U.S. vehicle reference
2018 Subaru Forester Specs, MPG and Recalls
2018 Subaru Forester oil capacity, oil type, tire sizes and service specifications by engine, with EPA ratings and NHTSA recall records below.
At a glance
2018 Subaru Forester reference
Use the summary to orient yourself, then open the exact engine, drivetrain and source record below.
Engine oil capacity
5.1 qt with filter
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-05Oil type
SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-05OE tire size
P225/60R17 98H
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-052018 Subaru Forester Oil Capacity and Oil Type
Oil capacity
5.1 qt with filter
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-05Oil type
SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-05Oil specification
API SN Resource Conserving or ILSAC GF-5
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-05Oil filter
Not published
2018 Subaru Forester Tire Size and Pressure
OE tire sizes
P225/60R17 98H
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-05Spare tire
T145/80D17 temporary spare
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-05Bolt pattern
Not published
2018 Subaru Forester Wheel Torque Specs
Lug nut size
Not published
Fluids
Transmission capacity
Not published
Transmission fluid
SUBARU Extra MT or API GL-5 75W-90 for manual transmission
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-05Coolant capacity
7.8 qt
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-05Coolant type
SUBARU Super Coolant
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-05Brake fluid
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-05Power steering fluid
Not published
Differential fluid
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 front and rear differential gear oil
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-052018 Subaru Forester Spark Plugs and Battery
Spark plug gap
Not published
Spark plugs
NGK SILZKAR7B11
Source
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-09-052018 Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
Towing capacity
Not published
Payload capacity
Not published
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual manufacturer references
2018 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual, North America edition A8230BE-B, pp. 8-19, 12-3–12-10 Accessed 2026-09-052018 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual, North America edition A8230BE-B PDF Accessed 2026-09-052018 Subaru Forester oil capacity by engine
These are the compiled configurations. An engine name alone may not identify the tire package or transmission. Read the configuration label and source before choosing parts.
| Configuration | Oil with filter | Oil type | Source | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual | 5.1 US qt | SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil | 2018 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual, North America edition A8230BE-B, pp. 8-19, 12-3–12-10 Accessed 2026-09-052018 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual, North America edition A8230BE-B PDF Accessed 2026-09-05 | Use this capacity |
| 2.5L Non-turbo CVT | 5.1 US qt | SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil | 2018 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual, North America edition A8230BE-B, pp. 8-19, 12-3–12-10 Accessed 2026-09-052018 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual, North America edition A8230BE-B PDF Accessed 2026-09-05 | Use this capacity |
| 2.0L Turbo CVT | 5.4 US qt | SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil | 2018 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual, North America edition A8230BE-B, pp. 8-19, 12-3–12-10 Accessed 2026-09-052018 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual, North America edition A8230BE-B PDF Accessed 2026-09-05 | Use this capacity |
2018 Subaru Forester MPG by engine and drivetrain
EPA combined ratings run from 24 to 28 mpg across 3 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
| Engine / transmission | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cylinderManual 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 22 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,550 | 368 g/mi |
| 2.5L 4-cylinderAutomatic (AV-S6) · All-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 26 mpg | 32 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,200 | 315 g/mi |
| 2.0L 4-cylinder turboAutomatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · Premium Gasoline | 23 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | $3,050 | 359 g/mi |
Annual fuel figures are the EPA snapshot at the source date. The calculator below uses the separately dated fuel-price record and your inputs, so the estimates may differ.
2018 Subaru Forester annual fuel cost calculator
Start with the combined MPG for 2.5L 4-cylinder, Manual 6-spd, All-Wheel Drive. Replace it with your measured gas mileage and local pump price for a personal budget.
Formula annual miles ÷ MPG × gasoline price
Fuel cost per mile equals gasoline price divided by MPG. Multiply by your annual mileage for a yearly fuel budget. Add maintenance to estimate cost per mile.
2018 Subaru Forester recall campaigns
NHTSA returned 3 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · 21V587000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · 19V701000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
TIRES · 18V455000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. The Certification Label may indicate the incorrect wheel size, tire size, and air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTS-78.
2018 Subaru Forester NHTSA safety ratings
| Vehicle | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Confirm the engine, tire package and service procedure
Match your engine and transmission with the configuration selector. Check the door-jamb tire label for your installed wheel package and cold pressure. A capacity is not a substitute for the filling procedure in the owner's manual; transmission change quantities and total system capacities can describe different jobs.
Fields marked Not published have no compiled value here. They do not mean zero capacity, no maintenance requirement or permission to substitute a part. Request a specification correction with the exact year, engine and manufacturer reference.
Frequently asked questions
How much oil does a 2018 Subaru Forester take?
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual: 5.1 US qt with filter; SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil. 2.5L Non-turbo CVT: 5.1 US qt with filter; SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil. 2.0L Turbo CVT: 5.4 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil.
What tire size and wheel torque does the 2018 Subaru Forester use?
2.5L Non-turbo 6-speed manual: P225/60R17 98H; 89 ft-lb. 2.5L Non-turbo CVT: P225/60R17 98H, P225/55R18 97H; 89 ft-lb. 2.0L Turbo CVT: P225/55R18 97H; 89 ft-lb.
What is the 2018 Subaru Forester gas mileage?
EPA combined ratings run from 24 to 28 mpg across 3 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
Are these real-world MPG figures for the Forester?
These are EPA ratings, not owner-reported mileage. Use your measured MPG in the calculator to estimate your own fuel budget. The configuration table keeps city, highway and combined ratings separate.
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have recalls?
NHTSA returned 3 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
Does annual fuel cost include servicing or insurance?
No. The EPA cost and the calculator cover fuel only. Use the cost-per-mile calculator to add a maintenance allowance. Insurance, depreciation, finance costs and registration are separate ownership expenses.
Compare similar vehicles
Sources and record dates
U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataset Accessed 2026-09-05U.S. EIA public gasoline price table Accessed 2026-09-05NHTSA Recalls API Accessed 2026-09-04NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API Accessed 2026-09-052018 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual, North America edition A8230BE-B, pp. 8-19, 12-3–12-10 Accessed 2026-09-052018 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual, North America edition A8230BE-B PDF Accessed 2026-09-05Last updated