2014–2018 SJ (4th generation)
2014–2018 Subaru Forester Fluid Types and Capacities
Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2014–2018 Subaru Forester takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: High Torque CVT (TR580 on 2.5i, turbo-rated CVT on 2.0XT) with Subaru CVTF-HT. Total system ~10–12 qt; a drain-and-fill typically returns ~5–6 qt.. Coolant: Subaru Long Life Coolant (green, pre-mixed). First change at 11 years / 137,500 mi, then every 6 years / 75,000 mi..
Last verified
2014–2018 Subaru Forester fluid guide
Check your manual| System | Fluid type & capacity |
|---|---|
| Coolant | Subaru Long Life Coolant (green, pre-mixed). First change at 11 years / 137,500 mi, then every 6 years / 75,000 mi. |
| Transmission | High Torque CVT (TR580 on 2.5i, turbo-rated CVT on 2.0XT) with Subaru CVTF-HT. Total system ~10–12 qt; a drain-and-fill typically returns ~5–6 qt. |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| Power steering | Electric power steering (no fluid) |
Plain washer fluid; no special spec
Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover?
These fluids specifications apply to every Subaru Forester built from 2014 through 2018 — the SJ (4th 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 2014–2018 Subaru Forester
- 2014Full redesign: all-new SGP-adjacent platform, FA20DIT turbo replaces the EJ25 turbo and moves to the CVT, first EyeSight availability on Forester
- 2015Standard rearview camera added across all trims; 18-in wheels become available on the 2.5i
- 2016New touchscreen-based infotainment interface across the lineup, with a standard 6.2-in touchscreen on the base 2.5i trim
- 2017Facelift: revised front/rear styling, updated infotainment, LED headlight option on Touring
- 2018Final year of this generation
2014–2018 Subaru Forester fluids: common questions
What transmission fluid does a 2014–2018 Subaru Forester take?
- High Torque CVT (TR580 on 2.5i, turbo-rated CVT on 2.0XT) with Subaru CVTF-HT. Total system ~10–12 qt; a drain-and-fill typically returns ~5–6 qt.. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.
What coolant does a 2014–2018 Subaru Forester use?
- Subaru Long Life Coolant (green, pre-mixed). First change at 11 years / 137,500 mi, then every 6 years / 75,000 mi..
What brake fluid does a 2014–2018 Subaru Forester take?
- DOT 3 brake fluid.
Sources
- Wikipedia, Subaru Forester generations (SJ)
- subaruforester.org, 2017 Forester engine oil capacity thread (5.1 qt, FB25)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2016 Forester 2.0L FA20F Turbo oil spec/capacity
- MotorWeek, 2014 Subaru Forester review (2.0XT: 250 hp / 258 lb-ft, ~23/28 mpg)
- subaruforester.org, 2014 Forester 2.0XT HP and torque discussion
- turbochargersdirect.com, Subaru banjo bolt oil feed line/cylinder head connection explainer
- NHTSA, Recall 19V701000 product campaign bulletin (WUM-98, passenger ODS sensor)
- Consumer Reports, Subaru Forester SUVs recalled for airbag deactivation risk
- classaction.org, Subaru windshield settlement given preliminary approval
- tirecalculatorhub.com, Subaru Forester OEM tire size guide by year
- wiperhaus.com, Subaru Forester wiper blade size guide
