2002 Subaru Forester
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2002 Subaru Forester maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Subaru Forester.
For oil changes, the 2002 Subaru Forester takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.4 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Super Long Life Coolant (Blue), and transmission fluid is Subaru ATF. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Subaru Forester, torque the lug nuts to 58-72 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
There is 1 NHTSA safety recall on file for the 2002 Subaru Forester. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2002 Subaru Forester uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.4 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 58-72 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2002 Subaru Forester.
No known problems reported for this vehicle yet.
1 NHTSA safety recall for the 2002 Subaru Forester. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.
THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.