---
title: "2014-2018 Subaru Forester Oil Type: 0W-20, 5.1 qt"
description: "The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester takes 0W-20 engine oil, 5.1 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."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/oil"
updated: "2026-08-21"
---

# 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Oil Type and Capacity

The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester takes 0W-20 engine oil, 5.1 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.

**Quick answer**: The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester (2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25, port-injected)) takes 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil, 5.1 quarts with a filter change (OEM filter Subaru 15208AA160 (spin-on canister)). Other engines differ; see the tables below.

## 2014-2018 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25, port-injected) oil (High confidence)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5.1 qt / 4.8 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) |

Note: Owner-reported dipstick fills for this generation's FB25 consistently land at 5.1 qt with filter.

## 2014-2018 Subaru Forester 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder (FA20DIT, direct-injected) oil (High confidence)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | API SN |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5.4 qt / 5.1 L |
| Synthetic required | Yes |
| Change interval | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) |

Note: The 2.0XT moved to the CVT in this generation, unlike the SH-generation 2.5XT's conventional automatic. Shares the FA20 family used in the WRX (there it's badged FA20F); enthusiast forums commonly call the Forester application FA20DIT.

## Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover?

These oil 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.

- [2014 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014)
- [2015 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2015)
- [2016 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2016)
- [2017 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2017)
- [2018 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2018)

## What changed during the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2014 | Full redesign: all-new SGP-adjacent platform, FA20DIT turbo replaces the EJ25 turbo and moves to the CVT, first EyeSight availability on Forester |
| 2015 | Standard rearview camera added across all trims; 18-in wheels become available on the 2.5i |
| 2016 | New touchscreen-based infotainment interface across the lineup, with a standard 6.2-in touchscreen on the base 2.5i trim |
| 2017 | Facelift: revised front/rear styling, updated infotainment, LED headlight option on Touring |
| 2018 | Final year of this generation |

## 2014-2018 Subaru Forester oil: common questions

### How many quarts of oil does a 2014-2018 Subaru Forester take?

It depends on the engine. The 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25, port-injected) takes 5.1 quarts; The 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder (FA20DIT, direct-injected) takes 5.4 quarts, all figures include a new filter.

### What kind of oil does a 2014-2018 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 2014-2018 Subaru Forester?

The factory specification is 0W-20 and no alternate grade is listed for this engine. Modern variable-valve-timing hardware is sized around the specified viscosity, so substituting a thicker oil is not a free choice.

### How often does a 2014-2018 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 2014-2018 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 (SJ)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Forester)
- [subaruforester.org, 2017 Forester engine oil capacity thread (5.1 qt, FB25)](https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2017-engine-oil-capacity.832865/)
- [AMSOIL lookup, 2016 Forester 2.0L FA20F Turbo oil spec/capacity](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2016/subaru/forester/2-0l-4-cyl-engine-code-fa20f-3-turbo/)
- [MotorWeek, 2014 Subaru Forester review (2.0XT: 250 hp / 258 lb-ft, ~23/28 mpg)](https://motorweek.org/road_tests/2014_subaru_forester/)
- [subaruforester.org, 2014 Forester 2.0XT HP and torque discussion](https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2014-forester-2-0xt-hp-and-torque.134114/)
- [turbochargersdirect.com, Subaru banjo bolt oil feed line/cylinder head connection explainer](https://turbochargersdirect.com/subaru-tsb-banjo-bolt-at-oil-feed-line-and-cylinder-head-connection/)
- [NHTSA, Recall 19V701000 product campaign bulletin (WUM-98, passenger ODS sensor)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCRIT-19V701-9656.pdf)
- [Consumer Reports, Subaru Forester SUVs recalled for airbag deactivation risk](https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/subaru-forester-suvs-recalled-for-airbag-deactivation-risk/)
- [classaction.org, Subaru windshield settlement given preliminary approval](https://www.classaction.org/news/subaru-windshield-settlement-given-preliminary-approval-reimbursements-extended-warranty-available)
- [tirecalculatorhub.com, Subaru Forester OEM tire size guide by year](https://tirecalculatorhub.com/guides/subaru-tire-calculator)
- [wiperhaus.com, Subaru Forester wiper blade size guide](https://wiperhaus.com/blogs/subaru-forester-information/2024-subaru-forester-windshield-wiper-blade-size)

## Other Subaru Forester generations

- [2025-2026 Subaru Forester oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2025-2026/oil)
- [2019-2024 Subaru Forester oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/oil)
- [2012-2013 Subaru Forester oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2012-2013/oil)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/oil).

## More for the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester

- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.