1998 Subaru Forester Oil Type & Capacity
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. | — | — |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Forester
1998 Subaru Forester factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site 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.
How much oil does a 1998 Subaru Forester take?
The 1998 Subaru Forester holds 4.7 quarts with a filter change.
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.