2022 Subaru Outback 2.5L Oil Change — FB25D Boxer, 0W-20, Step-by-Step DIY Guide

The Subaru Outback 2.5L is one of the most DIY-friendly oil changes out there — and one of the most commonly skipped. The horizontally opposed FB25D boxer layout puts the drain plug and filter in straightforward locations, and the whole job takes about 25 minutes. Dealers charge $80–$120 for this. With a $40 parts run, you're done and back on the road in no time.

One boxer-specific thing to know upfront: the oil drains at an angle on the Subaru flat-four. You'll want your drain pan positioned slightly to the left of center under the drain plug — the oil arcs as it exits. I've been doing this wrong for years and wondered why I always had a small mess. Now I don't.

Engine and Oil Specs

The 2022 Subaru Outback 2.5L uses the FB25D naturally aspirated flat-four, producing 182 hp. Subaru specifies 0W-20 full synthetic.

Item	Spec
Engine	2.5L FB25D horizontally opposed 4-cylinder
Oil viscosity	0W-20 full synthetic
Oil capacity (with filter)	6.1 quarts
OEM oil filter	Subaru 15208AA170
Drain plug size	14mm hex
Drain plug torque	31 lb-ft (42 Nm)
Oil change interval	6,000 miles or 6 months (conventional); 7,500 miles (full synthetic)
Oil spec	ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6A
Crush washer	Subaru 803916010 (replace every change)

Oil note: Subaru originally recommended 5W-30 on older FB engines, but updated the spec to 0W-20 starting with the 2020 model year Outback. The 2022 calls for 0W-20. Verify on the oil filler cap — it reads 0W-20.

Crush washer: Subaru is specific about replacing the copper crush washer 803916010 at every oil change. It's $1–$2 at any Subaru dealer. Don't skip it — the FB25D has an aluminum oil pan, and a tired crush washer will seep.

Tools and Parts List

• 7 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic
• Subaru 15208AA170 oil filter (or NAPA Gold 1069, WIX 51069)
• 14mm socket or box wrench
• Torque wrench (25–40 lb-ft range)
• 7 quart drain pan
• Jack and jack stands or ramps
• Funnel
• Rags or shop towels
• Subaru crush washer 803916010 (one per change)
• Filter wrench (64mm cap type fits the Subaru spin-on)

Step-by-Step Oil Change

1. Warm the Engine (4 minutes)

Run the Outback for 3–4 minutes to warm the oil, then shut off and wait 5 minutes. The FB25D's low-slung profile means oil can pool in the heads if the car sits — a warm drain gets everything moving back toward the pan.

2. Lift the Vehicle

Use ramps or jack stands under the front subframe. The 2022 Outback has standard ground clearance — low-profile ramps work on most driveways. Never trust only a floor jack.

3. Position the Drain Pan Correctly

The FB25D drain plug is at the rear of the oil pan, slightly driver's side. Here's the boxer-specific tip: offset your drain pan 4–6 inches toward the driver's side from dead center under the plug. The oil exits the plug at an angle because of the horizontal engine layout — if your pan is centered, you'll have a mess.

Remove the 14mm drain plug counterclockwise. Pull it away cleanly at the last thread.

Let it drain 8–10 minutes. Open the oil filler cap on top of the engine to break the vacuum.

4. Remove the Oil Filter

The Subaru 15208AA170 is a spin-on filter located on the passenger-side lower engine block, near the front. It's accessible from below without moving anything. Remove counterclockwise.

Check the mounting surface — confirm the old O-ring came off with the filter.

5. Install the New Filter

Lightly coat the new filter's O-ring with fresh 0W-20. Thread on hand-tight, then add ¾ of a turn. No filter wrench for tightening.

6. Install Fresh Crush Washer and Drain Plug

Discard the old crush washer. Install Subaru 803916010 onto the drain plug. Thread the 14mm plug in by hand, then torque to 31 lb-ft. The aluminum oil pan is not forgiving of over-torque — use the torque wrench.

7. Fill with 0W-20

Add 5.5 quarts first. Replace the filler cap, start the engine, idle 60 seconds. Shut off, wait 2 minutes, check the dipstick. The FB25D takes 6.1 quarts with filter — add the remaining oil slowly until the dipstick reads full.

Dipstick note: The Outback's dipstick is on the driver's side of the engine, under a protective cover. It has a MIN and MAX range — full is at the MAX mark.

8. Inspect for Leaks

Run the engine at idle. Check the drain plug and filter from below with a flashlight. No drips = you're done. Shut off, wait 5 minutes, final dipstick check.

9. Reset the Maintenance Reminder

On the 2022 Subaru Outback:

1. Turn ignition to ON (engine off)
2. Navigate to Vehicle Information > Maintenance on the multi-function display
3. Scroll to Oil & Filter and press the OK button
4. Hold OK until the interval resets

Or press the i/SET button on the instrument cluster to reach the maintenance menu.

Cost Comparison

	DIY	Subaru Dealer
0W-20 full synthetic (7 qt)	~$38–$48	—
Subaru 15208AA170 filter	~$8–$12	—
Crush washer 803916010	~$1–$2	—
Labor	$0	$60–$100
Total	~$47–$62	$100–$140

At 7,500-mile intervals, most Outback owners do one or two changes a year. That's $60–$180 saved annually just on this one maintenance item.

Common Mistakes

1. Forgetting the crush washer. Subaru is emphatic about replacing 803916010 at every change. A used crush washer on an aluminum pan almost always seeps. Buy a 10-pack if you do your own oil changes.

2. Wrong drain pan position. The boxer drain angle catches everyone. Offset the pan toward the driver's side — every time.

3. Underfilling. 6.1 quarts is the spec with filter. If you add 5.5 and stop there, the Outback will be low at the MAX mark. Check the dipstick after running the engine.

4. Using 5W-30 instead of 0W-20. The 2022 FB25D spec is 0W-20. Older Subaru models used 5W-30. Don't go by memory — check the cap.

5. Over-torquing. 31 lb-ft on the drain plug. Not more. The FB aluminum pan is a common strip victim of over-enthusiastic drain plugging.

Related Maintenance on the 2022 Subaru Outback

At 30,000 miles: cabin air filter and engine air filter. At 60,000 miles: spark plug service (Subaru-spec iridium plugs, NGK SILZKR7B11 or OEM). At every oil change: inspect the CVT fluid level; Subaru's Lineartronic CVT is sensitive to fluid condition. Check the brake fluid every 30,000 miles.

For more boxer engine maintenance tips, see the 2023 Subaru Forester 2.5L oil change guide. For a broader look at DIY oil change best practices that apply to any car, see how to do an oil change at home.

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