2021 Subaru Crosstrek Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek requires 4.6 quarts (4.4 liters) of 0W-20 motor oil for the 2.0L engine, and 4.4 quarts (4.2 liters) for the 2.5L engine, both including the oil filter. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service these popular compact crossovers, and ensuring you have the right oil specifications and filters is the key to keeping that horizontally opposed "boxer" engine running flawlessly.

Below is your comprehensive oil capacity and service guide for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.

Quick answer

• Oil Capacity: 4.6 quarts (2.0L) or 4.4 quarts (2.5L) with filter change
• Recommended Weight: 0W-20 Full Synthetic
• Oil Specification: ILSAC GF-6A or API SP
• OEM Oil Filter: Subaru 15208AA15A (Tokyo Roki)
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram XG7317, Wix 57055, Mobil 1 M1-110A

Capacity by engine option

For the 2021 model year, Subaru introduced a new 2.5L engine option for the Sport and Limited trims, while keeping the 2.0L for the Base, Premium, and Hybrid models.

Note: Always check the dipstick after a brief startup and warm-up to ensure the oil level is at the upper mark.

Oil change interval

Subaru's maintenance schedule is time- and mileage-dependent. Missing these intervals can lead to oil consumption issues down the road.

• Normal Duty: 6,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first). This applies to mostly highway driving in temperate climates without heavy loads.
• Severe Duty: 3,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first). You fall into this category if you frequently take short trips under 5 miles, drive in stop-and-go traffic, idle extensively, drive in freezing temperatures, or regularly tackle dusty trails or mountainous terrain.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Spec: 31 ft-lbs (41.7 Nm)
• Socket Size: 14mm
• Crush Washer: You must replace the 16mm drain plug crush washer (Subaru OEM part # 803916010) at every oil change. Reusing the old crush washer is a guaranteed way to cause a slow driveway leak. Install the new washer with the flat side facing the drain pan and the rounded/crush side facing the bolt head.

How to change the oil

The 2021 Crosstrek is one of the easiest vehicles on the market for DIY oil changes thanks to its top-mounted oil filter.

1. Warm up the engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, which helps it drain faster and suspend contaminants.
2. Elevate the vehicle: Park on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and raise the front of the vehicle using ramps or a jack and jack stands.
3. Remove the oil filter: Pop the hood and locate the oil filter on top of the engine block. Place a rag around the base to catch drips, and unscrew it using an oil filter cup wrench.
4. Drain the oil: Locate the 14mm engine oil drain plug on the black oil pan. Remove the plug and let the oil drain completely into a catch pan.
5. Reinstall drain plug: Wipe the mating surface clean, install a new crush washer, and torque the drain plug to 31 ft-lbs.
6. Install the new filter: Lubricate the new oil filter's rubber O-ring with a dab of fresh oil. Thread it on by hand until it makes contact, then tighten it another 3/4 turn. Do not overtighten.
7. Refill and check: Pour the correct capacity of 0W-20 oil into the filler neck. Start the engine, check for leaks, shut it off, and verify the final level on the dipstick after a few minutes.

Common issues / tips

• Don't Drain the Transmission! The most common mistake DIYers make on the Crosstrek is accidentally draining the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) fluid instead of the engine oil. The engine oil drain plug is located further forward on a black painted pan and is angled. The CVT drain plug is further back, usually requires a larger hex/Torx bit, and sits on a raw aluminum pan.
• Fumoto Valve Upgrade: Because the Crosstrek is raised and the filter is on top, installing a Fumoto drain valve (like the F108N) can allow you to do entirely tool-less oil changes without even lifting the car.
• Oil Consumption: While modern FB-series engines are better than older generations, they can still consume some oil. Check your dipstick every 1,000 miles or at every fuel fill-up to prevent running low.

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