Subaru Forester Transmission Fluid
Factory manual transmission fluid type & capacity for the Subaru Forester. Exact capacities and specs extracted from the LEMON service manual archive.
Last updated: 2026-10-31 • Reading time: 8 min • By AllOEMManuals Editorial Team
Quick Answer
2019-2024 Subaru Forester ATF: 12.70 QTS. (12.01 L) — SUBARU CVT Oil for Lineartronic Note: Approximate capacity..
| Generation | Years | Top spec |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-2024 | 2019-2024 | 12.70 QTS. (12.01 L) — SUBARU CVT Oil for Lineartronic Note: Approximate capacity. |
| 2018 | 2018 | 13.10 QTS. (12.39 L) — SUBARU High Torque CVT Oil for Lineartronic |
| 2015-2017 | 2015-2017 | 13.10 QTS. (12.39 L) — SUBARU High Torque CVT Oil for Lineartronic |
This vehicle's factory manual
Subaru Forester: choose your year, then confirm the engine, trim, or drivetrain to open the available repair and diagnosis sections.
Subaru Forester maintenance schedule
Know the exact transmission fluid job for your Subaru Forester
2019-2024 Subaru Forester ATF: 12.70 QTS. (12.01 L) — SUBARU CVT Oil for Lineartronic Note: Approximate capacity..
Fluid type and capacity can change by engine, drivetrain, and transmission. Verify the exact branch before filling anything. Once the spec is confirmed, use the supplies and purchase links below to build the full one-trip shopping list before you start the repair.
Exact Vehicle Check
The button opens the factory book for this vehicle. Use the engine picker only when your trim is not the one this page already matched.
2019-2024
- →Approximate capacity.
2018
- →Alternative oil will detract from drive ability and fuel efficiency.
2015-2017
- →Alternative oil will detract from drive ability and fuel efficiency.
Parts and supplies
These links search for related products. Check your year, engine, specification, and fitment with the seller before ordering.
Subaru Forester Transmission Fluid
Confirm the specification and fitment for your exact vehicle before ordering.
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Transmission Fluid — Manual's Parts List
Wrong fluid destroys transmissions. Get the exact spec.
- 1Transmission FluidShop →
12.70 QTS. (12.01 L) — SUBARU — ATF or CVT, exact spec only
- 2Drain Plug WasherShop →
Soft aluminum — reuse it and it will leak
- 3Fluid Transfer PumpShop →
No dipstick on modern transmissions — fill from below
- 4Shop RagsShop →
ATF stains everything
Get everything at once
Search results vary; confirm each item and its fitment before buying.
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One-Trip Shopping List
Recommended supplies and tools for this job, grouped so you can buy everything before the repair starts.
Transmission Fluid
Must match the specific ATF or CVT spec for your car.
Fluid Transfer Pump
Crucial for filling "sealed" transmissions from below.
Transmission Filter
Recommended when performing a full pan service.
Drain Plug Washer
Prevents seepage after a drain-and-fill service.
Shop Towels
Cleanup gear for ATF spills and pan work.
Project Essentials
Basic tool sets, gloves, and cleaning supplies for your Subaru Forester so the job is ready when the parts arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is this data from?
- Extracted directly from the LEMON factory service manual archive. Sources are cited per generation.
- What transmission fluid does a Subaru Forester use?
- 2019-2024 Subaru Forester ATF: 12.70 QTS. (12.01 L) — SUBARU CVT Oil for Lineartronic Note: Approximate capacity..
- When should I change the transmission fluid in a Subaru Forester?
- Factory service manuals typically recommend transmission fluid changes every 30,000–60,000 miles for automatics and 60,000–100,000 miles for manuals under normal use. Severe service intervals are shorter. Check your maintenance schedule for the exact mileage.
Find your service manual
Select your vehicle and check the available manual sections for your exact configuration.
Author & Review
Published by AllOEMManuals, founded by Lyndon Bedford, an automotive technician with 20 years of experience. He owned and operated a mechanic shop in Hurst, Texas from 2014 to 2022 and continues hands-on repair work.
Content may combine manual references, general repair templates, and AI-assisted drafting. Confirm the source, vehicle configuration, and applicability before working. Report corrections through our contact page.
Last updated: 2026-10-31