Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Oil cap

2014 Subaru Forester oil-cap: what it does, where it is, and how to look after it

Referencing the 2014 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual, Subaru’s Factory Service Manual (lubrication section), and Subaru Genuine Parts catalogues for the FB25 (2.5‑litre) and FA20F (2.0‑litre turbo) engines, the oil-cap is absolutely a standard, fitted component on the 2014 Subaru Forester. Those technical sources show the engine oil filler cap on the rocker cover, identified for topping up engine oil and sealing the lubrication system.

On a 2014-subaru-forester, the oil-cap seals the top of the engine’s oil filler neck. That simple bit of kit does more than keep dust out. It helps maintain correct crankcase ventilation, prevents oil mist from escaping under the bonnet, and stops contaminants getting in when the car’s parked or on the move. When servicing a 2014-subaru-forester oil-cap, a quick inspection pays off: make sure the cap tightens smoothly by hand, the O‑ring or gasket isn’t flattened, cracked, or hard, and there’s no oil weeping around the neck after a drive.

If the cap’s seal is tired or the threads feel gritty, clean the cap and filler neck with a lint‑free rag, then refit it hand‑tight. A light smear of fresh engine oil on the O‑ring helps the seal seat properly. Avoid tools—Subaru designs these caps to be tightened by hand only. If the cap’s damaged, missing its seal, or won’t stay tight, replace it with a quality unit that matches your VIN and engine code. A poor‑fitting cap can trigger rough running, oil smells, and a mess on the engine cover.

• Replace the oil-cap if the O‑ring is brittle, flattened, or split.
• Replace if the cap won’t tighten securely or jumps threads.
• Watch for oil mist around the filler area after a drive.
• Don’t drive with the oil-cap removed—oil can spray and contamination can enter.

Location-wise, under the bonnet you’ll find the oil-cap on top of the engine cover/rocker cover, clearly marked “Engine Oil”. During each service or oil change, treat the oil-cap like any other seal—inspect, clean, and replace if suspect. It’s an inexpensive part that protects an expensive engine.

Popular questions about the 2014 Subaru Forester oil-cap

Where is the oil-cap on a 2014 Subaru Forester?
Lift the bonnet and look at the top of the engine on the rocker/engine cover. The cap is clearly labelled “Engine Oil” and is designed to be removed and refitted by hand.

On most FB and FA engines used in the 2014 Forester, it’s on the upper right or top‑centre area when facing the car, making top‑ups straightforward.

Can they drive if the oil-cap is missing?
No—don’t. With the cap off, oil can spray out, dust can be drawn in, and crankcase ventilation is upset. That can lead to oil smells, a messy engine bay, and potential engine damage.

If the cap is lost, switch off, source a correct replacement, and refit before driving.

How often should the oil-cap be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval. Inspect it at every service or oil change. Replace it if the seal’s perished, the cap’s cracked, or it won’t hold tight.

Many owners proactively replace the cap or O‑ring when they notice weeping or after years of heat cycling, as cheap insurance.