2016 Subaru Forester Complete Fluid Specs and Capacities

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly see vehicles that have suffered premature wear simply because the wrong fluid was used during routine maintenance. The 2016 Subaru Forester is a robust, reliable crossover, featuring Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a choice between the naturally aspirated 2.5L FB25 engine and the turbocharged 2.0L FA20DIT in the XT models. Because of its unique flat-four boxer engine layout and specialized Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), sticking strictly to OEM fluid specifications is absolutely critical.

Below is your comprehensive master guide to every factory-specified fluid for the 2016 Subaru Forester, covering capacities, types, and the OEM spec numbers you need to know.

Quick reference

Here is the quick reference chart for the 2016 Subaru Forester. Note: Capacities are approximate dry-fill or overhaul capacities. Always verify final levels with the dipstick or fill-plug check procedures.

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (2.5L)	0W-20 Full Synthetic (API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6A)	5.1 qts (4.8L) with filter
Engine Oil (2.0L XT)	5W-30 Full Synthetic (API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6A)	5.4 qts (5.1L) with filter
Engine Coolant	Subaru Super Coolant (Blue, Phosphated Non-Amine OAT)	7.6 - 8.2 qts (7.2L - 7.8L)
Automatic Trans (CVT 2.5L)	Subaru CVT Fluid-II (LinearTronic II)	13.1 qts (12.4L) total fill
Automatic Trans (CVT 2.0L XT)	Subaru High Torque CVT Fluid	13.1 qts (12.4L) total fill
Manual Trans (2.5L only)	75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil	3.5 qts (3.3L)
Front Differential (CVT)	75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil	1.5 qts (1.4L)
Rear Differential	75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil	0.8 qts (0.8L)
Brake Fluid	FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or DOT 4	Approx. 1.0 qt
Power Steering	N/A (Electric Power Steering)	N/A
Windshield Washer	Standard washer solvent	Approx. 1.0 gal

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Engine Oil Specifications

Subaru engines are highly sensitive to oil viscosity and quality, primarily due to the horizontal layout and variable valve timing systems (AVCS).

• 2.5L Naturally Aspirated (FB25): Subaru mandates 0W-20 full synthetic oil. The oil must meet API SN (or the newer API SP) and ILSAC GF-5 (or GF-6A) standards. The thin 0W-20 is required for optimal fuel economy and proper cold-start lubrication of the timing chain and valvetrain.
• 2.0L Turbocharged (FA20DIT): The XT models generate significantly more heat and cylinder pressure, requiring a thicker 5W-30 full synthetic oil. It must also meet API SN/SP and ILSAC GF-5/GF-6A specs. Do not use 0W-20 in the turbo model, as it will break down under high heat and lead to turbocharger or bearing failure.

Intervals & Pitfalls: Standard oil change intervals are every 6,000 miles or 6 months. However, if you drive in dusty conditions, tow, or make frequent short trips, follow the severe service schedule of 3,000 miles. A common pitfall is over-tightening the oil drain plug, which should be torqued to 30.8 ft-lbs. Always replace the crush washer.

Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)

The 2016 Forester uses Subaru Super Coolant (OEM Part # SOA868V9270). This is a blue-colored, phosphated non-amine Organic Acid Technology (P-OAT) coolant. It comes pre-mixed 50/50 with deionized water.

Intervals & Pitfalls: The factory fill is rated for 11 years or 137,500 miles, with subsequent changes every 6 years or 75,000 miles. Never mix this with green or universal coolants. Mixing a standard OAT or HOAT coolant with Subaru Super Coolant will compromise the corrosion inhibitors, potentially leading to head gasket degradation, water pump failure, or heater core blockage.

Transmission Fluid

Subaru’s Lineartronic CVTs are excellent for efficiency but are notoriously picky about fluid. The fluid differs based on the engine:

• 2.5L Models (TR580 CVT): Use only Subaru CVT Fluid-II (Blue fluid).
• 2.0L XT Turbo (TR690 CVT): Use only Subaru High Torque CVT Fluid (Orange fluid).
• 6-Speed Manual: Use a high-quality 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil.

Intervals & Pitfalls: Subaru officially states the CVT fluid is "lifetime," but for longevity, ASE technicians strongly recommend a drain-and-fill every 60,000 miles (or 25,000 miles if towing). Never use universal ATF. Using anything other than the exact specified Subaru CVT fluid will cause chain slip, shudder, and ultimately, a catastrophic transmission failure costing thousands. Additionally, there is no dipstick for the CVT; fluid level must be checked via the fill plug while the transmission is at a specific temperature range (95°F - 113°F) using a scan tool. Verify in owner's manual / OEM service info before attempting.

Front and Rear Differential Gear Oil

Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system requires fluid in both the front differential (on CVT models) and the rear differential.

• Both front and rear differentials require 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil.
• Note on Manual Transmissions: The front differential shares fluid with the manual transmission case, so you only have one fill point at the front.

Intervals & Pitfalls: Inspect every 30,000 miles. For best practice, replace the differential fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. A massive, yet unfortunately common pitfall is draining the CVT fluid by mistake when intending to drain the front differential, or vice-versa. The front diff drain plug is a T70 Torx bit, while the CVT uses a standard hex bolt. Pay close attention to what you are draining!

Brake Fluid

The 2016 Forester uses standard FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. DOT 4 is backward compatible and offers a higher boiling point, making it an excellent upgrade if you do heavy braking or drive in mountainous terrain.

Intervals & Pitfalls: Brake fluid is hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture from the air). Subaru recommends replacing the brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Neglecting this leads to a spongy brake pedal, internally rusted brake calipers, and potential failure of the ABS hydraulic control unit. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid, as it will destroy the seals in your ABS system.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2016 Subaru Forester utilizes Electric Power Steering (EPS). There is no power steering fluid to check or change. The steering rack is driven by an electric motor, reducing parasitic draw on the engine and eliminating fluid leaks entirely.

Windshield Washer Fluid

You can use any standard off-the-shelf washer solvent. The reservoir holds about a gallon. In regions that experience freezing temperatures, ensure you switch to a winter-blend washer fluid (rated for -20°F or lower) to prevent the fluid from freezing and cracking the reservoir or damaging the washer pump.

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Proper fluid maintenance is the lifeblood of your Subaru Forester. Always stick to the required specifications to ensure maximum longevity and reliability of that Symmetrical AWD system and boxer engine.

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