2011–2014 Subaru Forester: Burning oil between changes (2.5L FB25)
Likely causes, ranked
- Oil control rings not sealing (short block replaced per Subaru bulletin)Shop
- Normal consumption near the oil change interval mistaken for a defectDIY
Real-owner fix counts will appear here as reports come in.
DIY or shop: See DIY or shop section
Parts to check
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
These are search links; confirm fitment for your exact engine and trim. Affiliate disclosure
Symptom: The low-oil light comes on or the dipstick reads low well before the next change, with no visible leaks.
Likely causes
- Oil control rings. Subaru first replaced piston rings, then changed the approved fix to a new short block for verified cases. Owners on the Subaru Forester forum mostly report the short block cut consumption to little or nothing, though a few still see some.
- Normal consumption. Subaru's bulletin warns that a low reading near the next scheduled change is not by itself a defect.
DIY or shop?
Dealer, after a formal oil consumption test.
Useful steps
- Ask the dealer for an oil consumption test (they measure over about 1,200 miles).
- Keep receipts for oil changes.
- Ask whether goodwill applies if you're outside coverage.
Vehicle focus: 2011–2014 Subaru Forester.
Safety / mechanic note
Running low on oil can damage the engine. Check the dipstick every fill-up.
Recalls & service bulletins
Technical service bulletins
- Subaru short block bulletin Subaru revised its oil-consumption repair for certain 2011–2014 Foresters from piston rings to a complete short block after a verified consumption test. Details
NHTSA complaints: 67 keyword-matched complaints (of 731 unique complaints filed under NHTSA model names FORESTER, 2011–2014; NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-15).
Always check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sources
What actually fixed it?
Had this problem? Tell other owners what the real fix was. Reports are counted above; we never show made-up numbers.