2015 Subaru Forester: Factory Maintenance Schedule

Quick Reference

Severe-duty schedule

The 2015 Subaru Forester has a standard maintenance schedule that works for most drivers. However, if you drive your Forester under what Subaru calls "severe-duty" conditions, you'll need to perform some maintenance tasks more frequently. Severe-duty driving includes:

• Towing: If you regularly tow a trailer, your Forester's engine and transmission are working harder than usual. This means more frequent fluid changes are necessary to keep these components protected.
• Dusty environments: Driving on dirt roads or in dusty conditions can clog your engine and cabin air filters more quickly. You'll want to inspect and replace these filters more often to ensure optimal engine performance and clean air in the cabin.
• Short trips: If you frequently make short trips of less than 5 miles, your engine may not have a chance to fully warm up. This can lead to condensation and sludge buildup in the engine oil, so more frequent oil changes are recommended.
• Cold climates: Driving in extremely cold temperatures can also be hard on your Forester's engine and other systems. More frequent fluid changes and inspections are a good idea to prevent problems.

For Foresters driven under severe-duty conditions, it's recommended to change the engine oil and filter every 3,000-5,000 miles. You should also inspect and replace the air filters, and perform other maintenance tasks like transmission fluid changes, more frequently. Consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations based on your driving habits.

Known issues by mileage

The 2015 Subaru Forester is a reliable SUV, but like any vehicle, it has some known issues that tend to appear at certain mileage points. Here are a few to watch out for:

• 60,000-80,000 miles: This is when you might start to see wheel bearing failure. The first sign is usually a humming or grinding noise coming from one of the wheels, which gets louder with speed. It's important to have this addressed quickly, as a failed wheel bearing can be dangerous.
• 80,000-100,000 miles: Some owners have reported issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) around this mileage. Symptoms can include shuddering, slipping, or a complete loss of power. If you experience any of these problems, it's important to have your Forester inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
• 100,000+ miles: At higher mileage, you might start to see some oil consumption. This is not uncommon in older vehicles, but it's important to keep an eye on your oil level and top it off as needed. You should also have your Forester inspected for any leaks, as this can be a sign of a more serious problem.

Estimated cost per service

• Minor Service (5k, 10k, 15k miles): $75 - $150. This typically includes an oil and filter change and a tire rotation.
• Intermediate Service (30k miles): $250 - $450. This includes the minor service items plus a brake fluid flush and new engine and cabin air filters.
• Major Service (60k, 100k, 120k miles): $500 - $1,200+. This includes all the items from the minor and intermediate services, as well as spark plug replacement, and inspection or replacement of other components like belts and fluids.

What you can DIY vs shop

DIY:

• Oil and filter change: This is a relatively easy and inexpensive job that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. Just be sure to use the correct type of oil and a high-quality filter.
• Tire rotation: This is another easy job that you can do at home with a jack and a lug wrench. Rotating your tires regularly will help them wear evenly and last longer.
• Cabin and engine air filter: These are both very easy to replace and can be done in just a few minutes with no tools required.

Shop:

• Brake fluid flush: This is a more involved job that is best left to a professional. It requires special equipment to bleed the brakes and ensure that all the old fluid is removed.
• Transmission fluid service: This is another job that is best left to a professional. It requires a special machine to flush the old fluid out and replace it with new fluid.
• Spark plug replacement: While this is something that a more experienced DIYer can do, it can be a bit tricky on the Forester's boxer engine. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, it's best to leave it to a professional.

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