2012–2013 SH (3rd generation)
2012–2013 Subaru Forester Oil Type and Capacity
The 2012–2013 Subaru Forester takes 0W-20 engine oil, 5.5 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Subaru 15208AA160 (spin-on canister). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
Last verified
Quick answer
2012–2013 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25, port-injected) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Allowed alternates | 5W-30 (Some early-2010s Subaru manuals list 5W-30 as an acceptable alternate; 0W-20 synthetic is the primary factory fill) |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5.5 qt / 5.2 L |
| Synthetic required | Yes |
| OEM filter | Subaru 15208AA160 (spin-on canister) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG7317 (Ultra), Wix 51516XP, Purolator L14610 |
| Change interval | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) |
This generation's non-turbo Forester paired the FB25 (engine code FB25BC) to the Lineartronic CVT. Capacity is confirmed at 5.5 qt with filter for the FB25BC calibration. Slightly more than the FB25 used in same-era Legacy/Outback, so don't assume the numbers are identical across models.
2012–2013 Subaru Forester 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder (EJ25, 2.5XT) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Allowed alternates | 10W-30 (Older AMSOIL/parts-catalog lookups for earlier EJ255-turbo model years list 10W-30 or 10W-40 above -20°C; by 2012–2013 Subaru's factory-fill guidance had shifted to 5W-30 synthetic) |
| Oil standard | API SN |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.4 qt / 4.2 L |
| Synthetic required | Yes |
| Change interval | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) |
Unlike the 2.5i/2.5X, the 2.5XT in this generation pairs to a conventional 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual, not the CVT.
Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover?
These oil specifications apply to every Subaru Forester built from 2012 through 2013 — the SH (3rd generation), compact crossover suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2013 Subaru Forester
- 20122.5X Touring trim added above 2.5X Limited with HID headlights, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, and silver roof rails; 2.5XT models gain a larger rear spoiler
- 2012–2013Facelift years of the SH generation; non-turbo trims run the newer FB25 while the 2.5XT retains the EJ25 turbo through the end of production in 2013
- 2013Minor changes only: Sky Blue dropped from the exterior color palette, replaced by Marine Blue and Deep Cherry Pearl
2012–2013 Subaru Forester oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25, port-injected) takes 5.5 quarts; The 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder (EJ25, 2.5XT) takes 4.4 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester take?
- 0W-20 meeting API SN / ILSAC GF-5, full synthetic (required, not merely recommended). Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester?
- The manufacturer also permits 5W-30 (Some early-2010s Subaru manuals list 5W-30 as an acceptable alternate; 0W-20 synthetic is the primary factory fill). Anything outside that list is a decision you are making against the factory specification.
How often does a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester need an oil change?
- 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service). Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval.
What oil filter does a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester take?
- The OEM filter is Subaru 15208AA160 (spin-on canister). Common equivalents: Fram XG7317 (Ultra), Wix 51516XP, Purolator L14610.
Sources
- Wikipedia, Subaru Forester generations (SH)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2013 Forester 2.5L FB25BC oil spec/capacity
- AMSOIL lookup, 2010 Forester 2.5L EJ255 turbo oil spec/capacity
- Subaru Forester Owners Forum, oil type & filter for 2013 2.5XT (5W-30, 4.4 qt per owner's manual)
- sportsubarusouth.com, Subaru Forester oil type by model year (2011–2013 SH)
- KBB, 2010 Subaru Forester specs (2.5XT: 224 hp / 226 lb-ft)
- Edmunds, 2013 Subaru Forester review (2.5XT specs, 4-speed automatic)
- tirecalculatorhub.com, Subaru Forester OEM tire size guide by year
- Conley Subaru, Forester lug nut torque by model year
- Class Law Group, Subaru oil consumption class action settlement summary
- subaruforester.org, 2011–14 Forester oil consumption class action lawsuit thread
- subaruofdayton.com, Subaru EJ25 head gasket history explainer