Most Subarus have the oil type printed on the oil cap – it will likely be 5W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30 or 10W-40. If it isn’t printed on the oil cap, check your owner’s manual for the exact type before adding new oil.
We recommend wearing safety glasses whenever you are working under your Legacy. You never know what could be dripping down from the engine, battery acid, engine coolant, brake fluid, etc. All of these fluids are extremely harmful to your eyes and skin so it is important to protect yourself.
1990 1991 1992 1993 Subaru Legacy Engine Oil Capacity
| Engine type | Engine Oil Capacity with filter | Oil type |
| 2.2L 4-cyl EJ22 Turbo | 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) | 5W-30, 10W-30 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl engine | 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) | 5W-30, 10W-30 |
Service Bulletin 02-103-07 from Subaru identifies a manufacturing design issue with early oil mesh screen clogging inside the turbocharging system’s oiling system, which is supplied to all model turbocharged vehicles. A clogged screen will cause oil deprivation and failure of the turbocharger.
In February 2015, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that multiple complaints were filed against Subaru of America. The NHTSA said that oil and filter changes for 2010 MY and earlier turbocharged engines should be done every 3,750 miles (6,000 km), or 3 3/4 months, while all 2011 MY turbocharged engines should change their oil at 7,500 miles (12,000 km) intervals or 7 1/2 months. Synthetic oil is now required by law in all states except California. Because of the concerns addressed in this document, Carfluidfinder advises following Subaru’s drain interval recommendations.
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Subaru Legacy Engine Oil Capacity
| Engine | Engine Oil Capacity | Recommended oil type | Oil change interval |
| EJ 16 Legacy 1.6 | 4.5 L | 5W-30 | 12,500 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months |
| EJ 18 Legacy 1.8 | 4.5 L | 5W-30 | 12,500 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months |
| EJ 20 Legacy 2.0 | 4.0 L | 5W-30 | 12,500 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months |
| EJ 20 turbo Legacy 2.0 Turbo | 4.5 L (4.7 quarts) | 5W-30 | 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or 12 months |
| EJ 22 Legacy 2.2 | 4.5 L (4.7 quarts) |
10W-30 10W-40 5W-30 |
15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 month |
| 2.5L 4-cyl Engine | 4.5 liters (4.7 quarts) | 5W-30 |
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Subaru Legacy Engine Oil Capacity
| Engine | Engine Oil Capacity / Filter capacity | Recommended oil type | Oil change interval |
| EJ 25 Legacy 2.5 | 4.5 (2000-2007) 4.3 (WRX/STI 2000+) |
0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40 | 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or 12 months |
| EJ 20 Legacy 2.0 | 4.0 1993-2007 | 5W-30 | 12,500 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months |
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Subaru Legacy Engine Oil Capacity
| Engine | Engine Oil Capacity / Filter capacity | Recommended oil type (viscosity) | Oil change interval |
| EJ255 Legacy 2.5 Turbo | 4 L (4.2 quarts) | 5W-30 | 6 000 km / 4 months |
| EZ 30 Legacy 3.0 | 5.5 L (5.8 quarts) | 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40 | 15 000 km / 12 months |
| EJ253 Legacy 2.5 | 4 L (4.2 quarts) | 5W-30 | 12 000 km / 8 months |
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Subaru Legacy Engine Oil Capacity
| Engine | Engine Oil Capacity / Filter capacity | Recommended oil type | Oil change interval |
| EJ255 Legacy 2.5 Turbo | 4.3 L (4.5 quarts) | 5W-30 | 12 000 km / 8 months |
| EJ253 Legacy 2.5 | 4.2 L (4.4 quarts) | 5W-30 | 12 000 km / 8 months |
| 2.5L 4-cyl Engine FB25 | 4.8 liters (5.1 quarts) | 0W-20 | |
| EZ36D Legacy 3.0 | 6.3 L (6.6 quarts) | 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40 | 12 000 km / 8 months |
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Subaru Legacy Engine Oil Capacity
| Engine | Engine Oil Capacity / Filter capacity | Recommended oil type | Oil change interval |
| FA20DIT Legacy 2.0T | 5.1 L / 0.2 L | 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40 | 15 000 km/ 12 months |
| FB25 Legacy 2.5i | 4.8 L / 0.2 L | 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40 | 15 000 km/ 12 months |
| EZ36D Legacy 3.6R | 6.5 L / 0.2 L | 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40 | 15 000 km/ 12 months |
2020 2021 2022 Subaru Legacy Engine Oil Capacity
| Engine | Engine Oil Capacity (with filter) | Oil type (viscosity grade) |
| 2.4L 4-cyl Engine FA24 Turbo | 4.8 quarts (4.6 L) | 0W-20 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl Engine FB25D | 4.2 liters (4.5 quarts) | 0W-20 |
How Much Oil Does A Subaru Legacy Take?
New 2.5L Subaru Legacy takes 4.4 quarts of oil 0W-20 oil. A 2.4L Subaru Legacy takes 4.8 quarts of 0W-20 oil.
Synthetic oil is now required by law in all states except California. Because of the concerns addressed in this document, Carfluidfinder advises following Subaru’s drain interval recommendations. Newer models require the best motor oils that are recommended to use which include 0W-20 oil.
The Oil Is Black and Gritty
New oil is the color of honey, but after just a few weeks of use, it begins to turn dark. This color change is acceptable, but as soon as you see particles mixed in with that darker-colored oil, it’s time for an oil change. These particles can get stuck in your engine and overwhelm your oil filter, which will result in clogging and unnecessary buildup. Has your oil changed before this becomes a problem?
The Engine Runs Loudly
Oil is an engine lubricant, preventing parts from grinding against one another. The dry friction of the constantly moving parts gives off a metallic grinding sound. If your engine begins to run louder and makes abnormal and unpleasant noises, don’t delay that oil change any longer or your Subaru could suffer serious consequences.
Was this helpful?
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information presented. The reader is advised to consult a qualified professional, such as a mechanic or dealership, before making any decisions related to their vehicle's engine oil or maintenance.
