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Subaru Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Keeping up with your Subaru’s recommended maintenance schedule can help extend the life of your vehicle.

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Becky has been an editor at Insurify since 2024. She seeks to make insurance more understandable for everyone.

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Subaru makes some of the safest and most reliable vehicles on the market.[1] To keep your Subaru performing in top condition and extend the life of your vehicle, it’s crucial to follow Subaru’s maintenance schedule. Performing on-time routine maintenance can also help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

While Subaru recommends scheduled maintenance at specific intervals, your vehicle’s maintenance needs may vary based on factors like mileage, the climate where you live, and driving conditions.

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When does your Subaru need scheduled maintenance?

If you drive your Subaru regularly, the manufacturer recommends scheduled maintenance at 6,000-mile service intervals — or every six months if you don’t drive often.[2] At a minimum, you should change the oil and rotate the tires, but your car may need additional scheduled maintenance. For example, the Solterra EV requires service every 5,000 miles and may have special maintenance requirements unique to an electric vehicle.

Here’s a closer look at what to expect for a few key Subaru scheduled maintenance intervals. For model-specific information, including the Solterra EV, check your “Warranty & Maintenance Booklet” or contact an authorized Subaru service provider.

6,000 miles or six monthsexpand/collapse

  • Change engine oil

  • Replace oil filter

  • Perform tire rotation

  • Inspect tires

12,000 miles or 12 monthsexpand/collapse

  • Change engine oil

  • Replace oil filter

  • Perform tire rotation

  • Inspect tires

  • Inspect clutch operation

  • Inspect rear differential gear oil (BRZ only)

  • Inspect brake lines, operation of parking and service brake systems

  • Inspect disc brake pad and disc, front and rear axle boots, and joints

  • Inspect steering and suspension

  • Replace HVAC system AC filter

18,000 miles or 18 monthsexpand/collapse

  • Change engine oil

  • Replace oil filter

  • Perform tire rotation

  • Inspect tires

24,000 miles or 24 monthsexpand/collapse

  • Change engine oil

  • Replace oil filter

  • Perform tire rotation

  • Inspect tires

  • Inspect clutch operation

  • Inspect transmission gear oil (BRZ only)

  • Inspect rear differential gear oil (BRZ only)

  • Inspect brake lines, operation of parking and service brake systems

  • Inspect disc brake pad and disc, front and rear axle boots, and joints

  • Inspect steering and suspension

  • Replace HVAC system AC filter

30,000 miles or 30 monthsexpand/collapse

  • Change engine oil

  • Change oil filter

  • Perform tire rotation

  • Inspect tires

  • Inspect drive belt(s)

  • Inspect fuel systems, lines, and connections

  • Replace air cleaner element

  • Inspect cooling system, hoses, and connections

  • Inspect transmission gear oil (except BRZ)

  • Inspect front and rear differential gear oil (except BRZ)

  • Replace brake fluid/clutch fluid (MT only)

36,000 miles or 36 monthsexpand/collapse

  • Change engine oil

  • Replace oil filter

  • Perform tire rotation

  • Inspect tires

  • Inspect clutch operation

  • Inspect CVT fluid (except BRZ)

  • Inspect ATF (BRZ)

  • Inspect rear differential gear oil (BRZ only)

  • Inspect brake lines, operation of parking and service brake systems

  • Inspect disc brake pad and disc, front and rear axle boots, and joints

  • Inspect steering and suspension

  • Replace HVAC system AC filter

42,000 miles or 42 monthsexpand/collapse

  • Change engine oil

  • Replace oil filter

  • Perform tire rotation

  • Inspect tires

48,000 miles or 48 monthsexpand/collapse

  • Change engine oil

  • Replace oil filter

  • Perform tire rotation

  • Inspect tires

  • Inspect clutch operation

  • Inspect transmission gear oil (BRZ only)

  • Inspect rear differential gear oil (BRZ only)

  • Replace rear differential gear oil (BRZ only) every four years or 60,000 miles

  • Inspect brake lines, operation of parking and service brake systems

  • Inspect disc brake pad and disc, front and rear axle boots, and joints

  • Inspect steering and suspension

  • Replace HVAC system AC filter

54,000 miles or 54 monthsexpand/collapse

  • Change engine oil

  • Replace oil filter

  • Perform tire rotation

  • Inspect tires

60,000 miles or 60 monthsexpand/collapse

  • Change engine oil

  • Replace oil filter

  • Perform tire rotation

  • Inspect tires

  • Replace spark plugs

  • Inspect drive belt(s)

  • Inspect fuel systems, lines, and connections

  • Replace air cleaner element

  • Inspect cooling system, hoses, and connections

  • Inspect clutch operation

  • Inspect transmission gear oil (except BRZ)

  • Inspect front and rear differential gear oil (except BRZ)

  • Inspect rear differential gear oil (BRZ only)

  • Replace rear differential gear oil (BRZ only) every four years or 60,000 miles

  • Inspect brake lines, operation of parking and service brake systems

  • Replace brake fluid/clutch fluid (MT only)

  • Inspect disc brake pad and disc, front and rear axle boots, and joints

  • Inspect steering and suspension

  • Inspect wheel bearing

  • Replace HVAC system AC filter

Tips for maintaining your Subaru

It’s important to maintain your Subaru at regular intervals to keep it running well and protect your investment. Skipping recommended maintenance could affect your vehicle’s safety or fuel economy and cause damage. Here are a few tips to consider:

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/a81c88dee8/car-service-96x96-orange_041-oil-change.svg

    Follow your car’s maintenance schedule

    Subaru recommends owners perform specific maintenance tasks at certain intervals. For instance, to keep your Subaru engine running properly, you’ll need to replace the oil and change the filter every 6,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. 

    You’ll also need to replace your Subaru’s spark plugs when you hit 60,000 miles. If you’re not sure when your Subaru is due for service, check your owner’s manual or ask an authorized service center.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/4e5e6ed99f/car-dashboard-96x96-green_015-pedal.svg

    Perform weekly maintenance checks

    To avoid potential maintenance or safety issues, Subaru suggests owners perform a weekly check of key vehicle systems. Check levels for engine oil, engine coolant, radiator coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and automatic transmission fluid. 

    Check your tire pressure and perform visual checks to ensure all lights are working, including brake lights, turn signals, and headlights. Visually inspect your battery, test your horn, and ensure your windshield wipers function properly.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/9340dd77eb/car-and-driving-96x96-blue_038-fuel.svg

    Use genuine Subaru oil

    Subaru recommends using genuine Subaru motor oil for oil changes. It’s available in both full synthetic and conventional options, and the company claims it’s the “only oil specifically designed for the lubrication requirements” of the Subaru Boxer engine. Check your vehicle’s “Warranty & Maintenance Booklet” for more details.

Subaru maintenance schedule FAQs

Proper Subaru maintenance improves your vehicle’s safety and longevity. Below, we’ve answered some common questions about Subaru vehicle maintenance.

Why is factory-scheduled maintenance important?

Factory-scheduled maintenance is important because it keeps your vehicle running smoothly and safely. Scheduled maintenance usually includes changing the oil and oil filter, rotating and inspecting the tires, checking fluid levels, and inspecting vehicle functions, like braking, fuel, and steering systems.

What is a severe maintenance schedule, and how do you know if you should follow it?

A severe maintenance schedule adds extra service intervals for more frequent inspections and parts replacement. For example, Subaru drivers who tow frequently, live in coastal areas, or regularly drive their vehicles short distances may need to change their oil more frequently. This also applies if you often drive in mud, dust, or extreme cold. Ask your dealer or check your vehicle’s “Warranty & Maintenance Booklet” for more details.

Do you need to have your Subaru serviced at a dealership?

No, you don’t need to have your Subaru serviced at a dealership. But Subaru suggests having your vehicle routinely serviced at the dealership may keep it on the road longer. Ultimately, it’s up to you where you have your Subaru serviced.

What is considered a major service, and how much does it cost?

A manufacturer-recommended major service on your vehicle keeps your car operating correctly and safely. Subaru recommends “major service” at 30,000-mile intervals. While prices for a major service vary widely, J.D. Power estimates costs can range between $296 and $474, depending on the service level.[3]

Sources

  1. Kelley Blue Book. "Consumer Reports: Subaru Best Overall Car Brand."
  2. Subaru Drive. "Maintaining Your Subaru Vehicle."
  3. J.D. Power. "How Much Does It Cost To Get Your Car Serviced?."
Sarah Archambault
Writer: Sarah ArchambaultInsurance Writer, Editor
Qualifications:

  • Experienced personal finance writer

  • Background working with banks and insurance companies

Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.

Sarah Archambault's bio
Becky Helzer
Editor: Becky HelzerEditor
Qualifications:

  • 15+ years editing experience

  • 7+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Becky has been an editor at Insurify since 2024. She seeks to make insurance more understandable for everyone.

Becky Helzer's bio
Photo of an Insurify author
Reviewer: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Qualifications:

  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Katie Powers' bio