The 2010 Honda Accord uses the HF303 or HF303C oil filter, depending on engine size and model year production date

The 2010 Honda Accord came with two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6. Both use the same oil filter part number in most cases — the Fram HF303 or the Honda OEM equivalent, which Honda lists as part number 15400-PLM-A01 or 15400-PLM-A02. The HF303C is a variant you may see listed; it fits the same process but has a slightly different internal bypass valve design. For your specific vehicle, the HF303 is the standard replacement.

The filter threads onto the engine block on the driver's side, below the intake manifold on four-cylinder models and on the front of the engine on V6 models. It is a spin-on canister about 3 inches tall and 2.75 inches in diameter. You do not need to remove any major components to reach it, though working space is tight on the four-cylinder.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2010 Honda Accord four-cylinder and V6 both use the HF303 or equivalent Honda part 15400-PLM-A01, which you can find at any auto parts store for $5 to $12.
  • The filter threads onto the engine block and requires only a filter wrench and a drain pan to replace; no special tools or engine removal is needed.
  • Honda recommends changing the oil and filter every 10,000 miles under normal driving, or every 5,000 miles if you drive in severe conditions like frequent short trips or towing.
  • Aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and Purolator all fit the HF303 process and meet or exceed OEM specifications for your model year.

Where to buy the correct filter and what to expect to pay

The HF303 is one of the most common oil filters in North America, so you will find it at every major auto parts retailer: AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts, and Walmart. You can also order it online from Amazon or directly from Honda dealers. Prices range from $5 to $12 depending on the brand and retailer; OEM Honda filters tend to cost $8 to $12, while Fram and other aftermarket brands run $5 to $8.

When you order or purchase, confirm the part number on the box matches HF303 or the Honda number 15400-PLM-A01. Some retailers list multiple filter numbers for the 2010 Accord; the HF303 is the correct one. If you see HF302 or HF304 listed, those are for different Honda models and will not fit.

If you are buying from a dealer, bring your vehicle identification number (VIN) or the owner's manual to the parts counter. They can cross-reference it and confirm the exact part before you pay. This takes five minutes and eliminates any doubt.

OEM versus aftermarket filters: what the difference means for your Accord

Honda's OEM filter (part 15400-PLM-A01) uses a synthetic media and a spring-loaded bypass valve that opens if the filter clogs, allowing oil to flow to the engine rather than starving it. The filter is rated to trap particles down to 25 microns and has a collapse-resistant design that prevents the media from tearing under high oil pressure.

Aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and Purolator meet the same SAE J806 standard and perform similarly in normal driving. Fram's HF303 is the most common aftermarket equivalent and is sold at nearly every parts store. Mobil 1 and Bosch filters are slightly more expensive but use synthetic media throughout. Purolator PureOne filters use a similar synthetic design and cost between Fram and Mobil 1.

For a 2010 Accord, any of these brands will work without issue. The choice comes down to availability and price. If you find the OEM filter in stock and the price is close, buying it removes any question about compatibility. If the aftermarket filter is significantly cheaper and in stock, it is a safe choice.

How to replace the oil filter yourself

You will need a filter wrench (a strap wrench or cup wrench works; they cost $5 to $15), a drain pan, and a new filter. Warm the engine for one minute to thin the oil, then turn it off and wait five minutes. Loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise with the wrench; once it is loose enough to grip by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way. Oil will drip out, so position the drain pan underneath.

Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine block with a clean rag to remove any old rubber gasket material or debris. explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter — just enough to wet it, not a thick coat. Thread the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the engine, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct.

Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds, watching the oil pressure gauge. The oil pressure light should go out within a few seconds. Turn off the engine, wait two minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick. Top it off if needed. The whole job takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have the filter in hand.

Honda's maintenance schedule and when to change your filter

Honda's official maintenance schedule for the 2010 Accord calls for an oil and filter change every 10,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Normal driving means highway miles, moderate temperatures, and no towing or frequent short trips. If you drive in severe conditions — stop-and-go city traffic, temperatures below 32°F, towing, or frequent trips under 5 miles — Honda recommends changing the oil and filter every 5,000 miles.

The owner's manual also specifies the oil grade: 0W-20 for all 2010 models. Using the correct grade is important because it affects oil pressure, fuel economy, and engine wear. Do not substitute 5W-20 or 10W-30 unless you are in a climate where 0W-20 is not available and temperatures will not drop below freezing.

If you drive mostly highway miles and change the oil on schedule, you can expect the filter to last the full 10,000-mile interval without degradation. If you drive in severe conditions, the filter media will accumulate more contaminants and the bypass valve may open more often, so the 5,000-mile interval is the safer choice.

Common filter problems and what they mean

If the oil pressure warning light comes on shortly after an oil change, the most common cause is an incorrectly installed filter. The light usually means the bypass valve is open because the filter is clogged or because the filter was not seated properly. Stop the engine when ready, wait five minutes, and check that the filter is tight. If it is loose, tighten it by hand and restart. If it is tight and the light returns, the filter gasket may not have sealed; remove the filter, wipe the mounting surface again, and install a new filter with fresh oil on the gasket.

If the oil pressure light comes on after 8,000 or 9,000 miles on the same filter, the filter media may be clogged. This is rare on a 2010 Accord unless the engine is burning oil or the air filter is severely clogged, allowing dust into the crankcase. Change the oil and filter when ready and inspect the air filter.

If you notice oil leaking from the filter after installation, the gasket did not seal. Remove the filter, clean the mounting surface thoroughly with a rag, and install a new filter. Do not reuse a filter that has leaked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different filter size or brand if the HF303 is out of stock?

No. The HF303 is the only filter that fits the 2010 Accord's mounting threads and bypass valve design. Using a different size or model can cause oil leaks, incorrect oil pressure, or bypass valve failure. If the HF303 is out of stock locally, order it online for next-day delivery or visit another auto parts store.

How do I know if my filter is the original one or has been changed before?

Look at the filter canister. If it is stamped with a date code (usually a letter and number on the top or side), you can cross-reference it with the manufacturer's date code chart online. If there is no date code or it is worn off, you cannot determine the age. The safest approach is to change it at your next scheduled service interval regardless.

What should I do with the old filter after I remove it?

The old filter contains used oil and should not go in the trash. Take it to an auto parts store — most accept used filters for free recycling. Some will credit your account if you bought the new filter from them. Never pour the oil from the filter down a drain; dispose of it in the same container as your used engine oil.

Is synthetic oil better than conventional, and does it change the filter interval?

Synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oil and may allow you to extend the interval between changes. However, Honda's maintenance schedule does not change based on oil type for the 2010 Accord — it remains 10,000 miles for normal driving. Some owners using full synthetic oil report going 12,000 to 15,000 miles between changes, but this is beyond Honda's recommendation and voids any warranty claim if engine damage occurs.

Do I need to reset anything after changing the oil and filter?

The 2010 Accord does not have an electronic oil change reminder that needs resetting. Some later model years do; check your owner's manual. If your Accord has a maintenance reminder light, it resets automatically after the next engine start cycle following the oil change.