What kind of transmission fluid does a Subaru Legacy take?
The type depends on the transmission in your Legacy: traditional automatic transmissions typically use DW-1 ATF, while CVT-equipped models require Subaru’s dedicated CVT Fluid. Always verify with your owner’s manual or a Subaru dealer for your exact year and specifications.
Subaru’s Legacy lineup has evolved across generations, resulting in two broad paths: conventional automatics (4EAT/5EAT) and the Lineartronic CVT. This guide outlines the fluid types associated with each path and how to confirm the right specification for your vehicle.
Conventional automatic transmissions in Legacy
If your Legacy uses a traditional automatic transmission (commonly the 4EAT or 5EAT), you should use the fluid specified by Subaru for those transmissions.
- ATF DW-1 — Subaru’s automatic transmission fluid specification used in many Legacy automatics.
DW-1 is designed to meet Subaru’s performance and longevity standards for their automatics. Always verify that DW-1 is the correct spec for your particular year and transmission code by consulting the owner’s manual or a Subaru dealer.
CVT transmissions in Legacy (Lineartronic)
For Legacy models with the Lineartronic CVT, use Subaru CVT Fluid (often labeled as Subaru CVT Fluid or SFL). Using regular ATF can lead to poor shifting, fluid breakdown, and potential damage.
- Subaru CVT Fluid (SFL) — the dedicated fluid for Subaru CVTs.
Make sure you are using the exact CVT fluid specified for your year and CVT version; some older CVTs may have slightly different CVT fluid specs (still Subaru-branded) but the manual will confirm.
How to confirm the right fluid for your Legacy
Steps to verify the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle:
- Check the owner’s manual or a service manual for your year and transmission code.
- Inspect the transmission dipstick labeling or the under-hood label (if present) for the ATF or CVT fluid specification.
- Ask a Subaru service advisor or consult the official Subaru parts catalog for the correct fluid part number.
Using the correct fluid is essential for performance and longevity of the transmission. If you are unsure, it is safer to consult a professional rather than guessing.
Maintenance tips and cautions
Important tips when dealing with transmission fluid:
- Do not mix different fluid types or brands in a single transmission unless the manual explicitly allows it.
- Follow the recommended drain and fill intervals from Subaru for your model year and transmission type.
- When topping up, use the exact specification; if you are replacing the fluid, consider a full flush only if recommended by Subaru or a qualified technician.
Summary: The Subaru Legacy uses ATF DW-1 for traditional automatic transmissions and Subaru CVT Fluid (SFL) for CVTs. Always confirm with the owner’s manual or a dealer for your exact year and transmission code to ensure the right fluid is used.
What type of CVT fluid does Subaru use?
Idemitsu brand fluid is what Subaru uses as their OEM fluid, and can be had for less than the Subaru-branded stuff, which is exactly the same. Amsoil, Valvoline, Castrol all make CVT fluid that meet Subaru specs. Stick to subaru unless you drain the entire cvt which is impossible just from removing the drain plug.
Does Subaru need special transmission fluid?
Using the wrong fluid can cause severe damage to your transmission. Always use Subaru-approved CVT fluid or a compatible high-quality alternative like ENEOS ECO CVTF or ENEOS Import CVTF Model S.
What type of transmission fluid does a Subaru Legacy take?
FRAM – FRAM Full Synthetic Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1 Gallon (Part No. F426-1G)
What kind of ATF does Subaru use?
Recommended Fluid for your Subaru is ATF or Dexron III automatic transmission fluid.
