What you need before you start

A Subaru Outback oil change takes about 30 to 45 minutes if you have done one before, or up to an hour if this is your first time. You will need an oil drain pan, a wrench or socket set to fit your drain plug, an oil filter wrench, a jack and jack stands (or ramps), and fresh oil in the correct grade for your model year and engine type.

The oil capacity and grade depend on which Outback you own. Models from 2015 onward typically use 0W-20 synthetic oil and hold about 5.1 quarts with a filter change. Older models, particularly those with the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, often use 5W-30 and hold similar amounts. Check your owner's manual or the oil cap under the hood — it will list the correct grade. Buying the wrong grade will not damage the engine when ready, but it can affect fuel economy and engine wear over time.

You will also need a new oil filter. Subaru Outbacks typically use a cartridge-style filter that sits on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter like many other vehicles. This is important because the replacement process is different. The cartridge filter comes with a rubber seal ring that must also be replaced during each oil change.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru Outbacks use a cartridge oil filter on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter, so you will need a cartridge filter wrench and a rubber seal kit.
  • The correct oil grade (usually 0W-20 for 2015 and newer, 5W-30 for older models) is printed on the oil cap and in your owner's manual — using the wrong grade affects engine performance.
  • You must lift the vehicle safely with a jack and jack stands or ramps before you can access the drain plug underneath.
  • The drain plug and filter housing both need to cool for at least 10 minutes after driving before you touch them, or you risk burns.
  • After draining and replacing the filter, you will add oil through the top of the engine, then check the level with the electronic gauge on the dashboard rather than a dipstick.

Lifting the vehicle safely

The drain plug sits on the underside of the engine, so you cannot reach it without lifting the Outback. Use a floor jack under the frame rail (not the plastic undertray) and support the vehicle with jack stands rated for at least half the vehicle's weight. A 2024 Outback weighs roughly 3,600 pounds, so stands rated for 2 tons are safe. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

If you have ramps, drive the front wheels up slowly and set the parking brake. Ramps are often safer for this job because they do not require you to work with a jack, and you can still reach the drain plug and filter from underneath. Make sure the ramps are on level ground and rated for your vehicle's weight. Either method works — choose whichever you have available and feel confident using.

Draining the old oil

Once the vehicle is lifted, locate the drain plug on the bottom of the engine pan. It is a bolt roughly the size of a dime head. Place your drain pan underneath it, then use a wrench or socket to turn the plug counterclockwise. It will loosen after a quarter turn or so — at that point, you can unscrew it by hand, but be careful because hot oil will still drip out even if the engine has cooled for a few minutes. Let the oil drain completely, which usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

While the oil drains, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag. Subaru drain plugs have a crush washer (a soft metal ring) that seals the plug. If your plug came with a new washer in your oil change kit, use it. If not, you can reuse the old one if it is not visibly cracked or flattened. A worn washer will cause slow leaks that may not show up until days after the oil change.

Replacing the cartridge filter

The oil filter cartridge sits under a plastic cap on top of the engine. Unscrew the cap by turning it counterclockwise with a cartridge filter wrench — this is a socket-like tool with a notch or slot that grips the cap. Once the cap comes off, pull out the old filter element and the rubber seal ring underneath it. Discard both.

Clean the inside of the filter housing with a clean rag to remove any debris or old oil residue. This step prevents contamination of the new filter. Take the new filter element and the rubber seal ring from your kit. The seal ring goes into the housing first, then the filter element slides in on top of it. Screw the cap back on by hand until it is snug, then use the wrench to tighten it another three-quarter turn. Do not over-tighten — a cartridge filter cap can crack if you force it, and a cracked cap will leak oil onto the engine.

Installing the drain plug and lowering the vehicle

Once the oil has finished draining, screw the drain plug back in by hand until it is snug, then use your wrench to tighten it firmly. A drain plug that is too loose will leak; one that is too tight can strip the threads in the aluminum pan. Aim for a firm hand-tight fit, then add about a quarter turn with the wrench. If you are using a new crush washer, it will compress slightly as you tighten, and that is normal.

Lower the vehicle back to the ground using the jack, or back it slowly off the ramps if you used them. Do not lower it suddenly or let it drop, because that can damage the suspension. Once all four wheels are on the ground, remove the jack stands or ramps and move them out of the way.

Adding new oil and checking the level

Open the hood and locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine — it usually has an oil can symbol on it. Unscrew it and set it aside. Pour in about 4.5 quarts of the correct oil grade, then wait a minute for it to drain down into the pan. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait another minute.

Subaru Outbacks do not have a traditional dipstick. Instead, turn on the ignition without starting the engine, and look at the instrument cluster on the dashboard. You will see an oil level gauge that shows a bar or percentage. The level should be in the middle of the range. If it is low, add a small amount of oil (a quarter quart at a time) and check again. If it is high, you have added too much — do not drive the vehicle, because excess oil can damage the engine. Drain a small amount into a pan and recheck.

Once the level is correct, replace the oil filler cap, close the hood, and you are finished. The engine does not need to be run again to complete the oil change.

Disposing of old oil

Do not pour used oil down a drain or into the ground. Most auto parts stores that sell oil will take used oil for free, even if you did not buy it from them. Some will also take the old filter. Call ahead to confirm they accept it, then bring your drain pan or a sealed container to drop it off.

Many municipalities also have hazardous waste collection days where you can leave oil and filters at no cost. Check your city or county website for collection schedules in your area. Proper disposal protects groundwater and soil from contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil in my Subaru Outback?

Subaru recommends an oil change every 6 months or 6,000 miles for vehicles using conventional oil, whichever comes first. If your Outback uses synthetic oil (which most 2015 and newer models do), the interval is typically 6 months or 10,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your model year, because it varies.

Can I use a spin-on filter instead of the cartridge filter?

No. Subaru Outbacks are designed with a cartridge filter system, and the housing is not compatible with spin-on filters. Using the wrong filter type will cause leaks and can allow unfiltered oil to circulate through the engine. Always use the cartridge filter specified in your owner's manual.

What if I accidentally overfilled the oil?

Do not drive the vehicle. Excess oil can foam inside the engine, which reduces lubrication and can cause damage. Turn on the ignition to check the level on the dashboard gauge, and if it is above the maximum line, you need to drain some oil out. Use a turkey baster or a small pump to remove oil from the filler hole until the level is correct, then recheck before starting the engine.

Do I need to reset anything after an oil change?

Some Outbacks have a maintenance reminder light on the dashboard. If yours does, you can reset it by turning on the ignition, pressing the trip button on the steering wheel until the service interval screen appears, then holding the button for several seconds. The light will clear. Consult your owner's manual for the exact steps for your model year.

Can I change the oil without lifting the vehicle?

No. The drain plug is on the underside of the engine pan, and there is no way to reach it without lifting the Outback or driving it onto ramps. Attempting to work under an unsupported vehicle is dangerous and can result in serious injury.