Subaru Forester · 2012–2026
Subaru Forester Cabin Air Filter and Engine Air Filter
The specification is consistent across every generation we hold data for.
Last verified

Has the Subaru Forester air filters specification changed by year?
| Model years | Cabin filter | Interval | Engine air filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | N/A | Every 15,000–30,000 mi (more often in dusty conditions) | N/A |
| 2019–2024 | N/A | Every 15,000–30,000 mi (more often in dusty conditions) | N/A |
| 2014–2018 | N/A | Every 15,000–30,000 mi (more often in dusty conditions) | N/A |
| 2012–2013 | N/A | Every 15,000–30,000 mi (more often in dusty conditions) | N/A |
Each row links to the full specification for that generation, including trim-by-trim breakdowns and the part numbers. Where engines within a generation differ, that page separates them.
Full specifications by generation
The air filters on a Subaru Forester is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers.
2025–2026 Subaru Forester
SL (6th generation) · Compact crossover SUV (Subaru Global Platform, redesigned) · Air & cabin filters
2019–2024 Subaru Forester
SK (5th generation) · Compact crossover SUV (Subaru Global Platform) · Air & cabin filters
2014–2018 Subaru Forester
SJ (4th generation) · Compact crossover SUV · Air & cabin filters
2012–2013 Subaru Forester
SH (3rd generation) · Compact crossover SUV · Air & cabin filters
Subaru Forester air filters: common questions
Where is the cabin air filter on a Subaru Forester?
- Behind the glovebox; drop the glovebox door, 5-minute DIY.
How often should the cabin air filter be replaced on a Subaru Forester?
- Every 15,000–30,000 mi (more often in dusty conditions). Sooner if you drive in heavy traffic, on dirt roads, or through wildfire smoke, a clogged filter shows up first as weak airflow and a foggy windshield that will not clear.
Sources
- Wikipedia, Subaru Forester generations (SL)
- Subaru Media, Subaru debuts all-new 2025 Forester SUV (press release)
- Car and Driver, Tested: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid (specs, mpg, curb weight, tire size)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2025 Forester 2.5L FB25D oil spec/capacity (0W-16, 4.6 qt)
- sportsubarusouth.com, Subaru Forester oil type by model year (2025, incl. S:HEV hybrid)
- KBB, 2025 Subaru Forester specs (180 hp across trims)
- Subaru.com, 2025 Forester Hybrid Edition (194 combined hp, e-CVT)
- classaction.org, Subaru lawsuit: 2019–2025 vehicles, parasitic battery drain (Taylor v. Subaru)
- Conley Subaru, Forester lug nut torque by model year
Find your exact Forester
Jump to a model year for the engines it offered, what changed, and the problems documented against it:
