Subaru Forester · 2012–2026
Subaru Forester Fluid Types and Capacities
The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes.
Last verified
Has the Subaru Forester fluids specification changed by year?
| Model years | Transmission | Coolant | Brake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | Lineartronic CVT (non-hybrid) or e-CVT (Hybrid) with Subaru CVTF-HT. | Subaru Long Life Coolant (green, pre-mixed). First change at 11 years / 137,500 mi, then every 6 years / 75,000 mi. | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| 2019–2024 | Lineartronic CVT with Subaru CVTF-HT. Total system ~10–12 qt; a drain-and-fill typically returns ~5–6 qt. | Subaru Long Life Coolant (green, pre-mixed). First change at 11 years / 137,500 mi, then every 6 years / 75,000 mi. | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| 2014–2018 | 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. | Subaru Long Life Coolant (green, pre-mixed). First change at 11 years / 137,500 mi, then every 6 years / 75,000 mi. | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| 2012–2013 | 2.5X/2.5i: Lineartronic CVT (TR580) with Subaru CVTF-HT; total system ~10–12 qt, drain-and-fill typically returns ~5–6 qt. 2.5XT: conventional 4-speed automatic (4EAT) or 5-speed manual with Subaru ATF/manual gear oil. | Subaru Long Life Coolant (green, pre-mixed). First change at 11 years / 137,500 mi, then every 6 years / 75,000 mi if never topped off with non-Subaru coolant. | DOT 3 brake fluid |
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 fluids 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) · Fluids
2019–2024 Subaru Forester
SK (5th generation) · Compact crossover SUV (Subaru Global Platform) · Fluids
2014–2018 Subaru Forester
SJ (4th generation) · Compact crossover SUV · Fluids
2012–2013 Subaru Forester
SH (3rd generation) · Compact crossover SUV · Fluids
Subaru Forester fluids: common questions
What transmission fluid does a Subaru Forester take?
- Lineartronic CVT (non-hybrid) or e-CVT (Hybrid) with Subaru CVTF-HT.. 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 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 Subaru Forester take?
- DOT 3 brake fluid.
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: