How to Change Engine Oil on a 2015 Subaru Forester

Replacing engine oil and filter on a 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i and 2.0 turbo. Applies to most Subaru models with similar engines.

Tools:

• 17 mm socket and ratchet.
• Extensions and a breaker bar may be useful.
• Oil Drain Pan. I use Lisle Black Pan for its large capacity. 

Parts:

• Oil filter. I use Mobil 1 Performance Oil Filter. Alternatively, buy OEM for less here: Subaru 6 Pack Oil filters for 2011 and up. Legacy, Outback, Forester. Part number 15208AA15A

• Subaru oil drain plug washer/gasket. Subaru 803916010 Oil Drain Plug Washer Part number 803916010

• Synthetic motor oil 0W-20 for 2.5i and 5W-30 for 2.0i turbo.
• 0W-20 OEM here: Genuine Subaru SOA427V1315 Motor Oil 
• Castrol EDGE 0W-20 Extended Performance Synthetic Motor Oil - 1 Quart Bottle, (Pack of 6) 
• 5W-30 OEM here: Subaru SOA868V9285 Synthetic Motor Oil - 1 Gallon 
• Castrol EDGE Extended Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil - 5 Quart 

• Subaru's owner manual says use 0W-20 for the 2.5i, however I used 5W-30 and haven't had any issues. 

• Drain Plug if necessary. 
• Fumoto F-108N Engine Oil Drain Valve for more convenient draining.

Recommended:

• Ramps, Funnel, Rags, Jack and Jack Stands.

Steps:  

• Warm up car to normal operating temperatures. 

• Optional: Jack Forester and place jack stands or drive up on ramps. RhinoRamps Vehicle Ramps (Pair, 12,000lb. GVW Capacity) 

• Open hood and remove the oil filler cap (Yellow cap below).

• Remove the oil filter (Black cylinder below) with TEKTON 12-Inch Oil Filter Pliers.

• Clean the filter housing cup so there is a clean mating surface for the new filter.

• Apply clean oil to rubber gasket on new oil filter. 

• Install new filter by hand. The owner's manual says one full rotation past hand tight. 

• Locate oil drain plug underneath car. The picture below shows the general location, plug is located in the opening below.

• Place drain pan underneath and loosen drain plug with a 17 mm socket. Careful, the oil will be hot. Let the oil drain for 15-30 minutes.

• Reinstall drain plug with new crush washer. Torque drain plug to 32 ft/lbs. 

• Pour in new engine oil. It is perfectly fine if you overfill a little bit.
• 4.8 liters/5.1 US Quarts for non turbo 2.5i engine.
• 5.1 liters/5.4 US Quarts for turbo 2.0i engine.

• Install oil filler cap, check for leaks in drain plug area.

• Drive Subaru around for a few minutes. Recheck drain plug for leaks. The oil filter housing cup may leak a little which is fine. 

Notes:
I have heard great things about Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil - 1 Quart, (Case of 6) so I will use that for the next oil change. So far, the Castrol EDGE 5W-30 has been doing very well.

I highly suggest WIX 57055 Oil Filter for its high bypass PSI, especially for turbo Subarus. The WIX filter is competitively priced and many enthusiasts prefer it over OEM filters.

The drain plug is at an angle and not pointed straight down. I recommend placing the pan directly where the plug is pointing.

I enjoy changing oil on the Forester because I don't have to remove any plastic panels to get to the drain plug or filter. The process is quick and straightforward.

Owners manual can be found here: 2015 Subaru Forester Manual



DIY applies to SJ Fourth Generation of Subaru Forester. 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.