--- title: "Subaru Outback Transmission Fluid & Coolant" description: "How the Subaru Outback fluids specification changed from 2010 to 2025, compared generation by generation. Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the Subaru Outback takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: High Torque CVT (Subaru Lineartronic, turbo-rated CVT on FA24F models) with Subaru CVTF-HT. Total system ~10-12 qt; a drain-and-fill typically returns ~5-6 qt.. Coolant: Subaru Long Life Coolant (green, pre-mixed). First change at 11 years / 137,500 mi, then every 6 years / 75,000 mi.." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/fluids" updated: "2026-08-21" --- # Subaru Outback Fluid Types and Capacities The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Subaru Outback fluids specification changed by year? | Model years | Transmission | Coolant | Brake | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2020-2025/fluids) | High Torque CVT (Subaru Lineartronic, turbo-rated CVT on FA24F models) 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 | | [2015-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2015-2019/fluids) | High Torque CVT (TR580 on 2.5i, TR690 on 3.6R) 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 | | [2010-2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/fluids) | 2.5i: Lineartronic CVT (TR580) with Subaru High Torque CVT Fluid (CVTF-HT); total system ~10-12 qt, drain-and-fill typically returns ~5-6 qt. 3.6R: conventional 5-speed automatic (5AT) with Subaru ATF. | 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, many independent shops recommend a shorter 60,000-90,000-mile interval instead. | DOT 3 brake fluid | ## Full specifications by generation The fluids on a Subaru Outback 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. - [2020-2025 Subaru Outback Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2020-2025/fluids) - [2015-2019 Subaru Outback Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2015-2019/fluids) - [2010-2014 Subaru Outback Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/fluids) ## Subaru Outback fluids: common questions ### What transmission fluid does a Subaru Outback take? High Torque CVT (Subaru Lineartronic, turbo-rated CVT on FA24F models) with Subaru CVTF-HT. Total system ~10-12 qt; a drain-and-fill typically returns ~5-6 qt.. 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 Outback 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 Outback take? DOT 3 brake fluid. ## Sources - [Wikipedia, Subaru FB engine (FB25D direct-injection, 2020 Outback/Legacy)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_FB_engine) - [AMSOIL lookup, 2022 Outback 2.4L FA24 turbo oil spec/capacity](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2022/subaru/outback/2-4l-4-cyl-engine-code-a-fa24-a-turbo/) - [NHTSA, 19V-664 brake pedal mounting bracket recall (WUL-97)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCLRPT-19V664-6082.PDF) - [NHTSA, 24V-227 front passenger airbag sensor recall](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V227-7296.PDF) - [Out Motorsports, 2022 Outback Wilderness review (260 hp FA24F introduction)](https://www.outmotorsports.com/2021/09/2022-subaru-outback-wilderness-review-off-road/) - [classaction.org, Subaru lawsuit: 2019-2025 vehicles, parasitic battery drain (Taylor v. Subaru)](https://www.classaction.org/news/subaru-lawsuit-says-2019-2025-vehicles-plagued-by-electrical-system-defect-causing-parasitic-battery-drain) - [AutoZone, 2023 Outback wiper blade fitment (26/18/16)](https://www.autozone.com/ignition-tune-up-and-routine-maintenance/wiper-blade-windshield/subaru/outback/2023) - [Edmunds, 2023 Subaru Outback review (XT/Wilderness turbo trim lineup)](https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outback/2023/) ## Find your exact Outback - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2012) - [2011](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2011) - [2010](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010) More Subaru Outback guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/brakes) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.