2017 Subaru Forester Complete Fluid Specifications

Quick Reference

Below is a quick reference guide for the 2017 Subaru Forester. Note that fluid capacities and types can vary slightly depending on whether your Forester is equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5L (FB25) engine or the 2.0L turbocharged (FA20DIT) engine. Always verify against your owner’s manual or factory service manual before beginning any fluid service.

Fluid	Type / Specification	Capacity
Engine Oil (2.5L Non-Turbo)	0W-20 Synthetic (API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6)	5.1 qts (4.8 L) with filter
Engine Oil (2.0L Turbo)	5W-30 Synthetic (API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6)	5.4 qts (5.1 L) with filter
Engine Coolant	Subaru Super Coolant (Blue, OAT, Pre-mixed)	7.2 - 8.1 qts (depending on trans/engine)
Automatic Transmission (CVT - 2.5L)	Subaru Lineartronic CVT Fluid-II (Blue)	~12.9 qts (total fill)
Automatic Transmission (CVT - 2.0L Turbo)	Subaru High Torque CVT Fluid (Orange)	~13.1 qts (total fill)
Manual Transmission (2.5L only)	75W-90 API GL-5 Gear Oil	3.5 qts (3.3 L)
Front Differential (CVT models)	75W-90 API GL-5 Gear Oil	1.3 - 1.5 qts (1.2 - 1.4 L)
Rear Differential	75W-90 API GL-5 Gear Oil	0.8 qts (0.8 L)
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Subaru FMVSS No. 116)	As needed to max line
Power Steering	N/A (Electric Power Steering)	N/A
Windshield Washer Fluid	Standard Washer Fluid (Winter-rated as needed)	~1 Gallon

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Engine Oil

The lifeblood of your Subaru’s boxer engine is its oil. Subaru is very specific about the required weights for the 2017 Forester depending on the powertrain.

2.5L Naturally Aspirated (FB25): Requires 0W-20 fully synthetic oil. You must use oil that meets ILSAC GF-5 and API SN standards (though modern API SP and ILSAC GF-6 are fully backwards compatible and highly recommended for better wear protection).

2.0L Turbocharged (FA20DIT - Forester XT): Requires 5W-30 fully synthetic oil meeting API SN/SP standards. Turbo engines generate significantly more heat, making a robust 5W-30 crucial to prevent turbo bearing coking and premature wear.

Service Intervals & Pitfalls: Subaru recommends oil changes every 6,000 miles or 6 months under normal conditions. However, many Subaru master techs recommend 5,000-mile intervals, especially for the turbocharged XT, to prevent oil consumption issues and timing chain wear. Always use a high-quality oil filter (Subaru OEM Tokyo Roki filters are highly regarded) and a new crush washer on the drain plug every time.

Engine Coolant

Subaru utilizes Subaru Super Coolant, which is a pre-mixed 50/50 Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant. It is distinctly blue in color.

Service Intervals & Pitfalls: The factory fill interval is 11 years or 137,500 miles, with subsequent replacements every 6 years or 75,000 miles. Never mix Subaru Super Coolant with older green Subaru coolant or generic universal coolants. Mixing OAT with conventional or HOAT coolants can cause the anti-corrosion packages to clash, leading to gelling, radiator blockage, and catastrophic overheating—a fatal blow to boxer engine head gaskets. Always buy the pre-mixed OEM blue jugs.

Transmission Fluid (CVT and Manual)

The 2017 Forester is predominantly equipped with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

2.5L Models (TR580 Transmission): Use only Subaru Lineartronic CVT Fluid-II (Blue). 2.0L Turbo Models (TR690 Transmission): Use only Subaru High Torque CVT Fluid (Orange).

Service Intervals & Pitfalls: Subaru technically markets the CVT fluid as "lifetime" under normal driving conditions, but states it should be inspected every 30k miles. For severe service (towing, frequent short trips, extreme heat/cold), Subaru mandates a change every 24,855 miles (40,000 km). As master technicians, we highly recommend a drain-and-fill every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to extend the life of the metal push-belt and pulleys. Never use generic or universal CVT fluids. The coefficient of friction required for the Lineartronic system is highly specific; using the wrong fluid can induce belt slip and ruin the transmission.

For those with a 6-speed manual transmission (available on some 2.5L trims), use a high-quality 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil.

Front and Rear Differentials

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive relies on front and rear differentials. Both the front differential (on CVT models) and the rear differential require 75W-90 API GL-5 Gear Oil.

Service Intervals & Pitfalls: Differential fluids should be inspected every 30,000 miles, but we recommend replacing them at that interval. The rear differential only holds about 0.8 quarts, so the fluid works very hard. Important: The front differential drain and fill plugs are located near the transmission pan on CVT models. Do not accidentally drain your CVT fluid when trying to drain your front differential—a very common and expensive DIY mistake! Always locate the correct T-70 Torx bit drain plug for the front diff.

Brake Fluid

The 2017 Forester requires DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid meeting FMVSS No. 116 standards.

Service Intervals & Pitfalls: Subaru recommends replacing the brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). Once moisture content exceeds 2-3%, your braking performance degrades, and internal ABS components can rust. DOT 4 offers a higher boiling point, which is beneficial for the heavier Forester XT or for those driving in mountainous terrain. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid, as it will destroy the ABS seals.

Power Steering

The 2017 Subaru Forester features an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. There is no power steering pump, no reservoir, and no power steering fluid to check or top off.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Use any standard windshield washer fluid. If you live in an area that sees freezing temperatures, ensure you transition to a winter-rated formula (usually rated to -20°F or lower) well before the first freeze to prevent the washer reservoir and lines from cracking.

DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)

Not applicable. The 2017 Subaru Forester was not offered with a diesel engine in the North American market, so no DEF is required.

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