How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a 2014–2018 Subaru Forester

Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover?

These oil life reset 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

How do you reset the oil life on a 2014–2018 Subaru Forester?

6 steps, using only the controls in the car, the full sequence is above.

Do you need a scan tool to reset the oil light on a 2014–2018 Subaru Forester?

No. The procedure above uses the vehicle's own controls. A scan tool is only necessary if the reset does not take, which usually points at a different fault.

Why won't the oil light reset on a 2014–2018 Subaru Forester?

Almost always a timing problem in the sequence, a step held too briefly, or the ignition in the wrong position. Repeat it exactly, with the engine off and the key in accessory rather than run, unless the steps say otherwise. Same trip-meter-hold reset carried over from the SH generation. Reset manually after every oil change, the light is mileage-based, not condition-based.