2012–2013 SH (3rd generation)
2012–2013 Subaru Forester Factory Maintenance Schedule
The factory maintenance schedule for the 2012–2013 Subaru Forester covering every service through 105,000 miles. Exactly what is due at each interval, and where severe-service conditions change it.
Last verified
2012–2013 Subaru Forester maintenance schedule
High confidence6,000 miles / 6 months
- Replace engine oil and filter (0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic)
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brakes, fluid levels, wipers
12,000 miles / 12 months
- 6,000-mile items
- Inspect CVT/automatic transmission for leaks
- Inspect drive belts, exhaust, steering linkage
30,000 miles / 36 months
- Replace engine air filter
- Replace cabin air filter
- Inspect brake lines, fuel lines
60,000 miles / 72 months
- Replace spark plugs
- Repeat 30,000-mile items
105,000 miles / 120 months
- Replace timing belt, water pump, and idlers (2.5XT only)
- Consider a CVT fluid change on 2.5X models even though factory interval is much longer
Severe service (short trips, dusty roads, towing, mountain driving) halves the oil interval to 3,000 mi / 3 months.
Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover?
These service schedule 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 service schedule: common questions
How often does a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester need servicing?
- The first scheduled visit is at 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, and the pattern repeats from there.
What is due at 30,000 miles on a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester?
- Replace engine air filter; Replace cabin air filter; Inspect brake lines, fuel lines.
What is due at 60,000 miles on a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester?
- Replace spark plugs; Repeat 30,000-mile items.
Does severe service change the schedule for a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester?
- Severe service (short trips, dusty roads, towing, mountain driving) halves the oil interval to 3,000 mi / 3 months.
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