2015 Subaru Forester Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

Quick Answer

Your 2015 Subaru Forester requires 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) of 0W-20 synthetic oil for the 2.5L engine or 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) of 5W-30 synthetic oil for the 2.0L XT turbo engine. It is critical to use a full synthetic oil meeting API Service SN or a higher standard.

• Oil Capacity (2.5L FB25): 5.1 quarts / 4.8 liters
• Oil Capacity (2.0L FA20F XT): 4.8 quarts / 4.5 liters
• Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20 (2.5L) or 5W-30 (2.0L Turbo)
• Oil Specification: API Service SN or higher (ILSAC GF-5)
• Oil Filter (OEM): Subaru 15208AA15A
• Aftermarket Filter Cross-References:
  • Fram: PH7317
  • Wix: 57055
  • Mobil 1: M1-110A

Capacity by Engine Option

Oil Change Interval

Subaru recommends an oil change interval of every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, for the 2015 Forester under normal driving conditions. However, your maintenance schedule may be accelerated if you frequently operate the vehicle under "severe duty" conditions.

• Normal Duty: 6,000 miles / 6 months
• Severe Duty: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months. Severe conditions include:
  • Repeated short trips (under 5 miles)
  • Towing trailers
  • Driving in dusty or very cold environments
  • Frequent mountain or city driving

Given the known oil consumption issues with this generation, checking the oil level at every fuel fill-up is highly recommended.

Drain Plug Torque

Properly tightening the drain plug is crucial to prevent leaks. Always use a new crush washer to ensure a proper seal.

• Drain Plug Torque: 30.8 ft-lbs (41.8 Nm)
• Crush Washer: 16mm ID, Subaru Part No. 11126AA000

How to Change the Oil

Changing the oil on a 2015 Forester is a straightforward process.

1. Warm up the engine for a few minutes to circulate the oil.
2. Safely raise and support the vehicle using jack stands.
3. Place a drain pan under the oil drain plug, located on the oil pan.
4. Remove the 14mm drain plug and let the oil drain completely.
5. While the oil is draining, locate and remove the oil filter. It is typically located on the top of the engine, to the right of the alternator, for easier access.
6. Wipe the filter mating surface clean and apply a thin layer of new oil to the gasket of the new filter.
7. Install the new filter and tighten it hand-tight plus about a 1/4 turn.
8. Once the oil flow stops, install a new crush washer on the drain plug and torque it to 31 ft-lbs.
9. Lower the vehicle and refill with the correct specification and quantity of oil.
10. Start the engine, let it run for 30 seconds, then shut it off. Wait a minute and re-check the oil level, topping off as needed.

Common Issues / Tips

The 2011-2015 generation of Subaru Foresters with the 2.5L FB25 engine is known for potential oil consumption issues. This was the subject of a class-action lawsuit (Subaru Oil Consumption Class Action Lawsuit, case number 1:14-cv-02770, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey). Some engines may consume oil at a rate higher than what is considered normal.

• Monitor Oil Levels: Check your dipstick frequently (every other fuel stop is a good practice). The dipstick can be hard to read; pull it, wipe it clean, re-insert it fully, wait a second, and then pull it again for an accurate reading.
• Use High-Quality Oil: Do not deviate from the recommended 0W-20 (for the 2.5L) or 5W-30 (for the 2.0L) full synthetic oil. Using a high-quality synthetic that meets the API SN or newer spec can help mitigate consumption issues.
• Top-Mounted Filter: A major advantage of this generation is the top-mounted oil filter, which makes for a much cleaner and easier oil change compared to cars with bottom-mounted filters.

Need an oil change? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.