Subaru Forester · 2012–2026
Subaru Forester Key Fob Battery Type and Replacement
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 key fob battery specification changed by year?
| Model years | Fob battery |
|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | CR2032 (push-button-start smart key) |
| 2019–2024 | CR2032 (push-button-start smart key, standard across this generation) |
| 2014–2018 | CR1620 (flip-key remotes on base/Premium); CR2032 on push-button-start Limited/Touring/XT smart keys. Check which key your trim uses |
| 2012–2013 | CR1620 (exposed-blade flip key with integrated remote) |
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 key fob battery 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) · Key fob battery
2019–2024 Subaru Forester
SK (5th generation) · Compact crossover SUV (Subaru Global Platform) · Key fob battery
2014–2018 Subaru Forester
SJ (4th generation) · Compact crossover SUV · Key fob battery
2012–2013 Subaru Forester
SH (3rd generation) · Compact crossover SUV · Key fob battery
Subaru Forester key fob battery: common questions
What battery does the Subaru Forester key fob take?
- A single CR2032 (push-button-start smart key) coin cell.
Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025 in a Subaru Forester key fob?
- This fob takes a CR2032 (push-button-start smart key), so start there. The two cells share a 20 mm diameter but differ in thickness, and the thicker one does not always seat in a housing built for the thinner.
How do you open a Subaru Forester key fob?
- Slide out the mechanical emergency key first, which usually releases a catch, then part the halves with a plastic pry tool or a coin wrapped in tape. A screwdriver will mark the case and can crack the seam.
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:
