2017 Subaru Forester Oil Capacity, Filter & Specs

The 2017 Subaru Forester takes 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) of 0W-20 synthetic oil for the 2.5L engine, or 5.4 quarts (5.1 liters) of 5W-30 synthetic oil for the 2.0L Turbo engine, including the filter.

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service these popular flat-four "Boxer" engines. Subaru designed this generation of the Forester with a top-mounted oil filter, making it one of the easiest and cleanest vehicles to perform an oil change on. Below is everything you need to know to get the job done right.

Quick answer

For the most common engine, the 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, here are your quick specs:

• Oil Capacity: 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) with filter change
• Recommended Weight: 0W-20 (Full Synthetic is required)
• Oil Spec: API SN, ILSAC GF-5 (or newer API SP / GF-6A)
• OEM Oil Filter: Subaru part # 15208AA15A
• Aftermarket Filters:
  • Fram: XG7317 or TG7317
  • Wix: 57055
  • Mobil 1: M1-110A

Note: If you have the 2.0L Turbo (XT model), your specs differ slightly. See the chart below.

Capacity by engine option

The 2017 Forester was offered with two engine choices. Be sure to verify which engine you have before purchasing oil, as their viscosities and capacities differ.

Oil change interval

Subaru's official maintenance schedule dictates when you should be changing your oil based on how you drive. Because these engines use full synthetic oil, the intervals are relatively generous for normal driving, but you must keep an eye on them.

• Normal Duty: Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first). This applies to standard commuting, highway driving, and light city traffic.
• Severe Duty: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months. You fall into this category if you frequently tow, drive in dusty/muddy conditions, endure extreme cold, or take repeated short trips (under 5 miles) where the engine never fully warms up.

Drain plug torque

• Drain Plug Torque: 31 ft-lbs (42 Nm)
• Crush Washer: You must replace the drain plug crush washer every time you change the oil. The 2017 Forester uses a 16mm crush washer (Subaru part # 803916010). If you reuse the old one, it will likely leak. Note that the flat side of the washer should face the oil pan, and the rounded/crush side faces the bolt head.

How to change the oil

The 2017 Forester is a technician's dream for oil changes thanks to the top-mounted filter.

1. Warm up the engine: Run the vehicle for 3-5 minutes to warm the oil, making it drain faster and suspend contaminants.
2. Access the drain plug: Engage the parking brake and safely raise the vehicle using ramps or a jack and jack stands. (Many Foresters have enough ground clearance to slide under without lifting).
3. Drain the oil: Locate the 14mm drain plug on the oil pan. Place a catch pan underneath, remove the plug, and let the oil drain completely.
4. Replace the filter: While the oil drains, open the hood. Unscrew the top-mounted oil filter. Wipe the mounting surface clean. Apply a light film of fresh oil to the gasket of the new filter and screw it on by hand until snug (usually 3/4 to 1 turn past gasket contact).
5. Reinstall drain plug: Install a new 16mm crush washer onto the drain plug. Thread it in by hand, then torque to 31 ft-lbs.
6. Refill: Pour in the required amount of fresh synthetic oil (5.1 qts for the 2.5L).
7. Verify: Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to fill the new filter. Turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, check the dipstick, and top off if necessary. Check underneath for leaks.

Common issues / tips

• Oil Consumption: Some FB25 engines are known to consume a bit of oil between changes. It is highly recommended to check your oil level on the dipstick every 1,000 miles. Keep a spare quart of 0W-20 in the trunk just in case.
• Top-Mounted Filter Spills: The "ring" around the top-mounted oil filter will catch a small amount of oil when you unscrew it. Have a rag ready to mop out that little cup before installing the new filter, or it will run down the side of the engine block and smell like burning oil.
• Drain Plug Confusion: Be extremely careful when draining the fluids. The transmission drain plug is located very close to the engine oil drain plug. Countless owners have accidentally drained their CVT fluid and then double-filled their engine oil. The engine oil drain pan is painted black; the transmission pan is further back and typically unpainted aluminum.

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