Forester Oil Filter Specifications and Capacity

Knowing the right oil filter part number and oil capacity for your Subaru Forester saves you time, money, and engine headaches. Grab the wrong filter or pour in the wrong amount of oil, and you could end up with leaks, poor lubrication, or even engine damage over time. This guide breaks down everything you need by model year and engine type so you can confidently handle your next oil change at home or double-check what your mechanic is using.

What oil filter part number does the Subaru Forester use?

The oil filter part number depends on your Forester's model year and engine. Subaru uses different filters across generations, so there's no single part number that fits every Forester ever made. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common OEM filters:

Subaru Forester 2.5L naturally aspirated (2014–present)

OEM part number: 15208AA170
Aftermarket cross-reference: Fram PH6607, WIX 57055, Purolator PL14610, Bosch 3323
This is a cartridge-style filter on the FA25 engine used in the 2019+ Forester

Subaru Forester 2.5L naturally aspirated (2009–2013)

OEM part number: 15208AA12A
Aftermarket cross-reference: Fram PH6607, WIX 51365, Purolator PL14610
Spin-on canister type filter on the EJ25 engine

Subaru Forester 2.5L turbo (2004–2013)

OEM part number: 15208AA12A
Same filter as the naturally aspirated EJ25 versions from the same era

Subaru Forester 2.0L (non-US markets)

OEM part number: 15208AA160
Common in European and Asian Forester models with the FB20 engine

If you want a full reference for oil capacity specifications across all Forester models, check out our detailed Forester oil filter part number and capacity specifications page.

How much oil does the Subaru Forester hold?

Oil capacity varies by engine and model year. Pouring in too much or too little oil both cause problems excess oil can foam and damage seals, while too little oil starves the engine of lubrication.

Forester oil capacity by engine

2.5L EJ25 (2009–2013): 4.4 quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change
2.5L EJ25 turbo (2004–2013): 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
2.5L FA25 (2014–2018): 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change
2.5L FB25 (2019–present): 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change
2.0L FB20 (non-US markets): 4.4 quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change

These numbers are for oil changes with the filter replaced. If you're reusing the old filter (not recommended), subtract roughly 0.2 quarts. For more details on oil type and amount for the 2.5L engine, see our guide on the Forester 2.5L engine oil type and amount.

How do I find the exact filter and capacity for my specific Forester?

The most reliable method is to check your owner's manual. If you don't have it handy, here's what works:

Check the VIN. Your 17-character VIN tells parts stores and dealer systems the exact engine and trim.
Use an online parts lookup. Sites like SubaruParts.com or major auto parts retailers let you enter your year, model, and engine to pull up the correct filter.
Look at the old filter. The part number is printed right on the canister or cartridge housing. Match it when buying a replacement.
Ask the dealer parts counter. They can pull up your exact specs by VIN in seconds.

What are common mistakes when choosing a Forester oil filter?

Getting the oil filter wrong is more common than you'd think. Here are the pitfalls to avoid:

Buying by "fits Subaru" without checking the year. A 2013 Forester uses a spin-on filter, while a 2020 uses a cartridge-style filter. They're not interchangeable.
Confusing the EJ25 and FB25 engines. These engines have completely different filter designs even though both are 2.5-liter four-cylinders.
Using a cheap no-name filter. Filter media quality matters. Low-end filters may not trap particles as small as 20 microns, which is what most OEM filters are rated for.
Forgetting to pre-fill the new filter. On spin-on types, adding a thin layer of fresh oil to the gasket and filling the filter partway before installation helps prevent a dry start.
Over-tightening the drain plug or filter. The oil drain plug torque spec is typically 30.8 ft-lbs for the EJ25 and 31 ft-lbs for the FB25. Cranking it too tight strips the threads.

How often should I change the oil filter on my Forester?

Subaru recommends replacing the oil filter at every oil change. For most Forester models, the standard oil change service interval is every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic 0W-20 oil. If you drive in severe conditions frequent short trips, dusty roads, extreme temperatures, or towing cut that interval to 3,000–4,000 miles.

Can I use an aftermarket oil filter instead of OEM?

Yes, as long as the aftermarket filter meets Subaru's specifications. Brands like WIX, Purolator, Bosch, and Mann make quality filters that cross-reference to OEM part numbers. The key things to verify:

Correct thread size and gasket diameter
Anti-drain back valve (prevents oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off)
Bypass valve pressure rating that matches the OEM spec
Filter media rated to capture particles at 20 microns or smaller

Some Forester owners prefer OEM filters bought in bulk online to save money while keeping factory-spec quality. A six-pack of 15208AA12A filters usually costs around $30–$36, which is roughly $5–$6 each.

What type of oil works best with the Forester oil filter?

Subaru specifies 0W-20 full synthetic oil for most modern Foresters (2014 and newer). Older EJ25 models (2009–2013) also call for 0W-20 but some owners run 5W-30 in high-mileage engines based on mechanic advice. Always pair the correct oil weight with the right filter a quality filter works best when the oil viscosity matches what the engine was designed for.

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Quick checklist for your next Forester oil change

Confirm your Forester's exact year, engine, and trim before buying anything
Get the correct OEM or quality aftermarket oil filter (check part numbers above)
Buy the right amount of oil most Foresters need about 4.8 quarts with a filter change
Use 0W-20 full synthetic unless your owner's manual says otherwise
Replace the drain plug crush washer every time it's a 50-cent part that prevents leaks
Pre-fill the new spin-on filter or lubricate the cartridge filter O-ring before installation
Torque the drain plug to spec don't over-tighten
Run the engine for a minute after the change, shut it off, wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick
Reset the oil change maintenance light on your dashboard
Log the mileage and date for your next service interval