---
title: "2010-2014 Subaru Outback Oil Type: 0W-20, 5.1 qt"
description: "The 2010-2014 Subaru Outback 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/outback/2010-2014/oil"
updated: "2026-08-21"
---

# 2010-2014 Subaru Outback Oil Type and Capacity

The 2010-2014 Subaru Outback 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 2010-2014 Subaru Outback (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.

## 2010-2014 Subaru Outback 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25, port-injected) oil (High confidence)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Allowed alternates | 5W-30 (Some early (2010-2012) FB25 owner's manuals list 5W-30 as an acceptable alternate; 0W-20 synthetic is the primary factory fill from 2011 on) |
| 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: Aftermarket capacity guides split between ~4.5 qt and 5.1 qt for this generation; the AMSOIL/parts-catalog figure (5.1 qt / 4.8 L with filter) is the more consistently cited number and matches multiple forum reports.

## 2010-2014 Subaru Outback 3.6L H6 (EZ36, 5-speed automatic) oil (High confidence)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | API SN |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6.9 qt / 6.5 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| Change interval | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) |

Note: Conventional 5W-30 is the factory spec; full-synthetic 5W-30 is permitted and widely used. Unlike the 2.5i, the 3.6R in this generation pairs to a conventional 5-speed automatic, not the CVT.

## Which Subaru Outback model years does this cover?

These oil specifications apply to every Subaru Outback built from 2010 through 2014, the BR (4th generation), mid-size wagon/crossover. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years.

- [2010 Outback](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010)
- [2011 Outback](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2011)
- [2012 Outback](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2012)
- [2013 Outback](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2013)
- [2014 Outback](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2014)

## What changed during the 2010-2014 Subaru Outback

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2010-2012 | Generation launch; pre-facelift styling, slightly taller ride height than later years |
| 2011 | Minor changes following the 2010 redesign: XM satellite radio becomes standard and the power liftgate feature expands to more trims |
| 2012 | Premium trim gains a new standard six-speaker stereo along with standard Bluetooth and USB connectivity |
| 2013-2014 | Minor facelift: revised front/rear fascias, updated infotainment options; mechanical specs carry over |

## 2010-2014 Subaru Outback oil: common questions

### How many quarts of oil does a 2010-2014 Subaru Outback take?

It depends on the engine. The 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25, port-injected) takes 5.1 quarts; The 3.6L H6 (EZ36, 5-speed automatic) takes 6.9 quarts, all figures include a new filter.

### What kind of oil does a 2010-2014 Subaru Outback 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 2010-2014 Subaru Outback?

The manufacturer also permits 5W-30 (Some early (2010-2012) FB25 owner's manuals list 5W-30 as an acceptable alternate; 0W-20 synthetic is the primary factory fill from 2011 on). Anything outside that list is a decision you are making against the factory specification.

### How often does a 2010-2014 Subaru Outback 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 2010-2014 Subaru Outback take?

The OEM filter is Subaru 15208AA160 (spin-on canister). Common equivalents: Fram XG7317 (Ultra), Wix 51516XP, Purolator L14610.

## Sources

- [Wikipedia, Subaru Outback generations (BR)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Outback)
- [AMSOIL lookup, 2013 Outback 2.5L FB25 oil spec/capacity](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2013/subaru/outback/2-5l-4-cyl-engine-code-fb25-5/)
- [Subaru Outback Forums, real oil capacity of EZ36 in 3.6R](https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/real-oil-capacity-of-ez36d-engine-in-3-6r-ob.48513/)
- [Subaru Outback Forums, CVT in the 3.6 (5AT vs CVT by year)](https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/cvt-in-the-3-6.513017/)
- [NHTSA, 2013V194000 steering column recall bulletin (WQI-45)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/MC-10234893-9999.pdf)
- [NHTSA, 18V626 electronic parking brake actuator recall (WTV-81)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCRIT-18V626-0981.pdf)
- [Class Law Group, Subaru oil consumption class action settlement summary](https://www.classlawgroup.com/subaru-oil-consumption-class-action-lawsuit)
- [Subaru Outback Forums, 2011 Premium tire size (225/60R17)](https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/tire-size.83410/)
- [Conley Subaru, Outback lug nut torque by model year](https://www.conleysubaru.com/subaru-research/subaru-outback-lug-nut-torque/)
- [samarins.com, 2010-2014 Subaru Outback common problems](https://www.samarins.com/reviews/outback_10.html)

## Other Subaru Outback generations

- [2020-2025 Subaru Outback oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2020-2025/oil)
- [2015-2019 Subaru Outback oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2015-2019/oil)

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

## More for the 2010-2014 Subaru Outback

- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/specs)

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