2003 Subaru Impreza Oil Type & Capacity
The 2003 Subaru Impreza oil type depends on the engine: the Outback Sport, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the Outback Sport, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the RS, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the RS, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the TS, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the TS, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the WRX, 4D Sedan, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.8 quarts qt with filter); the WRX, 4D Sedan, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.8 quarts qt with filter); the WRX, 4D Wagon, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.8 quarts qt with filter); the WRX, 4D Wagon, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.8 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Outback Sport, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- Outback Sport, Standard: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- RS, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- RS, Standard: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- TS, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- TS, Standard: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- WRX, 4D Sedan, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.8 quarts with filter
- WRX, 4D Sedan, Standard: 5W-30, 4.8 quarts with filter
- WRX, 4D Wagon, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.8 quarts with filter
- WRX, 4D Wagon, Standard: 5W-30, 4.8 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback Sport, Automatic — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| Outback Sport, Standard — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| RS, Automatic — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| RS, Standard — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| TS, Automatic — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| TS, Standard — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| WRX, 4D Sedan, Automatic — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.80 QTS. | — | — |
| WRX, 4D Sedan, Standard — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.80 QTS. | — | — |
| WRX, 4D Wagon, Automatic — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.80 QTS. | — | — |
| WRX, 4D Wagon, Standard — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.80 QTS. | — | — |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Impreza
🛞 2003 Subaru Impreza Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2003 Subaru Impreza Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2003 Subaru Impreza Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2003 Subaru Impreza Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.3 quarts (6.9 L) — SUBARU Coolant or equivalent: a 50/50 mixture of Ethylene-Glycol Coolant and soft water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2003 Subaru Impreza take?
It depends on the engine: Outback Sport, Automatic uses 5W-30; Outback Sport, Standard uses 5W-30; RS, Automatic uses 5W-30; RS, Standard uses 5W-30; TS, Automatic uses 5W-30; TS, Standard uses 5W-30; WRX, 4D Sedan, Automatic uses 5W-30; WRX, 4D Sedan, Standard uses 5W-30; WRX, 4D Wagon, Automatic uses 5W-30; WRX, 4D Wagon, Standard uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2003 Subaru Impreza?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Outback Sport, Automatic holds 4.2 quarts with filter; Outback Sport, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; RS, Automatic holds 4.2 quarts with filter; RS, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; TS, Automatic holds 4.2 quarts with filter; TS, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; WRX, 4D Sedan, Automatic holds 4.8 quarts with filter; WRX, 4D Sedan, Standard holds 4.8 quarts with filter; WRX, 4D Wagon, Automatic holds 4.8 quarts with filter; WRX, 4D Wagon, Standard holds 4.8 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2003 Subaru Impreza?
Most 2003 Subaru Impreza 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 2003 Subaru Impreza?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2003 Subaru Impreza. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.