I took my 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness into the dealership for a tire rotation and oil change, and they called me wanting to change essentially every fluid in the car because apparently Subaru recommends it after 30,000 miles. It would cost me near $500.
Is this actually necessary? If I were to get it done, I'd take it to an independent mechanic. I only went to the dealership this time to get something fixed under warranty.
Read the owners manual for details. The following is just my guess-estimation.
Oil: Yes.
Transmission Oil: Yes, if you haven't done it already. IIRC, Subaru uses CVT's in most of its cars. If it is a CVT, it's a good time to change it. The manual will probably say otherwise, but anecdotal evidence suggest this is a smart thing to do. If it is an automatic, that not needed at this time.
Brake fluid: Probably not, but check the manual.
Power steering: I don't even know if it takes power steering fluid, but probably not needed at this time, if it uses fluid.
Coolant: Manuals usually say around 100K-120K, but 50K-60K seems to be the recommendation around here.
Coolant does not need to be changed. CVT fluid change is not on the table, and the dealer would not (I hope) recommend that because it would void your warranty.
Front and rear differential fluid is definitely due. That’s a relatively easy DIY (but be sure to drain the front diff fluid not the CVT fluid because the plugs look the same), so no need to pay the dealer if you are handy with tools.
Brakes, probably not. Wouldn’t hurt to flush them, but at your age and mileage I doubt it’s necessary.
@dad2lm2 This is excellent. So, you're recommending just the differential?
I've learned SO much about automotive tech from Scotty, and I'm excited to hang around here and learn more.
Correct, just both differentials and the motor oil. Brakes optional. Coolant and CVT are fine for now.
FYI: Subaru CVT fluid has been discussed extensively here in the past. Check the search bar above for details.
For the CVT fluid, it is a good idea at that mileage. That should cost about $200-250. Maybe the diffs and transfer case, but seems rather early.
I was just researching my manual. They recommend brake and differential fluid at my mileage. I suppose I'll get that done.