How much transmission fluid does a 2012 Subaru Forester hold?

Approximately 11–12 quarts for the four-speed automatic transmission (4EAT) and about 9–9.5 quarts for the CVT (Lineartronic). Exact capacity depends on the specific transmission and service method.

Two transmissions, two capacities

In 2012, the Forester offered two primary transmission options, each with its own capacity and servicing considerations. The traditional four-speed automatic (4EAT) requires more fluid overall, while the CVT variant uses a different fluid type and has a separate total capacity.

These figures refer to a full fill of the transmission, including any pan drain/refill and filter considerations where applicable. If you’re performing a simple drain-and-fill, expect to replace only part of the total capacity depending on how much fluid remains in the torque converter and lines.

• 4EAT automatic transmission: total capacity about 11 to 12 quarts (roughly 10.5 to 11.5 liters); a full service with pan gasket and filter can approach the higher end of that range.


• CVT (Lineartronic): total capacity about 9 to 9.5 quarts (roughly 8.5 to 9.0 liters); drain-and-fill jobs typically replace a portion of this amount depending on method.

Note: Exact numbers can vary slightly by vehicle, fluid specification, and service procedure. Always consult the owner’s manual or a Subaru dealer for the precise capacity for your VIN, and ensure you use the recommended fluid type—ATF WS for 4EAT and Subaru CVTF for the CVT.

Service considerations and best practices

When planning a transmission fluid change, consider whether you have the 4EAT or the CVT, as well as the service level you’re performing (pan drop with filter, or a simple drain-and-fill). Some owners perform multiple drain-and-fill cycles to approach the full capacity or to flush out old fluid more completely.

Always follow the specific fluid type and level procedure in the manual. Overfilling or underfilling can cause shifting problems or damage over time, so use the correct dipstick guidance or temperature-based measurement as recommended.

Bottom line

For the 2012 Subaru Forester, plan for roughly 11–12 quarts of fluid if you have the 4EAT automatic and about 9–9.5 quarts if you have the CVT. Actual amounts will vary with service method and transmission type, so verify with your manual or a dealer for the exact specification on your vehicle.

Summary

The transmission fluid capacity of a 2012 Subaru Forester depends on the transmission type. The 4-speed automatic (4EAT) holds about 11–12 quarts in total, while the CVT (Lineartronic) holds about 9–9.5 quarts. Always use the recommended fluid and follow the exact service procedures outlined in the owner’s manual or by a Subaru technician to ensure a proper fill and reliable shifting.

What kind of transmission fluid does a 2012 Subaru Forester take?

The 2012 Subaru Forester transmission fluid type depends on whether it's an automatic or manual transmission. For the automatic transmission, use Subaru ATF HP/PS fluid or a Dexron III/VI compatible fluid. For manual transmissions, use SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-80 gear oil. 
Automatic Transmission

• Subaru ATF HP/PS fluid: This is the OEM-recommended fluid for automatic transmissions. 
• Dexron III/VI: A Dexron III or VI compatible automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is a suitable alternative. 
• Alternatives: Check the product description for a specific fluid to ensure it is compatible with both the "DEXRON-III" and "DEXRON-VI" specifications if you're choosing a third-party brand. 

Manual Transmission

• SAE 75W-90: This is a common and recommended gear oil for manual transmissions. 
• SAE 75W-80: Subaru also recommends this specific gear oil for manual transmissions. 
• Alternatives: Some owners use other brands like Motul 300 75w90 or Motul Motylgear 75w85, but always check your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure compatibility. 

You can watch this video to see how to change the transmission fluid in a Subaru Forester: 59serealpe13YouTube · May 23, 2016
Important Considerations

• Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for the most accurate information before adding or changing any transmission fluid. 
• Never mix different types of transmission fluid unless the products are specifically designed to be mixed. 
• If you are unsure, it is best to use the fluid specified by Subaru, as it is designed to meet the specific needs of your vehicle. 

How much transmission fluid goes into a 2012 Subaru Forester?

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Capacity: 4 speed TZ1B8 Total Fill 9.8 quarts.

How much CVT fluid does a Subaru take?

A Subaru CVT fluid capacity for a drain and fill is typically around 5 to 7 quarts, though some sources suggest having 8 quarts on hand. The total system capacity, including the torque converter and lines, is higher and can be up to 14 quarts. The exact amount depends on the model and service procedure. 
This video demonstrates the process of changing CVT fluid in a Subaru, including the draining and refilling steps: 57sMrSubaru1387YouTube · Apr 17, 2020
Drain and fill

• Approximate amount: For a standard drain and fill, you will likely need between 5 and 7 quarts of fluid. 
• Best practice: It is recommended to have at least 8 quarts available to be safe. 
• Process: After draining, you will refill the transmission with the new fluid until it begins to drip out. 
• Final top-off: The final top-off is done with the engine running and the transmission warmed up to around 95−113∘F95 minus 113 raised to the composed with power cap F95−113∘𝐹 (35−45∘C35 minus 45 raised to the composed with power cap C35−45∘𝐶). 

Total capacity

• Higher volume: The total capacity for a completely dry system is significantly higher, around 14 quarts. 
• Why it's different: This includes fluid in the torque converter, cooler, and lines, which are not emptied in a standard drain and fill procedure. 
• "Flush" vs. "drain and fill": A true fluid "flush" is a more extensive process that involves circulating multiple fill-and-drain cycles to replace nearly all of the old fluid. A drain and fill only replaces the fluid in the pan. 

What you'll need

• Fluid: Genuine Subaru CVTF-II fluid is recommended. 
• Tools: A torque wrench, 14mm socket for the drain plug, and an 8mm hex bit for the fill plug. 
• Other parts: A new crush washer for the drain plug and a fluid transfer pump are necessary because there is no dipstick. 

You can watch this video to see a Subaru CVT fluid change and flush process: 1mMTYouTube · Mar 2, 2020

How many quarts of transmission fluid for a drain and fill?

For a standard transmission fluid drain and fill, you'll typically need 3 to 5 quarts, but you should always measure the amount you drained and refill with the same amount to start, then check the level using the dipstick after running the engine. The exact amount varies by vehicle, and it's crucial to check the owner's manual or look up specifications for your specific make and model, as a drain and fill will not replace all the old fluid. 
How to determine the right amount

• Drain the old fluid: Let the old fluid drain completely. 
• Measure the drained fluid: Measure how much fluid was drained. This is your starting point for refilling. 
• Refill with the measured amount: Put the same amount of new, correct transmission fluid back into the transmission. Using a funnel can help with this process. 
• Start the engine: Start the vehicle and let it run for a few minutes, shifting through all the gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) while holding the brake. This circulates the new fluid. 
• Check the level: Turn the engine off and check the fluid level with the dipstick. Add more fluid in small increments if the level is low, or drain a small amount if it's too high. 
• Re-check: Repeat the process of running the engine and checking the dipstick until the fluid level is correct according to the dipstick's hash marks for a "hot" reading. 

Important considerations

• A drain and fill is different from a full transmission flush, which requires significantly more fluid (10-12 quarts or more) because it aims to replace all the fluid, including what's in the torque converter. 
• You should always use the specific type of transmission fluid recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer to avoid damage. 
• Some vehicles, like certain Land Rovers, do not have a dipstick and require a fluid extractor to add new fluid. Consult your owner's manual to be certain.