2002 Subaru Forester - Maintenance & Specs
The 2002 Subaru Forester belongs to a Subaru Forester lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 19 model years, from 1998 to 2026. Engine options on record include the 2.5L, 2.5L I4. It is configured as 4-wheel or all-wheel drive with an automatic 4-spd. The 2002 sits mid-run, with both earlier (1998) and later (2026) Forester model years also documented.
It takes 5W-30 full synthetic oil, 4.8 qt with a new filter meeting API SP. Fluid specs on file include OAT Coolant coolant, DOT 3 brake fluid. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include oil drain plug 33 ft-lb, lug nut 89 ft-lb, spark plug 18 ft-lb.
There is 1 safety recall on record; one covers: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING.... Its overall reliability signal is rated "Excellent" based on aggregated complaint and crash data.
EPA fuel economy is rated at 19 city / 25 highway MPG, 21 MPG combined. Estimated annual fuel cost is about $2,100.
Quick Specs
| Oil viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil type | Full Synthetic |
| Oil capacity (w/ filter) | 4.8 qt |
| OEM oil spec | API SP |
| EPA combined | 21 MPG |
| Coolant | OAT Coolant |
| Open recalls on record | 1 |
| Technical service bulletins | 23 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.