The correct oil filter number for a 2002 Subaru Forester depends on the engine installed. There isn’t a single universal number for all 2002 Forester models; the two main engines used that year—2.0L EJ20 and 2.5L EJ25—each have different OEM filter part numbers that can vary by market and production date.
Understanding the engine options in the 2002 Forester
In 2002, Foresters were equipped with either a 2.0-liter EJ20 or a 2.5-liter EJ25 engine in many markets. The oil filter you need is determined by which engine your vehicle has, and by regional variations. The following sections outline the two common engine options and the general filter-number patterns seen in many listings.
2.5L EJ25 engine (common in North American 2002 Foresters)
For the 2.5-liter EJ25 engine, several OEM numbers have appeared in catalogs over the years. These numbers can vary by production date and market, so use them as a reference and verify against your vehicle’s labeling or a parts catalog.
- 15208AA11A — a commonly referenced OEM oil filter number for many 2.5L EJ25 Foresters across various model years
- 15208AA12A — an alternate variant seen on some 2.5L EJ25 builds and markets
Note: Aftermarket cross-references (such as Wix, Bosch, or other brands) exist, but their exact cross-reference can differ by year and region. Always confirm with a trusted parts source using your vehicle’s details.
2.0L EJ20 engine
The 2.0-liter EJ20 engine used in some 2002 Forester models has its own oil filter part numbers, which may differ from the EJ25 listings. Examples seen in catalogs include variations around the 15208 series, and exact numbers depend on market and production run. Always verify the precise PN for your specific vehicle.
- Typical OEM patterns for the EJ20-era Foresters require confirmation from the parts catalog to ensure exact matching numbers
Because engine design and packaging can vary by year and region, the safest approach is to verify the exact PN on the filter you currently have or consult Subaru’s official parts database by entering your car’s model year, market, and engine code.
How to verify the exact part number for your car
To ensure you purchase the correct filter, follow these steps to confirm the precise part number for your 2002 Forester.
Before you begin, have your vehicle’s engine code (EJ20 or EJ25), market, and ideally your VIN handy. The following steps will help you verify the exact PN:
- Inspect the oil filter currently installed on the engine — the PN is usually printed on the side of the filter body.
- Consult the official Subaru parts catalog or dealer portal — enter the year (2002), model (Forester), and engine code to pull the exact OEM PN.
- Check a trusted third-party parts retailer, filtering results by year, model, and engine code to find the correct match.
- Compare thread size, gasket type, and overall dimensions if you’re cross-referencing brands (some filters differ slightly even when they fit).
- If in doubt, call a Subaru dealer or independent shop with your VIN; they can confirm the exact PN for your specific vehicle configuration.
Once you have the exact PN, you can confidently order the correct filter from Subaru or any reputable parts retailer, ensuring compatibility with your Forester’s engine and market configuration.
Summary
For a 2002 Subaru Forester, there isn’t a single universal oil filter number. The correct part depends on the engine (2.0L EJ20 or 2.5L EJ25) and regional production. The 2.5L EJ25 is commonly associated with OEM numbers such as 15208AA11A or 15208AA12A in various markets, but exact figures can vary. The best practice is to verify the PN on your current filter or consult Subaru’s parts catalog with your engine code, market, and VIN. If you’d like, share your engine code (EJ20 or EJ25) and market, and I can help narrow down the most likely OEM number for your vehicle.