2019 Subaru Forester Oil Change Guide

The 2019 Subaru Forester runs the FB25 2.5L naturally aspirated flat-four — a reliable, smooth engine that has one known quirk: oil consumption. Subaru issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) addressing this on FB-series engines, and knowing how to properly check and change your oil is more important on this car than on most. I'll walk you through the full DIY oil change, explain the TSB, and show you how to catch any consumption issue before it becomes an engine problem.

What You'll Need

• Oil: Full-synthetic 0W-20 (Subaru spec: API SN/ILSAC GF-5 or newer)
• Filter: Subaru OEM oil filter (part number 15208AA15A) or Wix 57356
• 17mm socket for drain plug
• Oil filter wrench (cap style — 65mm)
• Drain pan (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Funnel, torque wrench, gloves

Oil capacity: 5.1 quarts (4.8L) with filter change Drain plug torque: 33 ft-lbs (45 Nm)

The FB25 Oil Consumption TSB

Subaru issued TSB 02-157-14R addressing oil consumption on FB-series engines including the FB25 in the 2019 Forester. The TSB acknowledges that some FB25 engines consume up to 1 quart per 1,200 miles and outlines an oil consumption test procedure.

Subaru considers up to 1 quart per 1,200 miles within spec. What matters for your DIY oil change: check oil level before every oil change and at the 3,000-mile mid-interval mark. Do not let the level drop below the low mark.

Step-by-Step: 2019 Subaru Forester Oil Change

1. Warm the engine — Run for 5 minutes, then shut off. Warm oil flows out cleaner.
2. Raise and support the vehicle — Jack stands under designated subframe points.
3. Remove the oil filler cap — Improves drain flow.
4. Place drain pan — Drain plug is on the passenger side of the oil pan, facing rearward.
5. Remove the drain plug — 17mm socket, counterclockwise. Keep upward pressure until released.
6. Remove the oil filter — Spin-on filter on the front of the engine, driver's side. Use filter wrench if needed.
7. Inspect the drain plug washer — Subaru crush washer: part number 803916010. Replace if deformed.
8. Reinstall the drain plug — Torque to 33 ft-lbs (45 Nm). Use a torque wrench — not an impact gun.
9. Prep the new filter — Apply fresh oil to the O-ring.
10. Install the new filter — Hand tight plus 3/4 turn.
11. Add oil — 4.5 quarts of 0W-20 to start, then check dipstick. Total capacity 5.1 quarts.
12. Correct dipstick check procedure — Park on level surface, wait 5 minutes after shutoff, wipe and recheck. Level should be in the crosshatch zone, targeting the H mark.
13. Start and check for leaks — Oil pressure light should go off within 3–4 seconds.

Troubleshooting

Low oil at mid-interval check: Note how much you added and at how many miles. If you're consistently adding 1 quart between 3,000-mile intervals, document it and visit a dealer — this may qualify for the TSB repair.

Blue smoke on startup: Classic symptom of oil burning past worn valve seals or rings. Correlates with the FB25 oil consumption issue — mention it at the dealer for the TSB evaluation.

Final Thoughts

The 2019 Subaru Forester is a great car — the FB25 is durable and easy to work on. Check your oil every 1,500 miles for the first two years to establish your consumption baseline, use the right 0W-20 full-synthetic, and torque the drain plug every single time. Want a full library of Forester-specific procedures? Browse all guides at /blog or unlock the full library with an OwnerDrop Starter subscription at $29.99/mo.