The Crosstrek uses a cartridge-style oil filter mounted on top of the engine, not a spin-on canister underneath

Subaru Crosstrek models from 2013 onward use a cartridge oil filter — a cylindrical element that sits inside a plastic housing on the valve cover, rather than a threaded spin-on filter screwed to the engine block. This design means you remove a large plastic cap, pull out the old filter element, and install a new one without draining oil into a pan. The housing itself stays in place.

The filter part number varies slightly by model year and engine type. Most 2013–2024 Crosstrek models with the 2.0-liter engine use Subaru part number 16510AA051 or 16510AA100, depending on year. If your Crosstrek has the 2.5-liter engine (introduced in 2023), the part number is different. Always confirm your specific year and engine size before ordering, because installing the wrong filter can affect oil flow or cause leaks.

You can buy the filter from a Subaru dealership, online retailers like Amazon or RockAuto, or auto parts chains such as AutoZone or O'Reilly. Dealership filters typically cost $12 to $18; aftermarket equivalents from Fram, Bosch, or Mobil 1 run $8 to $15. The filter itself is inexpensive — the labor cost at a shop is usually what drives the total bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Crosstrek oil filters are cartridge-style elements inside a plastic housing on top of the engine, not spin-on canisters underneath.
  • Part numbers 16510AA051 and 16510AA100 cover most 2013–2024 models with the 2.0-liter engine; confirm your year and engine size before ordering.
  • Replacement takes 5 to 10 minutes and requires only a socket wrench to remove the housing cap; no oil drains into a pan.
  • Dealership filters cost $12 to $18; aftermarket brands cost $8 to $15 and work equally well if they match your engine type.

How to locate the filter housing on your Crosstrek

Open the hood and look toward the back of the engine, near the firewall. You will see a black or dark gray plastic cap roughly 3 inches in diameter, sitting upright on the valve cover. This is the filter housing. On most Crosstrek models, it is positioned on the driver's side of the engine bay, slightly toward the rear. On some model years it may sit more toward the center or passenger side, so if you do not see it when ready, trace the top of the engine from front to back.

The housing cap has a wrench size printed or molded into the plastic — usually 74 mm or 86 mm. You will need a socket that fits this size to unscrew the cap. A 74 mm socket is most common on 2013–2019 models; 86 mm appears on later years, though this varies. If you do not own the exact socket, an adjustable wrench or a filter socket (a specialized tool with a handle) works as well.

Step-by-step replacement process

First, make sure the engine is cool or has been off for at least five minutes. Warm oil can burn your hands. Locate the filter housing cap and fit your socket onto it. Turn counterclockwise to loosen and unscrew the cap by hand once it is loose enough to grip. Set the cap aside on a clean surface.

Inside the housing, you will see the old filter element — a white or tan cylindrical piece. Grab it by the sides and pull straight up and out. It should come free with minimal resistance. If it is stuck, wiggle it gently side to side while pulling. Once removed, look inside the housing. You should see a rubber O-ring seal at the bottom; if it stuck to the old filter, remove it and discard it.

Wipe the inside of the housing with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel to remove any debris or old oil residue. Take your new filter element and check that it comes with a fresh rubber O-ring already attached to the top. If not, your filter kit should include one separately — install it on the new element before inserting it into the housing.

Insert the new filter straight down into the housing, pushing gently until it seats. You should feel slight resistance as the O-ring compresses. Do not force it; if it does not slide in smoothly, remove it and check that the O-ring is seated correctly on the element. Once the filter is in place, screw the plastic cap back on by hand first, then tighten it with your socket wrench. Snug it firmly but do not over-tighten — you risk cracking the plastic housing.

Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds, then turn it off. Check under the housing cap area for any oil leaks. If you see drips, the O-ring may not be seated correctly; remove the cap, check the seal, and reinstall. Once you confirm there are no leaks, you are finished.

Choosing between OEM and aftermarket filters

Subaru original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filters are made to Subaru's specifications and carry the Subaru part number. They are reliable and may provide to fit, but cost more — typically $15 to $18 at a dealership. Many owners use them for peace of mind, especially if the vehicle is under warranty.

Aftermarket filters from brands like Fram, Bosch, Mobil 1, or Purolator are engineered to meet or exceed OEM performance standards and cost $8 to $15. They work well in Crosstrek engines and are widely used by independent shops and DIY owners. The main trade-off is that you are relying on the manufacturer's quality control rather than Subaru's direct oversight, though major brands have strong reputations.

One practical consideration: if you buy an aftermarket filter, confirm it comes with the rubber O-ring seal. Some budget filters do not include it, and you will need to source one separately or reuse the old one — which is not ideal because O-rings degrade over time. Check the product listing or box before you buy.

Oil filter change intervals and maintenance records

Subaru recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. For most Crosstrek owners, that means every 6,000 miles or every 6 months, whichever comes first, if you use conventional oil. If you use synthetic oil, Subaru extends the interval to 10,000 miles or 12 months. Some owners stretch synthetic intervals to 12,000 miles based on their driving habits, but check your owner's manual for the exact recommendation for your year.

Keep a record of each filter change — note the date, mileage, filter part number, and oil type used. This record is useful if you ever need to troubleshoot an oil pressure warning light or if you sell the vehicle. Many owners photograph the receipt or jot the information in a notebook kept in the glove box.

Common mistakes to avoid when replacing the filter

The most frequent error is forgetting to remove the old rubber O-ring seal from the housing before installing the new filter. If both seals are present — the old one stuck inside the housing and the new one on the filter element — the cap will not seal properly and oil will leak. Always inspect the inside of the housing after removing the old filter and remove any lingering O-ring.

Another mistake is over-tightening the plastic cap. The housing is not metal and cracks easily if you use excessive force with the socket wrench. Tighten until snug, then stop. You should not need to strain to turn the wrench.

A third pitfall is installing the filter element upside down or at an angle. The element should slide straight down into the housing and sit flush. If you feel resistance or hear a grinding sound, remove it and reposition it. Forcing a misaligned filter can damage the O-ring or the housing threads.

When to have a shop do it instead

If you do not have a socket wrench in the correct size, or if the plastic housing cap is cracked or stuck and will not budge, a shop can handle the job quickly — usually in 15 to 20 minutes. The labor cost at an independent shop is typically $30 to $50; a dealership may charge $60 to $100. For the price difference, many owners choose to buy the tools and do it themselves, especially if they plan to own the Crosstrek long-term.

If you are uncomfortable working under the hood or have never done an oil filter change, a shop is a safe choice. There is no shame in that, and a professional can also inspect your engine bay for other issues while the hood is open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse the old rubber O-ring seal?

No. The O-ring compresses and hardens over time, and reusing it risks oil leaks. Always install the new O-ring that comes with the filter element, or buy a replacement O-ring separately if your filter kit does not include one. They cost $2 to $5.

What size socket do I need to remove the filter housing cap?

Most 2013–2019 Crosstrek models use a 74 mm socket; 2020 and later models often use 86 mm. Check your owner's manual or the size printed on the plastic cap itself. If you do not own the exact socket, an adjustable wrench or a filter socket tool works as a substitute.

How often should I change the Crosstrek oil filter?

Every time you change the engine oil. With conventional oil, that is every 6,000 miles or 6 months. With synthetic oil, Subaru recommends every 10,000 miles or 12 months. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your model year and oil type.

Is the Crosstrek oil filter the same across all model years?

No. Part numbers vary by year and engine type. The 2.0-liter engine uses 16510AA051 or 16510AA100 depending on year; the 2.5-liter engine (2023 onward) uses a different number. Always confirm your year and engine size before ordering to avoid buying the wrong filter.

What happens if I over-tighten the plastic filter housing cap?

The plastic can crack, which will cause oil leaks and may require replacing the entire housing assembly — a more expensive repair. Tighten the cap until snug, then stop. You should not need to strain or use excessive force with the wrench.