2012 Subaru Forester X, Automatic TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

For U.S. Model

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE CHART (FOR U.S. MODEL)

  Maintenance interval [Number of months or km (miles), whichever occurs first]
  Months 3 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 132 Remarks
x 1, 000 km 4.8 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156 168 180 192 220
x 1, 000 miles 3 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 132
1 Engine oil (R) R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R Non-turbo Model
Replace every 33/4 months or 6, 000 km (3, 750 miles) Turbo Model
2 Engine oil filter (R) R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R Non-turbo Model
Replace every 33/4 months or 6, 000 km (3, 750 miles) Turbo Model
3 Spark plug                 R               R    
4 Drive belt(s)         I       I       I       I   Non-turbo Model
        I       I       I   R       Turbo Model
5 Timing belt         I       I       I   R        
6 Fuel line         (I)       (I)       (I)       I   (1)
7 Fuel filter                 R               R   (1)
8 Air cleaner element         R       R       R       R   (2)
9 Cooling system         I       I       I       I    
10 Engine coolant Replace after the first 11 years or 220, 000 km (137, 500 miles), and every six years or 120, 000 km (75, 000 miles) thereafter    
11 Clutch system     I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I    
12 Transmission gear oil         I       I       I       I    
13 ATF         I       I       I       I    
14 Front & rear differential gear oil         I       I       I       I    
15 Brake line     I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I    
16 Brake fluid         R       R       R       R    
17 Disc brake pad and disc     I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I    
18 Brake linings and drums     I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I    
19 Parking brake     I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I    
20 Suspension     I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I    
21 Wheel bearing                 (I)               (I)    
22 Axle boots and joints     I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I    
23 Tire rotation   I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I (3)
24 Steering system (Power steering)     I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I    
25 Air conditioner filter Replace every 12 months or 12, 000 km (7, 500 miles)  
Symbol
R: Replace
I: Inspection
(R) or (I): Inspections recommended for vehicle safety
(1) This inspection is not necessary to observe exhaust gas regulations or is the responsibility of the manufacturer under the current basic EPA regulations that must observed by law.
(2) Replace the air cleaner element more frequently than the periodic replacement if the vehicle is being used in an excessively dusty environment.
(3) Replace the tires if the tread-wear indicator has cause a bar-shaped cut across the tread. The indicator will appear when the remaining amount of tread is less than 1.6 mm (0.063 in).
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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