1999 Subaru Forester Oil Type & Capacity
The 1999 Subaru Forester oil type depends on the engine: the Base takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts with filter); the L, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts with filter); the L, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts with filter); the S, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts with filter); the S, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- L, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- L, Standard: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- S, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- S, Standard: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base — Standard Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| L, Automatic — Automatic Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 QTS. | — | — |
| L, Standard — Standard Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| S, Automatic — Automatic Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 QTS. | — | — |
| S, Standard — Standard Trans | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Forester
1999 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 1999 Subaru Forester take?
It depends on the engine: Base uses 5W-30; L, Automatic uses 5W-30; L, Standard uses 5W-30; S, Automatic uses 5W-30; S, Standard uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 1999 Subaru Forester take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Base holds 4.2 quarts with filter; L, Automatic holds 4.4 quarts with filter; L, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; S, Automatic holds 4.4 quarts with filter; S, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1999 Subaru Forester?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1999 Subaru Forester. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.