Parts for your 2016 Subaru Forester-Spark plugs

2016 Subaru Forester spark-plugs

Are spark-plugs relevant to a 2016 Subaru Forester? Yes for the petrol models, no for the diesel. Technical sources including the 2016 Forester Owner’s Manual and Subaru AU/NZ service schedules list spark-plug inspection and replacement for the 2.5i (FB25) and 2.0 XT turbo (FA20F), while the 2.0D diesel lists a glow-plug system and no spark-plugs. Parts catalogues from major plug makers also publish iridium spark-plug listings for the petrol engines and none for the diesel, backing this up.

For petrol Foresters, spark-plugs are the small but mighty parts that ignite the fuel–air mix in the boxer engine. Fresh, correctly gapped iridium plugs help the Forester start crisply, idle smoothly and use less fuel, all while keeping emissions tidy. They’re designed to last, but they don’t last forever.

As a rule of thumb in Australia and New Zealand, workshops follow Subaru’s guidance of around 100,000 km for the 2.5i and around 60,000 km for the 2.0 XT turbo, or earlier if there are symptoms. Always go by the VIN-specific schedule in the Owner’s Manual or the Subaru Service and Warranty booklet. Using OEM-grade iridium plugs and the correct heat range matters, it protects the coils and keeps combustion happy.

The Forester’s flat-four layout means access is sideways under the bonnet. It’s doable at home for the keen, but space is tight and coil-on-plug leads are delicate, so most owners let a tech handle it. A proper job includes checking for oil in the plug tubes, inspecting the coils, fitting new crush washers where applicable, torquing to the workshop spec and avoiding anti-seize unless the plug maker explicitly allows it.

• Signs it’s time: rough idle, misfire under load, sluggish take-off, poorer fuel economy, hard starts or a flashing check engine light.
• Good habits: stick to quality iridium plugs, replace as a full set, keep to the km/time schedule, and scan for fault codes if there’s a misfire.
• Diesel note: the 2.0D doesn’t use spark-plugs at all, it uses glow-plugs to pre-heat the air for compression ignition, so spark-plug service isn’t applicable.

Look after the spark-plugs and the 2016 Forester will return the favour with smoother running, better economy and fewer surprises on the school run or a weekend run out of town.

Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Forester spark-plugs

Do all 2016 Foresters have spark-plugs?
Petrol models (2.5i and 2.0 XT) have spark-plugs. The 2.0D diesel does not, it uses glow-plugs. This split is shown in the Owner’s Manual and service schedule, and reflected in major plug catalogues.

How often should they be replaced in AU/NZ?
Typically around 100,000 km for the 2.5i and about 60,000 km for the 2.0 XT turbo, or sooner if there are symptoms. Always confirm with the specific Subaru maintenance schedule for the vehicle.

What symptoms point to worn plugs?
Rough idle, hesitation, misfires under load, increased fuel use and harder starting. A check engine light or stored misfire codes are common when plugs are past their best.