The oil drain plug is located on the bottom of the engine oil pan, accessible from underneath the vehicle when it is safely raised and supported.
Location and access
The 2018 WRX uses the FA20D 2.0-liter turbo engine. The oil drain plug sits on the bottom of the engine oil pan. To reach it, you’ll need to crawl under the car with the parking brake engaged and the vehicle securely supported by jack stands or ramps. The plug is typically toward the center-front area of the pan and is a standard hex-head bolt with a copper or crush washer. In some models, you may need to remove a splash shield to gain clear access to the plug.
What you’ll need
Gather these tools and supplies before you begin the oil change:
- 14mm socket or wrench
- Oil catch pan
- Car jack and jack stands or ramps
- Wheel chocks
- New drain plug washer (copper) if required
- New oil filter and the oil grade specified in the owner's manual (often 0W-20 synthetic for the FA20D)
- Funnel, rags, and gloves
- Optional: oil filter removal tool
Having the right tools and supplies on hand helps the procedure go smoothly and reduces the risk of leaks after the change.
Steps to drain and refill the oil
Follow these steps in sequence to drain the old oil and replace it with fresh oil:
- Warm the engine briefly to circulate the oil, then park on a level surface and engage the parking brake. If you’re cautious about heat, you can wait until the engine cools a bit.
- Lift the front of the car and secure it on jack stands or ramps. Place a catch pan under the oil pan.
- Locate the oil pan drain plug under the engine. It’s a bolt head on the bottom of the pan, usually near the center, and commonly requires a 14mm socket.
- Slowly loosen and remove the drain plug, allowing the oil to drain completely into the pan.
- Once drainage slows, remove the drain plug entirely and install a new copper washer on the drain plug if needed; reinstall the plug and tighten to the manufacturer’s torque spec (or snug plus a small additional turn). Avoid over-tightening.
- Remove the old oil filter if it’s accessible from the bottom, or plan to replace it from the top as recommended by your manual. Install a new filter and prime it if required by the filter instructions.
- Lower the car, remove the drain-pan setup, and refill the engine with fresh oil through the oil fill cap on top of the engine. Use the grade specified in the owner’s manual (commonly 0W-20 synthetic for the FA20D). Pour gradually and check the level with the dipstick as you go.
- Start the engine and let it run for a brief moment, then turn it off and recheck the oil level. Look underneath for any leaks around the drain plug or filter.
After the oil change, dispose of the used oil at a proper recycling facility and wipe up any spills to prevent environmental impact.
Safety and maintenance notes
Always work on a securely supported vehicle and wear protective gear. If you’re unsure about the correct torque specifications, washer replacement, or oil grade, consult the Subaru service manual or have a professional perform the service.
Summary
The oil drain plug on a 2018 Subaru WRX is located on the bottom of the engine oil pan and is accessible from underneath the car with proper safety precautions. Prepare the right tools, drain the old oil, replace the washer if needed, reinstall the drain plug, replace the oil filter, and refill with the correct oil. Always confirm details with the owner’s manual and dispose of used oil responsibly.