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Subaru Forester 2019 Oil Consumption: Causes & Fixes

By ClearTheCode · Published 2026-06-02 · ~6 min read

Experiencing high Subaru Forester 2019 oil consumption? Learn the common causes, how to diagnose the issue, and effective repair options to keep your engine healthy.

At a glance

Difficulty
6/10 — Easy to moderate
Est. repair cost
$100 – $800 (parts + typical shop labor)
OEM tooling
Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools
Common symptoms
  • Frequent oil top-offs: The most common and direct indicator. You find yourself adding a quart or more of oil every few w
  • Low oil warning light: The oil pressure warning light illuminates on your dashboard. This is a critical warning and indi
  • Burning oil smell: A distinct odor of burning oil
  • often noticeable when the engine is hot
  • after driving
  • or when idlin

Diagnostic workflow

  1. Confirm the symptom on your 2019 Subaru FORESTER.
  2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
  3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
  4. Run verification tests before replacing parts.
  5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.

Is your 2019 Subaru Forester requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled service intervals? Excessive engine oil consumption can be a concerning issue for any driver, leading to unexpected costs, potential engine damage, and the inconvenience of constantly checking your oil level. While some oil consumption is normal for any internal combustion engine, an unusually high rate indicates a problem that needs attention. Understanding the root causes and how to properly diagnose them is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's longevity and performance.

What drivers notice on this 2019 Subaru Forester

Drivers of a 2019 Subaru Forester experiencing excessive oil consumption often report a few key symptoms. The most obvious sign is the need to add a quart or more of oil every 1,000 to 3,000 miles, significantly more frequently than typical service intervals. You might also notice the low oil pressure warning light illuminating on your dashboard, especially during turns or hard braking, indicating critically low oil levels. Other subtle signs can include a burning oil smell, particularly after driving or when the engine is hot, or even a faint blue tint to the exhaust smoke, especially during startup or acceleration. Ignoring these signs can lead to premature engine wear and potentially costly repairs down the line.

At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow

  • Difficulty Rating: 6/10 — Easy to moderate
  • Common Symptoms: Frequent oil top-offs: The most common and direct indicator. You find yourself adding a quart or more of oil every few w; Low oil warning light: The oil pressure warning light illuminates on your dashboard. This is a critical warning and indi; Burning oil smell: A distinct odor of burning oil, often noticeable when the engine is hot, after driving, or when idlin; Blue or gray exhaust smoke: Especially visible during cold starts, acceleration, or deceleration. Blue smoke typically i
  • Estimated Repair Cost: $100–$800 (parts + typical shop labor)
  • OEM Tooling Required: Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools

Diagnostic workflow:

  1. Confirm the symptom on your 2019 Subaru FORESTER.
  2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
  3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
  4. Run verification tests before replacing parts.
  5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.

Browse the model repair hub and make hub for related guides.

Symptoms and warning signs

Recognizing the symptoms of excessive oil consumption early can help prevent more severe engine problems. Here's what to look out for:

  • Frequent oil top-offs: The most common and direct indicator. You find yourself adding a quart or more of oil every few weeks or months, well before your next scheduled oil change.
  • Low oil warning light: The oil pressure warning light illuminates on your dashboard. This is a critical warning and indicates that oil levels are dangerously low, potentially leading to engine damage.
  • Burning oil smell: A distinct odor of burning oil, often noticeable when the engine is hot, after driving, or when idling.
  • Blue or gray exhaust smoke: Especially visible during cold starts, acceleration, or deceleration. Blue smoke typically indicates oil is being burned in the combustion chambers.
  • Visible oil leaks: While not always the cause of excessive consumption, external leaks can contribute. Look for oil spots under your parked vehicle or visible oil residue on engine components.
  • Engine noise: In severe cases of very low oil, you might hear abnormal engine noises like ticking, knocking, or rattling, due to insufficient lubrication.

Watch: diagnostic walkthrough

Selected for this code and vehicle. Confirm the steps match your year and engine before replacing parts.

Subaru Forester Oil Consumption…STILL? Help me Understand

How to verify and confirm the issue

To confirm that your 2019 Subaru Forester is indeed consuming excessive oil, follow these steps:

  1. Establish a baseline: Perform an oil change with the correct viscosity and amount of oil. Note the exact mileage.
  2. Regular oil level checks: Over the next 1,000 to 2,000 miles, check your oil level every 200-500 miles. Always check the oil on a flat surface after the engine has been off for at least 10-15 minutes to allow oil to drain back into the pan.
  3. Monitor consumption rate: Document how much oil you need to add and at what mileage intervals. If you're adding more than a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles, it's considered excessive.
  4. Visual inspection for leaks: Carefully inspect the engine bay, oil pan, valve covers, front timing cover, and rear main seal area for any signs of oil leaks. Use a flashlight to check hard-to-see areas. Look for fresh oil stains or drips.
  5. Check PCV valve: The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can get clogged or stuck, leading to increased crankcase pressure and oil consumption. Remove and shake the valve; if it doesn't rattle, it might be clogged. Inspect the PCV hose for cracks or blockages.
  6. Exhaust inspection: Have a friend observe your exhaust during cold starts and while you accelerate and decelerate. Blue smoke confirms oil burning internally.
  7. Compression and leak-down tests: If external leaks and PCV issues are ruled out, these tests can identify internal engine wear, such as worn piston rings or valve seals. A mechanic can perform these tests to measure cylinder integrity.

Common causes (most likely first)

Excessive oil consumption in a 2019 Subaru Forester can stem from several issues, ranging from minor and easily fixable to more significant internal engine problems:

  • External oil leaks: Gaskets and seals can degrade over time, leading to oil seeping out. Common leak points include the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, front timing cover, and rear main seal. While not

This guide is not a substitute for OEM service procedures; use a qualified technician for safety-critical repairs.

Frequently asked questions

How urgent is this problem?

If symptoms are worsening or safety systems are affected, diagnose soon; minor issues can often wait for a scheduled service visit.

Can I drive with this issue?

Short trips may be acceptable for some faults, but stop driving if you notice overheating, loss of braking, steering problems, or strong fuel smells.

Do I need a dealer scan tool?

A basic OBD-II scanner helps confirm codes; some steps still need visual checks and meter tests described above.

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