What kind of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) should I use in my SUBARU?

February 10, 2020. Author:
SUBARU Idemitsu HP ATF

Selecting an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for a SUBARU (or any other automatic transmission) is relatively easy...if you follow the right process!

Use this Subaru ATF application guide to quickly find the right ATF and other products for your Subaru. If you already know what type of automatic transmission your Subaru has, then you can find it in the list below.

Or check your SUBARU owner's manual to see fluid type is specified. View list of Subaru automatic transmissions.

Subaru CVT fluid

The Subaru Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is used in the Subaru Legacy, Outback and other models from around model year 2014 on up. Castrol synthetic ATF recommended for Subaru CVT applications

To replace the fluid requires removing the drain plug (allen keyed) on the pan, draining out the fluid, and putting the plug back in. Replacing the filter requires removing the pan. The pan needs a sealant such as red RTV. Refilling is accomplished via the fill plug near the back of the transmission.

  • The Lineartronic model TR580/VTF23 is typically on the 2.5i engines. It takes about 12 quarts total.
  • The high torque version is the Lineartronic TR690/VTF22. It is found with the larger Subaru 3.6L engine or turbocharged engines. It takes about 13.4 quarts.

Amsoil synthetic ATF recommended for Subaru CVT applications

SUBARU 5EAT with Sportshift

The 5EAT was used on some Legacy, Outback, Tribeca and Forester Sports models starting around 2005.

The 5EAT TG5C7 was based on the Jatco JR507E. It takes about 10.4 quarts total. Note that includes the torque converter. It has an external spin on filter. These filters were a great choice by Subaru because they catch clutch material shreddings before they have a chance to plug up the cooler and cause transmission overheating.

Up to around model year 2005, SUBARU automatic transmissions used Dexron II/III/IIIE

Generally for Subaru's with the 4EAT (4-speed Electronically controlled Automatic Transmission) up to around model year 2005, Dexron II/IIE or III was specified.  However, some time back GM stopped renewing licenses to oil blenders for that era Dexron.  So the ATF you buy might not specifically list Dexron II/IIE or III on the front of the bottle, but may say something on the back about 'also for applications formerly calling for Dexron III'.  AMSOIL offers two synthetic ATF's recommended for this application, a synthetic ATF and a fuel efficient synthetic ATF.  Mobil, Redline and many other ATF blenders have similar multi-vehicle ATF products available.

Can I use Dexron VI in my Subaru Transmission?

Like many automotive lubricants, Dexron VI claims to be backwards compatible with the older Dexron

Synthetic ATF recommended for SUBARU ATF and SUBARU ATF-HP applications

III and similar fluids. However, it does not necessarily follow that it is the best product for those applications.

A major push in automotive lubricants is efficiency. However, the lubricant must still protect against excessive wear. Dexron VI tends to be thinner than the older Dexron specifications. The lower viscosity may help reduce pumping and other losses for the transmission. An example of a Dexron VI compatible fluid is Amsoil ATL.

Starting around model year 2005, SUBARU automatic transmissions started to specify Subaru-Idemitsu ATF-HP

Fuel efficient synthetic ATF

Subaru's from around 2005 on up, especially those with the 5EAT may call for Subaru-Idemitsu HP ATF.  There have been reports of shudder and strange shifting patterns especially in the 5EAT's when the wrong ATF type is used.  (Generally the odd shifting is caused by different dynamic frictional characteristics; especially if the fluid used has less friction modification than the specified fluid.  This fact can make the clutch friction materials in the transmission 'grabby' and cause other issues).

The part number of SUBARU ATF-HP by Idemitsu is SOA868V9241.  It is also available in a case of twelve U.S. quarts with part number SOA635040.

AMSOIL offers a synthetic automatic transmission fluid recommended for SUBARU ATF and SUBARU ATF-HP applications.

These automatic transmission fluids contain anti-wear/extreme-pressure agents to (extend gear life). They have durable friction modifiers to help prevent shudder during shifting. Anti-oxidants extend the fluid life. Seal conditioners reduce fluid leaks. Detergents and dispersants keep the transmission clean clean and control deposits. Corrosion inhibitors control rust on the transmission internal parts. Click here to read more.

You can check exactly what lubricants your particular year and model Subaru requires in the application guide. Or you can download the catalog.

About the Author

This article was written by . It was last updated February 10, 2020 and first published November 12, 2010. If you have questions about the article, please click here to view the author's contact information including e-mail address, telephone number and mailing address.