2014–2018 SJ (4th generation)
2014–2018 Subaru Forester Factory Maintenance Schedule
The factory maintenance schedule for the 2014–2018 Subaru Forester covering every service through 100,000 miles. Exactly what is due at each interval, and where severe-service conditions change it.
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2014–2018 Subaru Forester maintenance schedule
High confidence6,000 miles / 6 months
- Replace engine oil and filter
- Rotate tires
- Inspect brakes, fluid levels, wipers
12,000 miles / 12 months
- 6,000-mile items
- Inspect CVT 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
100,000 miles / 120 months
- Inspect timing chain, water pump
- Consider a proactive CVT fluid change
Severe service halves the oil interval to 3,000 mi / 3 months. On 2.0XT models, some owners and independent shops recommend checking the turbo oil-feed banjo bolt for restriction at every oil change. See commonProblems.
Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover?
These service schedule 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 service schedule: common questions
How often does a 2014–2018 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 2014–2018 Subaru Forester?
- Replace engine air filter; Replace cabin air filter; Inspect brake lines, fuel lines.
What is due at 60,000 miles on a 2014–2018 Subaru Forester?
- Replace spark plugs; Repeat 30,000-mile items.
What is due at 100,000 miles on a 2014–2018 Subaru Forester?
- Inspect timing chain, water pump; Consider a proactive CVT fluid change.
Does severe service change the schedule for a 2014–2018 Subaru Forester?
- Severe service halves the oil interval to 3,000 mi / 3 months. On 2.0XT models, some owners and independent shops recommend checking the turbo oil-feed banjo bolt for restriction at every oil change. See commonProblems.
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
