2018 Subaru Outback Oil Capacity & Filter Reference Guide
AI-generated reference. Always verify torque values, fluid capacities, intervals, and procedures against the manufacturer's service manual or OEM repair information before performing work. Repairius is not liable for damage from acting on this content without verification.
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The 2018 Subaru Outback takes either 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) of 0W-20 oil for the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine or 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters) of 5W-30 oil for the 3.6L 6-cylinder engine.
Quick Answer
-
2.5L (FB25DI) 4-Cylinder Engine:
- Oil Capacity: 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters)
- Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20
- Oil Spec: API SN or later, or ILSAC GF-5 or later
- Oil Filter OEM Part #: 15208AA170 (Subaru)
- Aftermarket Cross-References:
- Fram PH6607
- Wix 57055
- Mobil 1 M1-108
-
3.6L (EZ36D) 6-Cylinder Engine:
- Oil Capacity: 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters)
- Recommended Oil Weight: 5W-30
- Oil Spec: API SM or SL, or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-3
- Oil Filter OEM Part #: 15208AA150 (Subaru)
- Aftermarket Cross-References:
- Fram PH7317
- Wix 57712
- Mobil 1 M1-110
Capacity by Engine Option
| Engine Type | Oil Capacity (Quarts/Liters) | Recommended Oil Weight | Oil Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-Cylinder (FB25DI) | 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) | 0W-20 | API SN/ILSAC GF-5 or later |
| 3.6L 6-Cylinder (EZ36D) | 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters) | 5W-30 | API SM/SL, ILSAC GF-4/GF-3 |
Oil Change Interval
Subaru recommends the following oil change intervals for the 2018 Outback:
- Normal Driving Conditions: Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
- Severe Driving Conditions: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Severe driving conditions include frequent short trips, driving in dusty conditions, extensive idling, towing, or driving in very hot or very cold temperatures.
Drain Plug Torque
The oil drain plug torque for both 2018 Subaru Outback engines is 30 ft-lbs (40 Nm). Always replace the crush washer with a new one during every oil change to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks. Subaru OEM crush washer part number is 803916010.
How to Change the Oil
- Warm up the engine for a few minutes, then turn it off.
- Locate and remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine.
- Raise the front of the vehicle safely using a jack and jack stands.
- Place a drain pan under the oil drain plug.
- Remove the drain plug with a wrench and allow the old oil to drain completely.
- Once drained, clean the drain plug, install a new crush washer, and reinstall the drain plug, torquing it to 30 ft-lbs.
- Locate the oil filter. For the 2.5L, it
More specs for the 2018 Subaru Outback
Fluid Type Specs
Engine oil, coolant, ATF, diff, brake, PS, DEF — with OEM spec numbers.
Coolant Capacity & Type
Total system capacity, OEM coolant spec, flush interval, bleed tips.
Transmission Fluid & Service
Trans model, fluid spec, capacity, filter PN, service interval.
Torque Specifications
Lug nuts, drain plug, caliper, axle nut, plug, key fasteners.
Brake Pad & Rotor Specs
Pad PNs, rotor size, min thickness, caliper torque.
Tire Size & Pressure
OEM size, cold psi, bolt pattern, wheel size, TPMS.
Battery Size & Group
Group size, CCA, AGM/flooded, dimensions, reset note.
A/C Refrigerant & Oil
R-134a or R-1234yf, charge oz, PAG oil spec.
Bulb Sizes (Headlight, Tail, Fog)
Headlight, fog, tail, turn, reverse, interior.
Factory Maintenance Schedule
Service intervals by mileage, severe-duty notes, known issues.
Towing Capacity & Payload
Max tow, payload, GVWR/GCWR, hitch class by trim.
Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage
Fuse box locations, layout, amps, and what each fuse controls.
Serpentine Belt Routing & Length
Belt routing, length, rib count, OEM + aftermarket PNs.
Wheel Alignment Specifications
Camber, caster, toe ranges (front & rear), adjustability notes.
Paint Color Codes
All factory colors with paint codes, sticker location, touch-up tips.
Wiper Blade Sizes
Driver/passenger/rear blade size, attachment, OEM + cross-refs.
Spark Plug Type & Gap
Plug PN, gap, torque, interval by engine.
Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios
Trans gear ratios, axle ratios, RPO codes, tow vs MPG impact.
Key Fob Programming
DIY programming steps, FCC ID, fob PN, battery, transponder.
Same spec — other model years
Maintenance & repair guides
2018 Subaru Outback Maintenance Schedule →
Available maintenance guidance; confirm the manufacturer schedule.
Repair planning references →
Plan the scope of work; detailed procedures need configuration-matched evidence.
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