1998 Subaru Forester Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.7 quarts)
The 1998 Subaru Forester takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.7 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.7 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | — | — |
| L, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | — | — |
| L, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | — | — |
| S, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | — | — |
| S, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | — | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Forester
🛞 1998 Subaru Forester Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1998 Subaru Forester Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1998 Subaru Forester Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1998 Subaru Forester Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.6 quarts (6.24 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1998 Subaru Forester take?
The 1998 Subaru Forester takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (Above 0Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1998 Subaru Forester?
The 1998 Subaru Forester oil capacity is 4.7 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 1998 Subaru Forester?
Most 1998 Subaru Forester 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 1998 Subaru Forester?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1998 Subaru Forester. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.