Just watched the whole video, and I don't even own a Subaru

I had my oil changed at my Subaru dealership two weeks ago and I checked my oil three days ago. I discovered oil pooled around the filter housing about 1/8” deep. I drove to the dealership and they said a lady came in yesterday with the same problem. They said that Subaru redesigned the filter and that this is a nation wide problem but corporate hasn’t given them any instructions on how to fix it. They changed the filter and said it was fixed. I drove home, 9 miles, and checked the oil and there is a slight amount of oil around the filter. The oil filter is accessible by opening the hood. 2018 Forester with 30380 miles on it. I called corporate and they assigned me a rep and case number. He said he wasn’t aware of my specific issue but would have to do some research and make some calls and get back to me. Anyway, I took a paper towel and cleaned all the oil from around the filter, let it set a few days and checked today. Car hasn’t ran and no oil. I started it and let it warm up then applied gas to run at 2500 rpm for 5-10 seconds. A slight amount of oil appears at the low side of the filter. I checked the filter at it is a 15208AA20A from Indonesia. I guess I will have to wait for the rep to call.

Still gotta burn through the Mazda NR 31s you told me to buy !

I’ve been using the Wix XP 57055 for years now. Great filter, OE pressure spec, awesome filters.

I stopped using the blue ones and switched to Purolator's Pure One until a few years ago when they developed the Boss line.

Thanks for the info Mr Subaru! I havent had problems with the no name blue filters but it is nice to know that a better filter will soon be available for us North America Subie owners.

I just bought the Subaru branded oil filter from Walmart (part# 15208AA15A) and it comes in a completely different packaging than shown. It is the black filter stamped with "Made in Indonesia", has the "M" stamped on the top plate and cost $10.97 before tax.

I have to thank you Subaru owners for keeping the official rx8 filter in production. It makes sourcing them very easy when I change the oil in my rx8.

Thanks for the heads up. I look forward to more info on these new black filters. I'll keep pulling from my 160 stock for now. It'll be interesting to see if they keep shipping Foresters and other vehicles made in Japan with the 160s or the new Indonesian filter.

Now this video explains why I rec'd a blank blue oil filter in June. Thanks for the heads up and comparison. Find your videos informative and valuable.

I’ve been using Purolator filters since the ‘80s without a single issue. And will continue to use.

Thanks for the video! It's interesting to see that the construction of the Indonesian Tokyo Roki is quite different. By comparison, the Thai Mahle Honda filters and Japanese Mahle Honda filters are pretty much identical. I guess Tokyo Roki purchased quite different types of manufacturing machines for the Indonesian factory.

I was charged $26 for a unmarked filter from a dealership couple weeks ago. Always shop around.

Thank you for keeping us informed on Subaru’s trickery!

Napa gold or wix has not let me down yet.

Very good video as always, hopefully we get the same comparison in September when the EJ filters hit the dealers!

The filter made in Indonesia has many of the same characteristics of a Sakura oil filter that @WhipCityWrencher recently reviewed (Honda Oil Filter 15400-PLM-A02 vs. Sakura Oil Filter C-1821 Oil Filter Cut Open Comparison) including the coil spring with the cup it sits in and the spacing of the four rivets that attach the bypass valve.

Thanks for the comparison. I use only Amsoil products but even they recommend WIX if they can't get you their own. Food for thought. My 2023 Impreza came with 3 free oil changes so I'll request the black filter when due.

Great info. Going to try the Mazda oil filter next time. Thanks.

Ive been using the Mobil1 M1-110 filter for years on my Subaru X2.5 for years and am extremely satisfied y with it. Great quality, a bit more pricey.

I have been using the Napa Platinum and so far so good. I have read good reviews on it.

Will be really interesting to see what the aa100 ends up being - I would think if they changed designs they'd change the p/n the way they did for the bigger filter...

Surely they just contracted an existing filter plant. I'd bet the farm that new filter matches something else already on the market.

Napa gold on my 2018 Outback. No issues for far going on 89,000 miles. Switched to Napa gold around 66,000 miles. Runs great! Oil changes every 6,000 miles.

On my 2.5i I have mostly used Bosch 3300 filters. They are cheap and seem decent quality. Nice to know we can get Subaru filters that aren't fram but I have no issues the the Bosch ones.

Nice to see they are being made to similar specifications even if there are small differences. The Indonesian filter ADBV may be a bit thinner, but the reinforcing ribs will mean similar overall strength I'd imagine, and the larger size may mean more flow potential. The difference in filtration media area is likely very small, and it's definitely still a quality and strong canister. Bypass valve looks nice as well and the coil spring is actually a higher quality item to my mind. Overall, without some insane levels of testing, I'd say use without worry! It's definitely made like other quality filters we consider top tier.

Local Subaru dealership just got in a bunch of the Tokyo Roki filters that are marked with Made in Japan, clearly the real thing. Thankfully I watched this video earlier on, because once I realized what they had in stock, I bought 14 of them. They actually cost me less than the acdelco replacement filter, and it's still from the dealership. For clarification, these mine are the ones ending in AA100.

Thanks Mr.Subaru! This was one of those details I cannot afford to make/do. The Indonesia filter is not what I'd expect nor wish to use!

I just run the Mobil 1 m1-110a on my three Subies. They are easy to find at any AutoZone or Walmart. They are good quality filters and only put 3-5k miles on them anyway.

Nicely done! We just got our first shipment in today.

Think ill stick with the mazda filter every 2,500mi still for my modifed EJ. E85 dirties up oil quick

I used a wide variety of filters on my '96 Pathfinder. Factory, A/C, Several Fram, Mobile-1, etc. I used Mobile-1 oil first 100,000 miles, then Synthetic Blend after that. Zero Oil Consumption, even after 200,000 miles. I think the important part is that I CHANGED the oil EVERY 5,000 miles.

As soon as you mentioned FRAM = oh oh No! Good video and review. Not surprised that the Japanese filter appears to be better.

Ive gotten the black AA160 filters on eBay for a few years now for our '21 and '23 cars. They are the made in Japan type.

I was shocked ! I always go to the dealer for the bleu filter, I always thaught it was good. I guess I was worn! Thanks for making this video and explaining this to me!!! By the way, just picked up a 06 wrx wagon!

I still use the RX8 filters , even if they are a little pricey direct from Mazda.

Not a bad surface layer visual difference. I would have done some proper testing with poor quality oil and so on to get the disagreement between people out of the way. I've never noticed a difference with these oil filters, I strongly feel if a brand had wanted the best for their cars no matter what they would have just have just given the same design overall or within the same margin (not enough to make any difference) to their whole line up. I would have taken a look at the construction of the filter media, the amount of pleats, filtered some bad oil with some particles and testing things a little further. The titles only suggests hype in the theory of it all without any actual conclusion on the topic. I hope to see more testing on this from you.

Looks pretty good. Glad they finely figured out a solution to the oil filter problem and stopped using the low quality cheap fram stuff

I just picked one of these new filters up from my local Subaru dealer last week for $9.58. I’m impressed with the overall quality compared to the the blue filters.

I was using aftermarket parts on my Crosstrek and forgot this was an issue and still going on! Those new filters look pretty good. Definitely better than anything a quick lube place would install.

You can use the HOnda K 2.4L or J3.5L oil filters to replace it. They are interchangable as we do in Asia.

I have a hookup at my local Toyota dealer. I been using FRS filter for my FA20 WRX and Forester and now my XV Crosstrek. I havent had any issues at all.

Definitely happy to see that Subaru is giving the North American market a better filter now! I just bought more 160s, I use them for my 2022 Outback and my sister’s 2015 Crosstrek. I’ll wait to see if you test one of these on one of your cars, Mr. Subaru, then decide what way I’ll go for future filters! So far I’m still leaning toward the 160s but I’ll use the new NA market one in a pinch.

Change oil and filter on due time and everything will run smooth, whatever filter brand.

AA170s for my WRX are easy to get but if I couldn't get one I'd just use a Mobil 1 filter. They are everywhere and very good quality. US made.

I work at Subaru in Jacksonville FL. We have the Tokyo Roki in stock and use them on my Subaru and I do mean the Japanese ones.

Good to know that the filter I’ve been using at my Toyota dealer (The Mazda Filter) was actually made if a decent quality

Thank you as always!

Going with the Wix WL10078 on the 2022 wrx. It looks identical to the black Subaru factory filter but has more flow holes in the base.

Thanks for the video, I think the quality of the 15208AA20A is almost the same as the 160.

Ive always used Fram Force or Titanium part no ending in 7317. Only bacause 1) its included in an oil change bundle every month at Advance Auto and 2 my brothers Honda and my dads Acura use the same filter as well. Easy to remember.

Love your videos! You helped me feel more confident picking up a 24 Crosstrek Sport. The only thing I’m still worried about is the infotainment since the climate controls are baked into the screen. There was a class action suit on the older infotainment setups being slow, laggy, or glitchy and makes me reconsider the longevity and reliability of the infotainment. Is this something you consider a problem for someone who wants to use their cars long term? Is there anything we can do to maintain or prevent issues? You rock!!

Excelente información, very good information, congratulations 🇨🇱

I have a 2023 Crosstrek; I had my first oil change August in Franklin, TN and the original black filter was replaced with a Subaru-marked blue. Second oil change a couple of weeks ago with a black Subaru filter in Decatur, GA. Seems like a lot of people are buying Subarus these days. I took a long road trip to view the eclipse and about half the cars I saw on the way to and back from Wildcat Bluff were Six-Stars.

I order off Amazon and get the Black ones every time.

great vid! I guess BRZs are outliers? Haven't had any issues getting the black, made in Japan AA170 filters for my 2022 BRZ.

I just got an oil change recently at a Subaru dealer in Massachusetts and when I looked under the hood it had the black filter. It's a 2023 Forester that was made in Japan so when it was new it had the black filter and it only had the blue one for a short period of time.

Just cool to see a black filter (AA20A) to match the 130(BRZ) 170(VA/VB WRX, and 031 (H6). As a simple Subie lube tech, these are much better filters than the old blue ones. One caveat. Our Tokyo Roki filters are made in Indonesia.

Bought a service pack 12 count from NAPA labelled with Wix number 21334 but made in Korea, there were also Hyundai/KIA part numbers on the can. Happens to fit both my 2004 Sonata 2.7 and 2012 Outback 3.6. First time I've ever seen a custom molded rubber seal. The backflow seal is orange silicone.

I'll stick with Purolator Boss PBL14615. I don't trust OE to not change suppliers not telling you, and screw you over to save a few cents. I suppose different brands could do the same, but I trust them a little bit more.

interesting stuff - alot goes into your video presentation. thank you after seeing your old cut filter video and this one, i may stick with the fram ultra synthetic XG7317 I had seen it compared with wix and they seem to be the same. very much like your Japanese filters. Ive looked at cheaper fram filters and passed. {not so good} this Ultra one has been great in our little line of Subaru cars, only wix makes the size for the trucks here and oddly its a bit lower cost yet bigger & has the same internals. Ive seen a few other scientific comparisons {yeah I research a bit lol} the particles in the used oil samples are very similar between these I used to use subaru filters, but they proved to be sub par in past comparisons I had done [just for the fun of it] like other "studies" these are just opinions, its a good plan to keep an open mind as you check each theory. sub filters might sometimes [used to] be about the same cost, but the stealerships in a city nearby had their own idea of pricing, oops they were often way over others, So I started ordering. my fram ultras are not what a regular fram filter is.

I have been using the BRZ oil filters in my 2.5L Crosstrek. They're readily available at all dealerships, Japanese made, have more surface area, twice the core openings and only $7 apiece.

Other than the generic blue filters leaking, we have seen no issues from any type. The generics looked to be a bad batch for a very short period of time. The parts dept had several cases to dispose of at one point recalled for defects. Unless you're in a high heat area or heavy duty use I wouldn't go crazy deciding. They all work.

Sounds like the Mazda Dealer at $8 a copy sounds reasonable for my 2015 Outback.

Great video, love your entire series reviewing various oil filters! Here's a question, however. I typically label my oil filters with the date and mileage however do you recommend I write the mileage the car reads at the time of the oil change or when it will need the next change? Thanks!!

Here in Sydney, Australia at my local Subaru service centre when I get the oil filter , it’s always been black over the years. Never seen the blue filters here 👍

For the 2.4L turbo engine, WIX WL10078. Problem solved. Easy to find at O'Reilly's, etc.

I can't picture Tokyo roki having built a factory in Indonesia, but am leaning towards they might be made by Sakura filters. They do quite a few aftermarket brands here in Australia and their own brand. I've used 100s of them and never had an issue and have cut a few open in the past for inspection.

I don’t know how I feel about the one made in Indonesia. I am gunna stick with the one made in Japan.

I’ve been using Baldwin filters in my cars since ‘05 with no problems.

Thinking about the blank blue emergency oil filters, the plastic E-core inside them screamed Luber-Finer, Service Champ, and sometimes Fram PH7317.

Just started using the black ones yesterday at the shop!! 3/2/23

I had a napa gold filter leak on my outback. The top was cut about 3-4 degrees from square. Napa gave me a new filter and an extra quart of oil for the trouble. Now I check them for square before installing.

I would suspect and certainly hope that the Indonesian filters and the Japanese ones are targeting the same specifications and performance, and ideally the same filter media. The construction would have been adjusted for local component availability as well as the machinery the plant has. Not knowing the whole story, the new filters could even be produced by a partner or subcontractor.

Good oil good filters regular regimented oil changes = Good recipe :) … On a very small note construction of the new filter very similar to Mahle OC707 ; Here is to fun safe driving !

I’d be curious to see a filter test done on these filters by Ascent Filtration. Being a non-synthetic filter media, I wonder what the actual filtration capability and flow rate is? I know many are still stuck on the bypass spec on Subaru filters. If the filter media is capable of high flow, you’ll never reach the pressure differential that make the filter bypass in the first place.

Is the filter media the same? Maybe take the media out of each filter, stretch it out, measure and compare the total area of each.

I’ve been using a Toyota filter on a Forester I maintain - it’s the same one for the FR-S/GR86, p/n 90915-YZZS1. Denso branded, made in Thailand - its similar to the usual spin-on Toyota D1/D3/F1/N1 filters.

you need to take out the filter media and actually calculate the area (square footage) to properly determine filtration effectiveness. in a real word scenario the bypass valve should never be used in the first place since you should be changing out the oil filter at regular OCIs that are well before the filter media became so clogged that the filter bypass valve would need to be used. Plus, thinner “flimsier” bypass valve means easier actuation of the valve in case of blockages.

My shop uses Six Star filters which are supposedly private label versions of the Tokyo Roki’s

PL14460 is the go to for an EJ257. Especially higher power applications.

Great teardown video. All new to oil filter specs and quality. Will a Mazda RX-8 oil filter work in a 2023 Outback FB25 engine?

When my 2024 BRZ comes in I already confirmed with my dealer/service center; that I can supply the oil and filter for my oil changes. I am going with Pennzoil Ultra Platinum and Wix oil filters (which have been proven through testing to be amongst the best)

I really appreciate this video. What is your retail site where you sell the filters?

Napa platinum or gold for twenty years, never a problem.

Honestly, if I don’t have a Nissan a filter for my Infiniti, I literally will use either a Honda filter or a Subaru filter. They all work and fit the same car and it’s fucking amazing. 😂😂

Purolator Boss filters are one of the best.

We usually put on Wix or Wix XP, at least we know who makes them and the quality won't drop whenever subaru switches suppliers.

I had an issue with those blue filters. On my 13 Forester, I got the shortblock replaced, and when I picked it up, it had a random ticking at startup. After 3 trips to the dealer, and them even replacing the timing chain assembly and it still not going away, I had the thought it sounded like when you first start and the oil pressure hasn’t built up yet. I had the idea that maybe the oil was draining out of the filter when the engine was off. I bought a Wix and replaced it and immediately the ticking was gone. I have never had any issues with oil filters for my vehicle until they used a blue one at the dealer.

I just use k&n on my legacy 2.5i it’s the same as wife’s CRV. Never had a problem nor a shortage lol

Muy buen trabajo. Creo que seria útil agregar a la comparación el filtro azul, así se dejaría más claro porque es mejor el filtro negro.

I would love to see a video discussing how to "defeat" nannies such as TC and Stability control. and the different models it applies to

The right info, and a bonus video, I’m looking for. I have a 2021 Crosstrek 2.0 DOHC. I just subscribed to your channel. Awesome work you do. I recently ordered oil filter 15208AA160 from subarupartsdeal. It says Japan made on the photos showing the product. When I received my order, it says Indonesia on the box and canister. I plan to call their service department about this. Your detailed description and presentation about this subject is par excellence

I just pickedup my Forester from a standard break repair today. Talking with them I ask if they are now useing the new black oil filter. She told me yes BUT they are having issues with them leaking between the base and the can now and then. "The tecks have learned to check them all now" Oct. 20 2023

Everytime I see a video on oil filters I always reply this: I've been using for 10 years Mann Filters, with alot of trackdays and I've never had issues with the engine.

First week in Oct, got a black filter on my '22 OBW.

Mr Subaru - How about a follow up on these new AA20A Indonesian filters? Have you installed any on customer’s vehicles? There are numerous reports from users and dealers about oil leaking around the base!

Interesting, I purchased an OE oil filter for my 08 OB yesterday from the local dealer and they gave me a US made blue filter. I wonder if they found an old case of them laying around since the last one they gave me was the unbranded blue filter. Also I am starting to think Japanese companies are outsourcing to Indonesia. I bought a few NGK plugs ( which have always been Japanese made) for my lawn equipment last season and they were all made in Indonesia.

Ok…I have memorized all the part numbers, country of origin and years made…I’m ready for the POP QUIZ ! 🤯😱

I just bought a case of WIX XP's................RATS