The 2013 Honda Accord uses a cartridge-style oil filter that sits inside a canister on top of the engine

Your 2013 Honda Accord's oil filter is not a spin-on canister like you might see on other cars. Instead, it's a cartridge filter — a flat, pleated paper element that lives inside a plastic housing bolted directly to the engine. When you open the hood, you'll see a cylindrical cap on the top of the engine block, usually near the back. That cap is your filter housing.

The filter part number you need depends on whether your Accord is the four-cylinder or V6 model, but both use the same basic cartridge design. Honda part number 15400-PLM-A01 is the original filter for the four-cylinder engine, and 15400-RTA-004 is for the V6. Aftermarket brands like Fram, Mobil 1, and Bosch make compatible replacements that cost less and work the same way.

The cartridge design matters because it changes how you replace the filter. You're not unscrewing a canister from the bottom of the engine — you're unbolting a cap from the top, pulling out the old filter element, and sliding in a new one. This design keeps the filter cleaner and makes the job straightforward once you know what you're looking at.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2013 Accord uses a cartridge-style filter inside a housing on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter underneath.
  • Honda part number 15400-PLM-A01 fits the four-cylinder model, and 15400-RTA-004 fits the V6 model.
  • Aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, and Bosch are compatible and typically cost $8 to $15 less than Honda's original part.
  • Replacing the cartridge takes about 10 minutes and requires only a wrench and an oil drain pan to catch spills.

Where to buy the correct filter

You can find the right filter at any auto parts store — AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts all stock both Honda originals and aftermarket versions. If you know your engine size (four-cylinder or V6), you can order online and pick it up the same day, or have it shipped. Many stores will also install it for free if you buy the filter from them.

Honda dealerships carry the original part and can install it during a service visit, but you'll pay more for both the filter and the labor. If you're doing the work yourself, an aftermarket cartridge filter costs between $12 and $25, while Honda's original runs $20 to $35 depending on the retailer.

How to replace the cartridge filter yourself

Start by warming the engine for a minute or two — warm oil drains faster and more completely. Turn off the engine and let it cool just enough that you can touch the housing without burning yourself. Locate the cylindrical cap on top of the engine (it's usually black plastic with a bolt in the center) and place an oil drain pan underneath it.

Using a wrench that fits the bolt on top of the housing (usually a 17mm or 19mm socket), turn it counterclockwise to loosen the cap. Once it's loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way and lift it straight up. The old filter cartridge will come out with it, still attached to the underside of the cap. Pull the cartridge away from the cap and set it aside.

Wipe the inside of the housing clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Take your new cartridge filter and explore a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket (the ring around the top edge). This helps create a watertight seal. Slide the new cartridge into the housing, making sure it sits flat against the bottom, then screw the cap back on by hand until the gasket touches. Tighten it another three-quarters of a turn with your wrench — snug, but not so tight that you'll strip the threads.

Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait a minute. Check the oil level on the dipstick and top it off if needed. The filter holds a small amount of oil, so your level may drop slightly after replacement.

Differences between Honda original and aftermarket filters

Honda's original filter (part 15400-PLM-A01 or 15400-RTA-004) uses a pleated paper media that Honda engineers designed specifically for your engine. It filters particles down to about 10 microns and is rated to last 10,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first.

Aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, and Bosch meet or exceed the same standards. Fram's standard cartridge filters particles to 10 microns as well, while Mobil 1 and Bosch filters often filter down to 8 or 9 microns, catching slightly smaller particles. All three brands are widely used and have good track records in Honda Accords. The choice usually comes down to price and availability — if one is on sale or in stock when you need it, that's the one to buy.

Some people prefer Honda originals for peace of mind; others save money with aftermarket filters and see no difference in engine wear over the life of the car. Either choice is reasonable for a 2013 Accord.

When to replace your filter

Honda recommends changing the oil and filter every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. If you drive mostly on highways in light traffic, you can often stretch it to 10,000 miles. If you do a lot of short trips, idling, or towing, change it closer to 7,500 miles. Check your owner's manual for Honda's specific guidance for your driving conditions.

Some newer Accords have an oil-life monitor on the dashboard that tells you when service is due based on your actual driving. If your 2013 has this feature, follow the monitor's recommendation rather than a fixed schedule — it's more accurate for your habits.

What to do with the old filter

The old cartridge filter contains used oil and should not go in the trash. Take it to an auto parts store — most accept used filters for free, and some will even give you a small credit toward your next purchase. If you're having the filter changed at a dealership or shop, they handle disposal as part of the service.

Never pour the oil from the old filter down a drain or into the ground. Used motor oil is toxic to soil and water. If you need to dispose of the oil separately, collect it in a sealed container and take it to the same auto parts store or a local recycling center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a spin-on filter instead of the cartridge?

No. The 2013 Accord's engine is designed for the cartridge filter that bolts to the top. A spin-on filter won't fit the housing and could cause oil leaks or engine damage. Stick with the cartridge style.

What if I tighten the cap too much?

Over-tightening can crack the plastic housing or strip the bolt threads, making it hard to remove next time. Tighten until the gasket touches the housing, then turn another three-quarters of a turn. If you've already over-tightened, you may need to replace the housing cap — a $30 to $50 part.

Is there a difference between the four-cylinder and V6 filters?

Yes — they have different part numbers and are not interchangeable. The four-cylinder uses 15400-PLM-A01, and the V6 uses 15400-RTA-004. Check your owner's manual or the engine block itself to confirm which you have before ordering.

Do I need to change the rubber gasket on the cap?

The gasket is usually part of the cap assembly and doesn't need to be replaced unless it's cracked or hardened. If oil leaks from the cap after you've installed a new filter, the gasket may be worn and the cap assembly may need replacement.