TSB for alternate engine oil filter!

Saw that on the XV Board. Crazy

Wow. Good thing I stocked up on Subaru oem oil filters last year and in 2021. Are these alternative oem filters better than Wix?

The procedure suggests to me the new filters can't handle the load of contaminants remaining when the standard oil change procedure is performed. My personal opinion is that there are filters out there that exceed the capability of Subaru filters. Why authorize alternate parts that don't meet or exceed the standard?

I'm glad I stocked up on the 15208AA15A filters several weeks ago from SubaruOnLineparts.com. I'm good for a while.

donkpow said:

Why authorize alternate parts that don't meet or exceed the standard?

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Perhaps the maker of the alternate oil filter was the only manufacturer that could meet Subaru's volume of demand?

What a strange TSB. As I read it, the procedure only applies to the initial oil change, or following the maintenance listed in the TSB. In other words, zero impact to folks doing routine oil changes with the new alternate OEM filter.

That is a strange TSB. looking at the images on the TSB, the subaru-alternative oil filter is white, and seems to be a regular Purolator oil filter. The blue Subaru oil filters were made by Fram.
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I wouldn't be concerned with this TSB if you're a DIY'er.
There are so many compatible aftermarket oil filters out there.
I hope this doesn't turn into another oil filter recommendation thread.

bigbird1 said:

I wouldn't be concerned with this TSB if you're a DIY'er.

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This.

I did my first oil change myself, and didn't use a genuine Subaru filter. (Not recommending or disclosing what I used).

I wonder if the dealers are charging extra, or eating the cost of the added oil/labor. It's not exactly the customer's fault they are having supply chain issues. The cost of 4 additional quarts of synthetic is going to be a tough sell on that first oil change service.

bigbird1 said:

I hope this doesn't turn into another oil filter recommendation thread.

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or - another oil filter comparison thread

It won't - will it guys!

boureesub said:

What a strange TSB. As I read it, the procedure only applies to the initial oil change, or following the maintenance listed in the TSB. In other words, zero impact to folks doing routine oil changes with the new alternate OEM filter.

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It's a little buried in the TSB but that seems to be the case. It still doesn't do anything to boost my confidence in this temporary replacement.

Why would the initial oil change require a "flush"all of a sudden?
Is there something inadequate with the factory installed oil filter?

I plan to do my first oil change at 2k km and the next at 5k km.
I use high quality aftermarket oil filters.
That will be how I do the "flush".

@bigbird1 Does Canada get the black Tokyo Roki filters (same as installed at the factory) or do you get the SOA blue Fram?

FozzyX3 said:

@bigbird1 Does Canada get the black Tokyo Roki filters (same as installed at the factory) or do you get the SOA blue Fram?

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Blue Fram for us as well in Canada.

I am not recommending or endorsing any filters. However, I want to mention that the black Tokyo Roki filters are readily available from several online parts retailers.
The oil filter shortage is a Subaru problem. I own another 2020 Pilot, and Honda has not mentioned any blue oil filter shortage.

Just looked at the TSB. Absolutely ridiculous ! There is zero chance that any dealer, service station, or quick lube joint will follow those directions. The pimply faced kid who does the oil changes will never, ever take the time to do all that foolishness. His boss will also be pushing him to get the car out of the bay and the extra time needed to go through the procedure outlined in the TSB will not be allowed.
Subaru needs to find a plan "B"

vtdog said:

Just looked at the TSB. Absolutely ridiculous ! There is zero chance that any dealer, service station, or quick lube joint will follow those directions.

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Not to mention the hassle for a dealer to file claims with SOA for 4 quarts of oil and 20 minutes of labor.

It would be interesting, if there are enough users here, (that see this thread) that will go in for the initial oil change, to see what filter the dealer actually uses.

I think it is going to depend whether or not the dealer still has a supply of blue filters. The part numbers in the TSB now supersedes the old number.