2018 Subaru Forester — Factory Maintenance Schedule

Quick reference

Severe-duty schedule

The "severe-duty" maintenance schedule is for vehicles that operate under strenuous conditions. This includes frequent towing, driving on dusty or muddy roads, extensive idling (common in city traffic), or primarily making short trips in cold weather. For the 2018 Forester, this means more frequent oil changes—typically every 3,000 to 3,500 miles. Your air filters will also need more frequent inspection and replacement, as will your drivetrain fluids if you regularly tow or drive in mountainous areas.

Known issues by mileage

This generation of Forester (2014-2018) is generally reliable, but some common issues have been reported. At lower mileages (30,000-60,000), some owners have noted premature wear on brake pads and rotors. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) has had some reports of shuddering or hesitation, which may be addressed with a fluid change or software update. As these vehicles approach 100,000 miles, oil consumption can become a concern with the 2.5L engine, so it's important to check your oil level between changes. The AC compressor clutch is another known failure point that can occur at any time, but is more common in higher-mileage vehicles.

Estimated cost per service

• 5,000-15,000 miles: A basic oil change and tire rotation will cost between $75 and $150 at a dealership, or slightly less at an independent shop.
• 30,000 miles: This a major service that includes an oil change, tire rotation, and filter replacements. Expect to pay between $300 and $500.
• 60,000 miles: This is another significant service interval. With the addition of spark plugs and drivetrain fluids, the cost can range from $600 to $1,000.
• 100,000+ miles: Services at this mileage can vary greatly depending on what needs to be replaced. A simple service may be a few hundred dollars, while a major service with a timing chain inspection could be over $1,500.

What you can DIY vs shop

• DIY: With basic tools, you can easily perform some of the more frequent maintenance tasks. These include oil and filter changes, tire rotations (if you have a jack and stands), and replacing the engine and cabin air filters. Changing the spark plugs on the 2.5L engine is also a manageable DIY job for those with a bit more experience.
• Shop: For more complex tasks, it's best to leave it to the professionals. This includes brake fluid flushes, transmission fluid services, and anything involving the timing chain or other internal engine components. Differential and transfer case fluid changes can be DIY-friendly, but are often messy and require a fluid pump, so many owners opt to have a shop perform this service.

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