1988 Subaru RX Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.2 quarts)
The 1988 Subaru RX takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.2 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2D Coupe — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| 4D Sedan — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your RX
🛞 1988 Subaru RX Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1988 Subaru RX Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1988 Subaru RX Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1988 Subaru RX Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
5.8 quarts (5.48 L) — Anti-freeze and Anticorrosive Ethylene-Glycol Coolant
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1988 Subaru RX take?
The 1988 Subaru RX takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1988 Subaru RX?
The 1988 Subaru RX oil capacity is 4.2 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 1988 Subaru RX?
Most 1988 Subaru RX owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Subaru recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1988 Subaru RX?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1988 Subaru RX. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.