What does the oil light mean on a Subaru Crosstrek?

The oil light on a Subaru Crosstrek typically indicates low oil pressure, meaning the engine may not be receiving adequate lubrication. It can also signal a very low oil level or a fault in the oil pump or sensor. Treat it as urgent and address it promptly to protect the engine.

What the oil light means

In most Crosstrek models, the oil pressure warning is shown as a red oil can icon on the dashboard. If this light comes on, it usually means the engine’s oil pressure is lower than safe levels, which can occur if the oil level is low, the oil pump isn’t circulating oil properly, or there is a sensor/wiring issue. Some models may also display a separate low oil level warning (often amber) when the dipstick indicates the oil is below the minimum mark. Distinguishing between these alerts helps determine urgency and next steps.

Icon and messages explained

Red oil pressure warnings are typically the most urgent and demand immediate attention. A separate yellow or amber low oil level indicator points to insufficient oil in the pan and should be addressed quickly as well, though it may be less immediately dire than an oil pressure warning.

Immediate actions if the light comes on

Acting quickly can prevent engine damage. Follow these steps as soon as it is safe to do so.

• Safely pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as possible if the light is solid red or if you hear unusual noises or feel overheating.


• Turn off the engine and wait briefly to reduce risk of damage from continued lubrication loss.


• Check the engine oil level with the dipstick. If the level is low, add the recommended oil grade in small increments (e.g., half a quart at a time) and recheck. Do not overfill.


• If the oil level is adequate or the light persists after topping up, do not continue driving. Have the vehicle towed to a Subaru dealer or trusted mechanic for diagnosis.


• Look for signs of leaks under the car or oil smells around the engine, which could indicate a leak or failed seal.


• If you must continue driving for a short distance in a pinch, keep speeds low and monitor for temperature rise or more warning lights, but only do so if you have no alternative and the vehicle is safe to move.

Following these steps helps reduce the risk of severe engine damage and guides you toward a proper diagnosis.

Common causes of the oil light turning on

Several issues can trigger the oil light, ranging from simple to serious. Understanding the likely causes can help you communicate with a technician and assess urgency.

• Low engine oil level due to leaks, evaporation, or insufficient maintenance


• Oil pump failure or a failing oil pressure sender/sensor


• Clogged oil passages or a severely dirty oil filter


• Significant engine wear (bearings, galleries) reducing oil pressure


• Oil viscosity that is too thin or degraded oil due to age or contamination


• A faulty oil pressure sensor wiring or connector

In practice, low oil level and sensor/pump faults are the most common culprits. A persistent light after topping up the oil often points to pressure-related issues or sensor problems that require service.

Preventive maintenance to reduce risk

Regular maintenance is the best defense against oil-related warnings. Adhere to Subaru’s recommended service intervals and use the correct oil specification for your Crosstrek.

• Follow the manufacturer’s oil-change interval and use the grade recommended in your owner’s manual (synthetic is common in newer models).


• Check oil level regularly between changes, especially before long trips or if you notice oil consumption.


• Replace the oil filter at each oil change and ensure the oil pan and pickup are not clogged.


• Inspect for oil leaks and address any seals, gaskets, or oil lines promptly.

Preventive maintenance reduces the likelihood of oil-related warnings and helps protect engine longevity.

When to seek professional help

If the oil light comes on and you cannot determine a safe reason to continue driving, or if the light remains on after topping up the oil, arrange service promptly. A technician can verify oil pressure with a mechanical gauge, inspect the oil pump and sensor, and check for leaks or internal engine wear. Ignoring the warning can lead to catastrophic engine damage, especially in modern engines that depend on precise lubrication to function properly.

Summary

The Crosstrek’s oil light is a critical warning about engine lubrication. Most often it signals low oil pressure or, less commonly, a very low oil level or sensor/pump fault. If the light appears, stop safely, check oil level, add oil if needed, and seek professional diagnosis if the light stays on or you notice leaks, unusual noises, or overheating. Regular maintenance and timely oil changes are key to preventing these warnings.

Key takeaways

- Red oil pressure warnings require immediate attention.

- Distinguish between oil pressure vs. oil level alerts.

- Don’t drive long distances with the light on; get a diagnostic if it persists.

- Use manufacturer-approved oil and follow maintenance intervals.

Is it okay to drive with the check oil light on?

Ignoring this warning can lead to severe engine damage and costly repairs. If the oil light illuminates, it's important to pull over safely, check the oil level, and add oil if necessary. However, even if the light turns off, schedule a service appointment promptly to identify and resolve the issue.

How long can I drive with an oil light on my Subaru?

The red oil light means low oil pressure. You should pull over immediately and turn off the engine.

Why is the oil light on in my Subaru crosstrek?

If the oil light comes on in your Subaru Crosstrek, it's a serious warning that needs immediate attention. First, check the oil level with the dipstick. If it's low, add the correct type of oil; if the light is still on or the level is fine, there could be a more serious issue like low oil pressure due to a faulty sensor or pump, and you should have the vehicle inspected by a professional. 
This video shows how to check your oil level with the dipstick: 59sPatrick KasilagYouTube · Jun 13, 2021
Immediate actions

• If the light is red and flashing: Stop the vehicle as soon as it's safe and have it towed to a dealer. A flashing light often indicates a critical issue requiring immediate attention, such as a sudden loss of oil pressure. 
• If the light is solid red: Pull over safely as soon as possible. Safely park the car on a level surface, turn it off, and check the oil level. 
• If the light is a different color: A yellow or orange oil light could mean the oil is low, or it could be a maintenance reminder, depending on the specific light and your vehicle's dashboard configuration. 

Checking the oil level

• Park your Crosstrek on a level surface and turn the engine off. 
• Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
• Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick. 
• Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth, reinsert it fully, and then pull it out again. 
• Check the oil level against the "full" and "low" marks on the dipstick. If the oil level is below the "low" mark, add oil. 
• If the oil level is low, add the correct type and amount of oil according to your owner's manual. Restart the engine and see if the light turns off. 

You can watch this video to learn how to reset the maintenance reminder on your Subaru Crosstrek: 41sTyson The Subaru Specialist YouTube · Oct 27, 2022
If the light stays on or oil level is fine 

• A solid oil light after checking the level can indicate low oil pressure. 
• This could be caused by a faulty oil pressure sensor, a failing oil pump, or an oil leak. 
• It is best to have the vehicle diagnosed by a professional. Continued driving could cause severe engine damage. 

Maintenance reminder vs. critical warning

• Sometimes, an oil change reminder will appear on the dashboard. This is different from the red oil pressure light. 
• If you are unsure which light is on, check your owner's manual for a clear explanation of all warning lights on your specific model. 
• Some models have a maintenance schedule that can be reset. You can do this through the display settings on your instrument cluster. 

This video shows how to reset the oil maintenance reminder on a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek: 30sThat SUBARU GuyYouTube · Jul 10, 2023

Why is my oil light on if I have plenty of oil?

If your oil light comes on but the oil level is full, it's likely due to a faulty oil pressure sensor, a problem with the oil pump, or a clog in the oil system. It's best to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle soon to prevent potential engine damage, but a short drive to the shop might be okay if the light is steady (not blinking) and the engine sounds normal. 
Possible causes 
This video explains the potential causes of the oil light turning on while the oil level is full: 59sCarTechHomeYouTube · Mar 11, 2022

• Faulty oil pressure sensor: This is a common cause. The sensor might be malfunctioning and falsely sending a signal that the oil pressure is low, even when it's not. 
• Worn oil pump: If the oil pump is failing, it cannot circulate the oil properly, leading to a drop in oil pressure. This can happen even with a full oil level. 
• Clogged oil filter or passages: Over time, sludge and debris can clog the oil filter or the passages in the engine, restricting oil flow and reducing pressure. 
• Low oil pressure (actual): While the level is full, the overall pressure in the system could still be low due to a worn oil pump or other internal issues. 
• Fuel contamination: Fuel can mix with the oil, reducing its viscosity and causing the oil pressure to drop. 

What to do

• Assess the warning light: If the light is blinking, it indicates a more critical situation, and you should stop driving immediately. If the light is a steady yellow, you may be able to drive a short distance, but you should still seek professional help promptly.
• Drive cautiously: If you must drive, do so slowly and avoid high speeds until you can get the vehicle checked.
• Contact a mechanic: Schedule an appointment with a mechanic as soon as possible. They can accurately diagnose the problem by checking the oil pressure directly and replacing the faulty sensor or addressing any other issues.