Parts for your 2010 Subaru Exiga-Sump plug washers

2010 Subaru Exiga sump plug washers — what they do and when to replace them

The 2010 Subaru Exiga does use a sump plug washer. Subaru’s factory service information for the YA-series Exiga (Lubrication section) specifies an aluminium crush-type gasket for the engine oil drain (sump) plug, and the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue for MY2010 Exiga lists a 16 mm crush washer for that plug. Subaru service literature also calls for replacing this gasket at each engine oil change.

On the Exiga’s flat-four, the sump plug washer is a single-use, soft-metal ring (usually aluminium, sometimes copper) that deforms as the plug is tightened. That controlled “crush” fills tiny imperfections between the plug flange and the sump face, creating a reliable oil-tight seal through heat cycles, vibration, and pressure changes. Reusing a crushed washer is a false economy: once it’s been compressed, it can’t conform the same way again, which can lead to weeping, drips on the driveway, or a plug that needs to be overtightened to seal—risking thread damage to the alloy pan.

Best practice on a 2010 Exiga is simple: fit a new genuine-spec 16 mm crush washer whenever the engine oil is changed. Clean the plug and sealing face, inspect the plug for nicks or burrs, and tighten the plug with a torque wrench to the specification in the Subaru service manual—no gorilla grip needed. If a washer isn’t replaced and a slight leak appears, don’t chase it by cranking the plug tighter, pull the plug, fit a new washer, and torque it correctly.

Handy checks for owners and workshops:

• Look for tell-tale oil misting or a single drip from the sump plug area after a service.
• Use the correct 16 mm crush washer for Subaru applications (part numbers vary by market, common Subaru listings include 11126AA000 or 803916010—confirm by VIN).
• A magnetic drain plug is fine, but it still needs a fresh crush washer each time.

Treating the sump plug washer as a routine, low-cost replacement keeps the Exiga’s lubrication system tidy and leak-free, and saves hassle at WOF/rego time where oil leaks can raise eyebrows.

Popular questions

What size sump plug washer does a 2010 Subaru Exiga use?
Most 2010 Exiga models use a 16 mm aluminium crush washer on the sump plug. Subaru’s parts listings for the YA-series Exiga show a 16 mm gasket, confirm by VIN to be certain. Some regions list common Subaru numbers such as 11126AA000 or 803916010.

Should the sump plug washer be replaced at every oil change?
Yes. Subaru service documentation specifies replacing the crush washer at each engine oil change. It’s designed to deform once to seal properly, reusing it risks leaks or overtightening.

Can a copper washer be used instead of aluminium?
Copper crush washers can work if they match the correct dimensions and are quality items, but aluminium is what Subaru commonly specifies for this application. Stick with genuine-spec 16 mm crush washers and the correct torque for the best result.