ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

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PARTS MANAGER

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CLAIMS PERSONNEL

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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE MANAGER

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© 2023 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

All Models

NUMBER: 02-191-22R

SUBJECT:

DATE: 11/02/22
New Subaru & Genuine Subaru Alternative Engine
REVISED: 09/17/24
Oil Filter Replacement

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter. This oil filter
replaces the genuine Subaru alternative engine oil filter implemented in response to supply chain
challenges. This new filter is the permanent supply solution. The genuine Subaru alternative oil
filter and the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter have some features that differ from other Subaru
filters. Features, important notes on handling, and oil filter installation instructions are outlined in this
bulletin for technician reference.
PART INFORMATION:
Part Description

Part Number

Color

Seal

15208AA21A

Black

Round

15208AA100

Black

Round

15208AA15A

Blue

Round

15208AA12A

Blue

Round

SOA6351520815

Blue

Square Cut

SOA6351520812

Blue

Square Cut

Image

NEW SUBARU OIL FILTER

ORIGINAL SUBARU OIL
FILTER

GENUINE SUBARU
ALTERNATIVE OIL FILTER

CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Subaru of America, Inc. is
ISO 14001 Compliant
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-191-22R; Revised: 09/17/24

Page 1 of 5

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
NEW Genuine Subaru Engine Oil Filter (BLACK in color) Engine Oil and Filter Replacement:
The NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filters have a round seal, are black in color, and have the part
number printed on the side.

1. Turn the engine OFF. Remove the old oil filter and drain the engine oil thoroughly. Once the
oil has been removed, reinstall and torque drain plug to specification using a NEW gasket.
2. Prepare the NEW engine oil filter by CARFULLY removing the protective plastic wrapping
around threaded area. Be mindful to not dislodge the seal while removing the wrapping.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the oil filter seal is out of position or not thoroughly lubricated, it is
possible for the seal to become pinched or misaligned during installation. If this situation occurs the
oil filter MUST be discarded and replaced with a new one. Always apply a LIBERAL application of
engine oil to the seal contact surface and fill any gaps between the gasket and the inner lip with fresh
engine oil. This helps with gasket retention once the filter is inverted for installation. A small hand
pump can is to be used for the preferred application of oil to the bottom of the seal. NEVER dip the
base of the filter into an oil bath or use a plunger can as this action may dislodge the gasket.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-191-22R; Revised: 09/17/24

Page 2 of 5

3. Replace the engine oil filter with a NEW Subaru engine oil filter.
•

Clean the engine contact surfaces for the oil filter. Remove all oil and possible
contaminates.

•

Thread the new oil filter by hand until the gasket seats against the surface. Further tighten
the oil filter one full turn. Use CAUTION not to damage the filter seal.

•

Torque the oil filter 12-16 Nm (9-12 ft-lbs.).

•

Clean any residual oil from around the base of the filter.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There should be no gap between the filter case and the installation
surface.

End

Bulletin Number: 02-191-22R; Revised: 09/17/24

Page 3 of 5

Genuine Subaru Alternative Engine Oil Filter (blue in color) Engine Oil and Filter Replacement:
The genuine Subaru alternative filters have a square cut seal, are blue in color, and have the part
number printed on the top.

1. Turn the engine OFF. Drain the engine oil thoroughly. Once the oil has been removed, reinstall
and torque drain plug to specification using a NEW gasket.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is possible for the oil filter seal to become dislodged or misaligned during
shipping and handling (see example images below). If this situation occurs, inspect the seal and
matting surface for any visible damage.

If any damage is found, replace the filter. If no damage is found, the seal may be refitted to the filter
and installed on the vehicle.
2. Replace the engine oil filter with a genuine Subaru alternative filter.
•

Clean the engine contact surfaces for the oil filter. Remove all oil and possible
contaminates.

•

Apply a thin coat of fresh engine oil to the rubber seal.

•

Thread the new oil filter by hand until the gasket seats against the surface. Use CAUTION
not to damage the filter seal.

•

Further tighten the oil filter, approximately ¾ of a turn. Confirm the filter security when
complete.

•

Clean any residual oil from around the base of the filter
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 02-191-22R; Revised: 09/17/24

Page 4 of 5

IMPORTANT NOTE: When properly installed, there will be a gap between the filter case and the
installation surface (0-0.0209 inch / 0-0.53mm). This is a normal condition. Further verification can
be achieved with the use of a 0.022 inch (0.56mm) sized feeler/thickness gauge. This sized gauge
should be unable to be inserted in this gap.

3. Install the new engine oil applicable to the vehicle’s type and quantity specifications.
4. Start the engine and check for any oil leaks around the base of the engine oil filter. Confirm
there are no leaks found.

End

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•

SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously
released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.

•

Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.

•

Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Bulletin Number: 02-191-22R; Revised: 09/17/24

Page 5 of 5