Subaru WRX Oil Change (2015+)

A Subaru WRX oil change is a simple task that anyone can do at home. With its top mounted engine oil filter and nothing blocking the engine oil drain plug, the job is simpler then on many other vehicles. This guide is specific to the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Subaru WRX equipped with the FA20 engine. For a guide specific to the 2015+ Subaru WRX STI, visit this page.

Tools Needed:

  • 14mm wrench or socket and ratchet
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Funnel
  • Oil drain pan with at least 6 qt capacity
  • Drive on Ramps or a jack with jack stands
  • Clean rag

Parts needed:

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Subaru WRX (2015+) Oil Change Procedure:

  • Warm the engine up to operating temp
  • Visually inspect engine oil level and condition on dip stick to verify no prior issues
  • Raise front end by driving onto ramps or using the jack to place the vehicle on jack stands
  • Loosen the engine oil pan drain plug using the 14mm wrench (or 14mm socket and ratchet) and let the engine oil drain into the drain pan
  • Locate the engine oil filter in the engine bay on the drivers side
  • Remove oil filter (use the oil filter wrench if it is too tight to remove by hand)
  • Clean oil drain plug and oil filter mounting surfaces
  • Lubricate the new oil filter O ring and install the new filter
  • Reinstall and tighten oil drain plug
  • Fill engine with 5.4 quarts of engine oil with the funnel and reinstall oil fill cap
  • Start the engine to let the engine oil circulate, build oil pressure, and then settle when it is shut down
  • Lower the front end off the ramps or jack stands
  • Check engine oil level with the car level & add if necessary
Subaru WRX engine bay with engine oil filter, engine oil fill cap and dip stick pictured
Subaru WRX engine bay with the oil filter housing shown
Subaru WRX engine oil filter housing and oil fill cap
Engine oil filter housing and oil fill cap