2020–2025 BT (6th generation)
2020–2025 Subaru Outback Cabin Air Filter and Engine Air Filter
Cabin air filter and engine air filter part numbers for the 2020–2025 Subaru Outback, with aftermarket equivalents and replacement intervals. Behind the glovebox; drop the glovebox door, 5-minute DIY.
Last verified
Cabin air filter
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket | Fram CF12436 |
| Location | Behind the glovebox; drop the glovebox door, 5-minute DIY |
| Replace every | Every 15,000–30,000 mi (more often in dusty conditions) |
Engine air filter, 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25D, direct-injected)
Check your manual| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Airbox on driver side of engine bay; clip-on lid, no tools |
| Replace every | Every 30,000 mi |
Engine air filter, 2.4L Turbo 4-cylinder (FA24F)
Check your manual| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Airbox on driver side of engine bay; clip-on lid, no tools |
| Replace every | Every 30,000 mi |
Which Subaru Outback model years does this cover?
These air filters specifications apply to every Subaru Outback built from 2020 through 2025 — the BT (6th generation), mid-size wagon/crossover (subaru global platform). 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 2020–2025 Subaru Outback
- 2020Generation launch on the Subaru Global Platform; direct-injected FB25D replaces the port-injected FB25; 3.6R/EZ36 discontinued; EyeSight standard
- 2022Wilderness trim introduced. First Outback to use the turbocharged 2.4L FA24F, plus raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and a full-size spare option
- 2023XT trims (Touring XT, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT) broaden 2.4T availability beyond Wilderness; minor styling refresh
- 2025Final model year of this generation before the next redesign; largely a carryover year
2020–2025 Subaru Outback air filters: common questions
Where is the cabin air filter on a 2020–2025 Subaru Outback?
- Behind the glovebox; drop the glovebox door, 5-minute DIY.
How often should the cabin air filter be replaced on a 2020–2025 Subaru Outback?
- 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 FB engine (FB25D direct-injection, 2020 Outback/Legacy)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2022 Outback 2.4L FA24 turbo oil spec/capacity
- NHTSA, 19V-664 brake pedal mounting bracket recall (WUL-97)
- NHTSA, 24V-227 front passenger airbag sensor recall
- Out Motorsports, 2022 Outback Wilderness review (260 hp FA24F introduction)
- classaction.org, Subaru lawsuit: 2019–2025 vehicles, parasitic battery drain (Taylor v. Subaru)
- AutoZone, 2023 Outback wiper blade fitment (26/18/16)
- Edmunds, 2023 Subaru Outback review (XT/Wilderness turbo trim lineup)
