2020 Subaru Forester Oil Change — FA24F/FB25 (5.1 Qt, 0W-20, 30K Interval)

Here's how I do the oil change on my 2020 Subaru Forester. Depending on your trim, you'll have either the FB25 (2.5i base, Premium, Limited) or the FA24F (2.5i Sport — direct injection variant). Both engines take 5.1 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic with a filter change, drain plug torque is 14 ft-lbs, and Subaru's service interval is 6 months or 6,000 miles under severe duty — or up to 12 months/7,500 miles under normal conditions. The 30K interval refers to the severe-duty cumulative interval Subaru references for certain northern-climate owners, but standard interval applies to most. Dealer price for this service: $120–$150. My cost: about $45.

FA24F vs. FB25 — What's the Difference for Oil Changes?

The FB25 is Subaru's traditional port-injection 2.5L flat-four. The FA24F (Sport trim only) adds direct injection on top of port injection (DOHC, 182 hp). For oil changes, the procedure is essentially identical — same oil spec, same capacity, same drain plug location. The FA24F filter mounting direction differs slightly due to the DOHC cam cover layout, but the filter itself (Subaru 15208AA170 or equivalent) fits both.

The FA24F is more sensitive to oil quality because direct injection produces more fuel dilution of the oil than port injection under certain conditions — particularly short-trip driving in cold climates. Use full synthetic, change at or before the OLM recommendation, and don't stretch intervals.

Oil Dilution on the FB25 / FA24F

The FB25 in the 2019–2020 Forester was a partial redesign of the older EJ/FA family and does not have the severe oil dilution issues that plagued the 2018 CR-V 1.5T or the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0L. However, if you live in a cold climate and do a lot of short trips (under 10 miles), check your dipstick periodically. If the oil level is rising over time or smells faintly of fuel, your engine is experiencing cold-start fuel dilution. The fix is simple: more highway driving or slightly shorter oil change intervals.

Tools and Parts

• 5.1 quarts Subaru Genuine 0W-20 full synthetic (or equivalent ILSAC GF-6A certified 0W-20)
• Oil filter: Subaru 15208AA170 (OEM) or Wix 57356, FRAM XG9972
• Drain plug washer: Subaru 11126AA000 (replace every change)
• 17mm socket for drain plug
• Oil filter wrench (65mm cap-type for cartridge filter, or standard strap wrench for spin-on)
• Drain pan (6-quart minimum)
• Torque wrench
• Jack, jack stands or ramps (Forester has decent clearance)
• Nitrile gloves, rags

Spec Sheet

Item	Spec
Oil capacity (with filter)	5.1 quarts
Oil type	0W-20 full synthetic (ILSAC GF-6A)
Drain plug torque	14 ft-lbs (19 Nm)
Oil filter	Subaru 15208AA170
Drain plug washer	Subaru 11126AA000
Normal service interval	6,000 miles / 6 months
Extended interval (OLM)	Up to 7,500 miles / 12 months (normal conditions)

Filter Location

On the 2020 Forester, the oil filter is on the passenger side of the engine block, facing rearward. Access from below is straightforward. The filter is a standard spin-on canister. Position your drain pan slightly toward the passenger side to catch drips when you pull the filter.

Step-by-Step: 2020 Subaru Forester Oil Change

Warm-Up

1. Run the engine for 3–4 minutes. Shut off and wait 5 minutes.

2. Raise the Forester on jack stands or ramps. The Forester's ground clearance is good — ramps work well.

Drain

3. Locate the drain plug on the rear center of the oil pan. Position your drain pan.

4. Break loose the 17mm drain plug, then spin out by hand. Oil will be warm — gloves on.

5. Let drain fully (5 minutes). While draining, reach the filter on the passenger side.

Change the Filter

6. Use your filter wrench or strap to break the oil filter loose. Spin out by hand.

7. Wipe the mounting surface. Lightly oil the new filter's O-ring. Thread on by hand until snug + 3/4 turn. Do not wrench-tighten.

Reinstall and Fill

8. Install a new drain plug washer. Thread the drain plug in by hand, torque to 14 ft-lbs (19 Nm). This is lighter than many other vehicles — do not overtighten, the aluminum pan is easy to strip.

9. Fill with 5 quarts of 0W-20 to start. Add the remaining oil in small amounts and check the dipstick.

10. Start the engine. Watch for oil pressure light to extinguish within 5 seconds. Idle 30 seconds. Shut off.

11. Wait 2 minutes. Check dipstick. Final capacity is 5.1 quarts with filter change — you may land between 5.0 and 5.1 qt on the dipstick max mark.

Reset the Oil Maintenance Reminder

12. On the Forester's multi-function display, navigate to: Settings → Maintenance → Oil → Reset. Hold OK until confirmed.

If your Forester has the SI-DRIVE + Subaru Starlink display: Turn ignition ON, go to the vehicle info screen, select Maintenance, and reset Oil Life.

Severe Duty Note — 30K Interval Reference

Some Subaru documentation for the 2020 Forester references a 30,000-mile spark plug interval (for iridium plugs) and uses "30K severe" for certain other maintenance items. The 30K interval does not apply to oil changes. Oil change intervals on the Forester are 6,000 miles (severe) or 7,500 miles (normal) — not 30,000. Always follow the oil life monitor and change when it tells you to.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Dealer

	DIY	Subaru Dealer
5.1 qt 0W-20 full synthetic	$28–$40	Included
Oil filter	$8–$14	Included
Labor	$0	$80–$110
Total	$36–$54	$120–$150+

Savings: $80–$100 per service.

For more Subaru guides, the 2020 Subaru Outback oil change guide covers the same FB25 engine in the Outback platform, and the 2019 Subaru Forester oil change guide covers the prior-generation engine for comparison.

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