--- title: "How to Reset Oil Life on a Subaru Outback" description: "How the Subaru Outback oil life reset specification changed from 2010 to 2025, compared generation by generation. Reset the oil life or maintenance reminder on the Subaru Outback in 5 steps, using only the controls already in the car. No scan tool needed." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/oil-reset" updated: "2026-08-21" --- # How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a Subaru Outback The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Subaru Outback oil life reset specification changed by year? | Model years | Reset procedure | | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2020-2025/oil-reset) | 5 steps | | [2015-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2015-2019/oil-reset) | 6 steps | | [2010-2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/oil-reset) | 6 steps | ## Full specifications by generation The oil life reset 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 Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2020-2025/oil-reset) - [2015-2019 Subaru Outback Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2015-2019/oil-reset) - [2010-2014 Subaru Outback Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/oil-reset) ## Subaru Outback oil life reset: common questions ### How do you reset the oil life on a Subaru Outback? 5 steps, using only the controls in the car, the full sequence is above. ### Do you need a scan tool to reset the oil light on a Subaru Outback? No. The procedure above uses the vehicle's own controls. A scan tool is only necessary if the reset does not take, which usually points at a different fault. ### Why won't the oil light reset on a Subaru Outback? Almost always a timing problem in the sequence, a step held too briefly, or the ignition in the wrong position. Repeat it exactly, with the engine off and the key in accessory rather than run, unless the steps say otherwise. The BT generation replaced the old trip-meter-hold trick with a menu-driven reset in the digital driver display, navigated entirely from the steering wheel. ## 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) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/common-problems) - [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.