The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

Excessive Oil Consumption in my 2017 Forester 2.5i

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:14 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium

Hi all,

I'm reaching out because I've noticed my 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium has been consuming an alarming amount of oil lately. I've had to add a quart of oil every 1,500-2,000 miles, which seems really excessive for a car with only 75,000 miles on it. There are no visible leaks on my driveway, and I don't see any smoke from the exhaust.

I'm concerned this could be a known issue. I've heard some talk about Subaru engines and oil consumption, but I'm not sure if it applies to my specific model year and engine. Is this normal, or should I be worried about a bigger problem? What steps should I take to address this?

Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure I'm not damaging the engine by letting this continue.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:14 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Excessive oil consumption in certain Subaru engines, particularly the FB25 found in your 2017 Forester, has been a documented concern. While some oil consumption is normal, adding a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles is indeed on the higher side and warrants investigation. Here's what you should know and do:

  1. Common Causes:

    • Piston Ring Design: Earlier iterations of the FB25 engine (which includes your model year) were known to have piston rings that could allow oil to pass into the combustion chamber, leading to burning oil.
    • PCV Valve Issues: A faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can cause increased crankcase pressure, forcing oil past seals or piston rings.
    • Valve Guide Seals: Worn valve guide seals can also allow oil to seep into the combustion chambers.

  2. Official Oil Consumption Test: The first step is to have a Subaru dealership perform an official oil consumption test. This involves draining and refilling the oil, sealing the dipstick and oil fill cap, and having you return after a specified mileage (usually 1,000-1,200 miles) for a measurement. If consumption exceeds Subaru's specified limits, it may qualify for repair under an extended warranty or goodwill program.

  3. Check for Leaks: Although you don't see leaks, a professional can inspect for subtle leaks from valve covers, timing chain cover, or oil pan that might not be obvious on your driveway.

When to See a Shop:

You should schedule an appointment with a Subaru dealership or a trusted independent Subaru specialist immediately. Continuing to run the engine with low oil can lead to severe engine damage, including bearing wear, increased friction, and eventual engine failure. Even if you're diligently topping it off, the underlying cause needs to be addressed to prevent long-term issues and ensure engine longevity. There are no specific OBD-II codes for oil consumption itself, but a mechanic might look for signs of carbon buildup or spark plug fouling.

Menu

Help & account