How much oil does a 2.4 l Subaru take?
Most 2.4-liter Subaru engines require about 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) of oil when performing a full change with a new filter; turbo variants can require around 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters). Always confirm with your specific model/year manual to be sure.
The oil capacity varies by engine code (FA24 vs FA24F) and by whether you replace the oil filter. This article breaks down typical capacities and how to verify the exact figure for your Subaru.
Engine variants and typical oil capacities
Two main 2.4L engine families you’ll encounter in modern Subarus are FA24 (naturally aspirated) and FA24F (turbo). Here are their approximate oil capacities with a new filter. Capacities include the filter; if you only replace the filter, subtract roughly 0.25 quarts.
- FA24 – approximately 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with a new filter.
- FA24F – approximately 5.3 quarts (5.0 L) with a new filter.
In practice, some model-year combinations may list slightly different figures (for example, 5.1–5.5 quarts) due to oil cooler configurations or pan design. Always verify the exact spec for your vehicle.
How to verify the exact capacity for your vehicle
Because exact numbers vary by year, trim, and oil filter, use these steps to confirm the precise capacity for your car:
- Check the owner's manual or the Service & Maintenance section for the official oil capacity.
- Inspect the under-hood sticker or a label on the engine bay (radiator support area) that lists oil capacity for your engine type.
- If you have the VIN handy, use Subaru's official service portal or contact a dealer to fetch the exact specification for your exact vehicle.
- Consult a reputable service manual or Subaru bulletin specific to your model/year if available.
After draining and refilling, use the dipstick to reach the correct level. If you replaced the filter, you may need to top off by about 0.25–0.3 quarts to reach the full mark once the engine has run and settled.
Practical tips for your oil change
Always follow the grade and viscosity recommended in your manual (Subaru commonly calls for synthetic oil in the 0W-20 range for many 2.4L applications, though climate and model/year can vary). Confirm that you’re using the correct oil type and follow the manufacturer’s change interval to maintain engine health.
Summary: For most 2.4L Subarus, plan on about 5.0 quarts with filter for naturally aspirated FA24 engines and about 5.3 quarts with filter for turbo FA24F variants. Verify the exact figure for your model/year using the manual, under-hood label, or official Subaru resources, and always account for a filter change when estimating the total oil you need.
