2019 Subaru Forester Oil Change Guide (2.5L FB25)

Here's exactly how I do an oil change on a 2019 Subaru Forester — the 2.5L FB25 naturally aspirated engine takes 5.1 quarts, has a few model-specific quirks worth knowing, and costs a fraction of the dealer price when you do it yourself.

What You'll Need

• 5.4 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil (buy a 6-quart jug — you'll use 5.1 qt, the rest is a top-off reserve)
• Subaru OEM oil filter (part #15208-AA15A) or Wix 51334 / Fram PH6607 equivalent
• 17mm drain plug socket
• Torque wrench
• Oil drain pan
• Floor jack and jack stands (or ramps)
• Funnel
• Shop rags
• New drain plug crush washer (Subaru #11126-AA000 — replace every change)

Estimated time: 25–35 minutes Estimated cost: $40–$55 (vs. $90–$140 at a Subaru dealer)

Before You Start — FB25 Oil Consumption TSB

The 2019 Subaru Forester's 2.5L FB25 engine has a documented oil consumption issue affecting many 2011–2019 Subaru vehicles. Subaru issued TSB 02-157-14R acknowledging that some FB-series engines consume oil at a rate that exceeds what most owners expect. Subaru's "acceptable" consumption threshold is 1 quart per 1,200 miles — which is high by modern standards.

What this means for you: Check your oil level every 1,000–1,500 miles, not just at oil change intervals. If your Forester is burning more than 1 quart per 3,000 miles, document it with dated photos for a potential warranty or goodwill repair conversation with the dealer. Some affected owners received piston ring replacements under warranty.

Subaru specifies 0W-20 full synthetic for the FB25. Do not use conventional oil — the fuel economy and wear protection specs require synthetic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Warm the engine — Run for 5 minutes, then shut off and let cool 15 minutes. Warm oil drains faster but you don't want it scalding hot.
2. Raise and support the vehicle — The Forester has decent ground clearance but you'll still need to jack or ramp it for drain plug access. Place jack stands under the subframe.
3. Locate the drain plug — The 2019 Forester's drain plug is at the rear-bottom of the oil pan, accessible from underneath. 17mm hex head.
4. Position drain pan and remove drain plug — Loosen counterclockwise, then remove by hand. The oil stream shoots at an angle — position the pan slightly forward of the plug.
5. Remove the oil filter — The filter is on the passenger side of the engine, accessible from above or below depending on your access. Turn counterclockwise. Have a rag ready for drips.
6. Drain completely — Let the oil drain 5–7 minutes. While it drains, open the oil fill cap on top of the engine to speed the drain.
7. Install the new drain plug and crush washer — Always use a new crush washer. Torque to 33 ft-lbs (45 Nm). This is the Subaru spec — it's higher than many other cars. The crush washer is aluminum and designed to deform at that torque to seal properly.
8. Install the new oil filter — Coat the rubber gasket lightly with fresh oil. Hand-tighten until the gasket seats, then turn an additional 3/4 turn. Do not over-tighten.
9. Add 5.0 quarts of 0W-20 — Pour through the fill cap on the valve cover. Start with 5.0 quarts, then check the dipstick and add to the MAX mark (typically an additional 0–0.2 quarts for a total of ~5.1 quarts).
10. Start and check for leaks — Run the engine 30 seconds. Shut off, wait 2 minutes, re-check dipstick. Verify no leaks at drain plug or filter.
11. Reset oil life indicator — On the 2019 Forester: with ignition ON (engine off), press and hold the trip odometer button until the oil indicator resets. Alternatively, navigate to Vehicle Info in the center display and reset from there.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the crush washer — The Subaru crush washer is not reusable. Reusing the old one risks a slow drain plug leak that starts miles after you finish the job.
• Under-filling the FB25 — 5.1 quarts is the spec. 5.0 is the typical pour amount; check the dipstick and top up. An FB25 that runs 0.5 quarts low accelerates the oil consumption issue.
• Using 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 — Subaru specifically engineered the FB25 for 0W-20. It's not a suggestion.

Monitoring Oil Consumption Between Changes

Given the FB25 TSB, I recommend keeping a log:

• Check oil level every 1,000 miles (note the reading and mileage)
• If you lose more than 1 quart in under 3,000 miles, start documenting for a dealer conversation
• Keep your oil change receipts — they establish you've been maintaining proper oil levels

For the complete 2019 Subaru Forester maintenance library — brakes, spark plugs, coolant flush, cabin filter — get the full repair library at OwnerDrop — starting at $29.99/mo.

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Related guides: Engine oil consumption — causes and fixes | How to check your car's dipstick