025: capacity and viscosity changed to 4.6 qt / 0W-16 (was 4.4 qt / 0W-20 in 2024). Open 2025 record →
  • 2011: engine option “2.0L” removed.
  • 2014: engine option “2.5L 4-Cyl” added.
  • 2014: engine option “2.0L 4-Cyl Turbo” added.
  • 2014: engine option “2.5L 4-Cyl Turbo” removed.
  • 2019: engine option “2.0L 4-Cyl Turbo” removed.
  • 2022: engine option “2.0L” added.
  • 2024: engine option “2.0L” removed.
  • 2025: engine option “2.0L” added.

Subaru Forester oil — frequently asked questions

What oil does the Subaru Forester take?
The Subaru Forester oil spec has changed across model years. The most recent checked year uses 4.6 qt of 0W-16. Use the year table above to find the spec for your specific model year.
Does the Subaru Forester oil capacity change across years?
Yes. Checked records show 5 capacity changes across the 2005–2025 range. Use the year table above to find the exact capacity for your model year and confirm in your owner's manual.
Does the Subaru Forester have different oil specs for different engines?
Yes. The Subaru Forester has been offered with multiple engine options (2.0L, 2.0L 4-Cyl Turbo, 2.5L 4-Cyl, and others). Each engine can have a different oil capacity and viscosity. Open the exact year page, select your engine, and confirm specs before buying.
What oil filter fits the Subaru Forester?
The most recent checked year lists WIX 51032; WIX 51036; WIX 51040 as a compatible oil filter for the Subaru Forester. Filter part numbers can change across model years — open the exact year page for the source-checked part number for your year.

Look up a specific Subaru Forester year

Select a model year to open the exact checked oil fitment record before ordering.