2012 Subaru Forester Oil Capacity, Types, & Filters

Your ultimate DIY maintenance guide for the 2012 Subaru Forester oil change is here! No more searching – find all the critical oil specs for your 2012 Subaru Forester, including exact engine oil capacity, the manufacturer recommended oil viscosity and type, and the correct OEM and aftermarket oil filters.

We cover all available engine options categorized by their specific engine codes, ensuring you get pinpoint accuracy for your specific vehicle configuration. Keep reading to discover everything required for a successful 2012 Subaru Forester oil change!

Scroll Table ➜

Engine & Code	Oil Capacity	Oil Viscosity/Type	Oil Filter
2.5L 4-cylinder EJ255 E Turbo	4.4 quarts (with filter)	SAE 5W-30 (All TEMPS)	Subaru 15208AA21A Subaru 15208AA100
2.5L 4-cylinder FB25BA 1	5.5 quarts (with filter)	SAE 0W-20 (All TEMPS)	Subaru 15208AA21A Subaru 15208AA100
2.5L 4-cylinder FB25BC 2	5.5 quarts (with filter)	SAE 0W-20 (All TEMPS)	Subaru 15208AA21A Subaru 15208AA100

Select Your 2012 Subaru Forester Engine Option

2.5L 4-cylinder Engine Code EJ255 E Turbo

Engine:

2.5L 4-cylinder EJ255 E Turbo [aka 2.5L H4 (Gas)]

Body & Trims:

X, X Limited, X Premium, X Touring, XT Premium, XT Touring

Oil Capacity:

4.4 quarts (with filter)

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 5W-30 (All TEMPS)

OEM Oil Filter:

Subaru 15208AA21A and Subaru 15208AA100

Oil Filter Replaces:

15208AA15A, 15208AA160, 15208AA20A, SOA6351520815 and 15208AA020, 15208AA021, 15208AA022, 15208AA023, 15208AA024, 15208AA060, 15208AA080, 15208AA09A, 15208AA12A, SOA6351520812

2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder EJ255 E Turbo oil change details

Oil Grade:

Oil Capacity:

4.4 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 5W-30 (All TEMPS)

Name of Oil Filter:

N/A

Wix Oil Filter:

57712-EA

Wix Air Filter:

49012-EA

Coolant Capacity:

8.5 quarts

Oil Drain Plug Torque:

32.5 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug). Install a new washer on the drain bolt and make sure to use an Original Equipment (OE) drain plug.

Notes:

It is required that you use a synthetic engine oil.

How much oil does the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (EJ255 E Turbo) take?

A complete oil change for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (with engine code EJ255 E Turbo) requires 4.4 quarts (with filter) of engine oil. To ensure safety and performance, always verify the level on the dipstick after refilling.

What type of oil is recommended for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (EJ255 E Turbo)?

For optimal engine longevity, the manufacturer recommended motor oil for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder is using:

SAE 5W-30 (All TEMPS)

Ensure the oil you choose meets the SM standard.

What is the best oil filter for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (EJ255 E Turbo)?

The factory-recommended OEM oil filter for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder is the Subaru 15208AA21A or Subaru 15208AA100. If you prefer a top-tier aftermarket option, the Wix 57712-EA is an excellent choice.

What is the oil drain plug torque spec for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (EJ255 E Turbo)?

To prevent leaks or stripped oil pan threads, the drain plug on the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder should be tightened to exactly 32.5 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug). Install a new washer on the drain bolt and make sure to use an Original Equipment (OE) drain plug. and we also recommend installing a new crush washer with every oil change.

What is the correct air filter for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (EJ255 E Turbo)?

For optimal engine performance and clean airflow, the recommended engine air filter replacement for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder is the Wix 49012-EA. It is a good maintenance habit to inspect this filter during every oil change.

What is the coolant capacity for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (EJ255 E Turbo)?

The total engine coolant (antifreeze) capacity for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder is:

8.5 quarts

Always ensure you use the manufacturer-approved coolant color and type to prevent internal corrosion.

2.5L 4-cylinder Engine Code FB25BA 1

Engine:

2.5L 4-cylinder FB25BA 1 [aka 2.5L H4 (Gas)]

Body & Trims:

X, X Limited, X Premium, X Touring, XT Premium, XT Touring

Oil Capacity:

5.5 quarts (with filter)

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 0W-20 (All TEMPS)

OEM Oil Filter:

Subaru 15208AA21A and Subaru 15208AA100

Oil Filter Replaces:

15208AA15A, 15208AA160, 15208AA20A, SOA6351520815 and 15208AA020, 15208AA021, 15208AA022, 15208AA023, 15208AA024, 15208AA060, 15208AA080, 15208AA09A, 15208AA12A, SOA6351520812

2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder FB25BA 1 oil change details

Oil Grade:

Oil Capacity:

5.5 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 0W-20 (All TEMPS)

Name of Oil Filter:

N/A

Wix Oil Filter:

57055-EA

Wix Air Filter:

46914-EA

Coolant Capacity:

7.5 quarts - For models with a Manual Transaxle (MTXL).
7.4 quarts - For models with an Automatic Transaxle (ATXL).

Oil Drain Plug Torque:

31 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug). Install a new washer on the drain bolt and make sure to use an Original Equipment (OE) drain plug.

Notes:

It is required that you use a synthetic engine oil.

How much oil does the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BA 1) take?

A complete oil change for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (with engine code FB25BA 1) requires 5.5 quarts (with filter) of engine oil. To ensure safety and performance, always verify the level on the dipstick after refilling.

What type of oil is recommended for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BA 1)?

For optimal engine longevity, the manufacturer recommended motor oil for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder is using:

SAE 0W-20 (All TEMPS)

Ensure the oil you choose meets the SM standard.

What is the best oil filter for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BA 1)?

What is the oil drain plug torque spec for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BA 1)?

To prevent leaks or stripped oil pan threads, the drain plug on the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder should be tightened to exactly 31 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug). Install a new washer on the drain bolt and make sure to use an Original Equipment (OE) drain plug. and we also recommend installing a new crush washer with every oil change.

What is the correct air filter for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BA 1)?

For optimal engine performance and clean airflow, the recommended engine air filter replacement for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder is the Wix 46914-EA. It is a good maintenance habit to inspect this filter during every oil change.

What is the coolant capacity for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BA 1)?

The total engine coolant (antifreeze) capacity for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder is:

7.5 quarts - For models with a Manual Transaxle (MTXL).
7.4 quarts - For models with an Automatic Transaxle (ATXL).

Always ensure you use the manufacturer-approved coolant color and type to prevent internal corrosion.

2.5L 4-cylinder Engine Code FB25BC 2

Engine:

2.5L 4-cylinder FB25BC 2 [aka 2.5L H4 (Gas)]

Body & Trims:

X, X Limited, X Premium, X Touring, XT Premium, XT Touring

Oil Capacity:

5.5 quarts (with filter)

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 0W-20 (All TEMPS)

OEM Oil Filter:

Subaru 15208AA21A and Subaru 15208AA100

Oil Filter Replaces:

15208AA15A, 15208AA160, 15208AA20A, SOA6351520815 and 15208AA020, 15208AA021, 15208AA022, 15208AA023, 15208AA024, 15208AA060, 15208AA080, 15208AA09A, 15208AA12A, SOA6351520812

2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder FB25BC 2 oil change details

Oil Grade:

Oil Capacity:

5.5 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 0W-20 (All TEMPS)

Name of Oil Filter:

N/A

Wix Oil Filter:

57055-EA

Wix Air Filter:

46914-EA

Coolant Capacity:

7.4 quarts - For models with an Automatic Transaxle (ATXL).
7.5 quarts - For models with a Manual Transaxle (MTXL).

Oil Drain Plug Torque:

31 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug). Install a new washer on the drain bolt and make sure to use an Original Equipment (OE) drain plug.

Notes:

It is required that you use a synthetic engine oil.

How much oil does the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BC 2) take?

A complete oil change for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (with engine code FB25BC 2) requires 5.5 quarts (with filter) of engine oil. To ensure safety and performance, always verify the level on the dipstick after refilling.

What type of oil is recommended for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BC 2)?

For optimal engine longevity, the manufacturer recommended motor oil for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder is using:

SAE 0W-20 (All TEMPS)

Ensure the oil you choose meets the SM standard.

What is the best oil filter for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BC 2)?

What is the oil drain plug torque spec for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BC 2)?

What is the correct air filter for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BC 2)?

What is the coolant capacity for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BC 2)?

The total engine coolant (antifreeze) capacity for the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder is:

7.4 quarts - For models with an Automatic Transaxle (ATXL).
7.5 quarts - For models with a Manual Transaxle (MTXL).

Always ensure you use the manufacturer-approved coolant color and type to prevent internal corrosion.

People also ask – 2012 Subaru Forester

What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Subaru Forester?

Depending on the specific engine option, the 2012 Subaru Forester oil capacity ranges from 4.4 to 5.5 quarts. Here is the exact oil capacity breakdown for each available engine configuration:

• 2.5L 4-cylinder (EJ255 E Turbo): 4.4 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
• 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BA 1): 5.5 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
• 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BC 2): 5.5 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.

Always check your dipstick after refilling to ensure the proper level.

What type of oil does a 2012 Subaru Forester use?

Across its 3 available engine configurations, the 2012 Subaru Forester uses the following motor oil viscosities: SAE 5W-30 (All TEMPS) and SAE 0W-20 (All TEMPS). Using the correct manufacturer-approved oil weight is crucial for engine health. Here are the specific oil type requirements by engine:

• 2.5L 4-cylinder (EJ255 E Turbo):
Grade: SM
SAE 5W-30 (All TEMPS)

• 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BA 1):
Grade: SM
SAE 0W-20 (All TEMPS)

• 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BC 2):
Grade: SM
SAE 0W-20 (All TEMPS)

What is the best oil filter for the 2012 Subaru Forester?

The proper oil filter depends on your exact engine code. The 2012 Subaru Forester utilizes the following premium aftermarket Wix oil filters across its lineup: 57712-EA and 57055-EA. Here is the specific OEM and aftermarket filter data for each engine:

• 2.5L 4-cylinder (EJ255 E Turbo):
OEM Filter: Subaru 15208AA21A or Subaru 15208AA100
Wix Filter: 57712-EA

• 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BA 1):
OEM Filter: Subaru 15208AA21A or Subaru 15208AA100
Wix Filter: 57055-EA

• 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25BC 2):
OEM Filter: Subaru 15208AA21A or Subaru 15208AA100
Wix Filter: 57055-EA

How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Subaru Forester?

For modern models running full synthetic oil, oil change intervals are typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, for older Subaru Forester generations (1985-2010) or those using conventional/synthetic-blend fluid, changing the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is highly recommended to prevent sludge buildup. Regardless of engine (2.5L 4-cylinder), you should change your oil at least once a year even if you don’t reach the mileage limit.

Subaru Forester – Engine Oil details by Year