What oil filter your 2013 CR-V needs and where to find it
The 2013 Honda CR-V uses a Honda OEM filter HF204 or an equivalent aftermarket filter that meets Honda's specifications. This is a cartridge-style filter, meaning it sits inside a plastic housing on top of the engine rather than screwing on from the outside like older designs.
You can buy this filter at any auto parts store — AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts, and Walmart all stock it. The filter typically costs between $8 and $15 depending on the brand and where you shop. Honda dealerships also sell the OEM version, usually at a higher price. When you buy, confirm the part number matches HF204 or check that the box says it fits a 2013 CR-V.
The filter location is on the top of the engine, toward the back. You'll see a round plastic cap with a wrench symbol on it — that's the filter housing. It's straightforward to reach without removing other parts, which is one reason Honda switched to this design.
Key Takeaways
- The 2013 CR-V uses Honda filter HF204, a cartridge-style filter that costs $8 to $15 and is stocked at all major auto parts retailers.
- The filter sits in a plastic housing on top of the engine and requires a special wrench (usually included with the filter or sold separately for $10 to $20) to remove the cap.
- You will need fresh oil to refill after the filter change — check your owner's manual for the exact type and amount your CR-V requires.
- The whole job takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have the right tools and takes no special mechanical skill.
Tools and supplies you'll need before you start
Beyond the filter itself, gather a filter wrench (a socket-style tool that grips the plastic housing cap), fresh oil, an oil drain pan, and rags or paper towels. The filter wrench is the one tool you cannot skip — the cap is too tight to turn by hand. Most auto parts stores sell a universal cartridge filter wrench for $10 to $20, or you can rent one for a few dollars. Some people buy the Honda-specific wrench, which costs a bit more but fits perfectly.
Check your owner's manual or the oil cap inside the engine bay to confirm what type and weight of oil your CR-V takes. Most 2013 CR-Vs use 0W-20 synthetic or conventional oil. You'll need about 3.7 quarts total, but you may only need 3 to 3.5 quarts if you're just topping off after a filter change. Buy a quart more than you think you'll need so you don't run short.
Have the drain pan ready before you open anything — old oil will spill. A shallow pan from an auto parts store costs $5 to $10 and is reusable. You'll also want rags or old towels because the filter housing cap and the area around it will be wet with oil.
Step-by-step: removing the old filter
Start with the engine cold or warm but not hot — warm is actually better because the oil flows more easily, but you don't want to burn yourself. Open the hood and locate the round plastic filter housing cap on top of the engine. Place your drain pan underneath it to catch any oil that spills when you open it.
Fit your filter wrench onto the cap and turn it counterclockwise. It will be tight the first turn, then easier. Once it's loose enough, unscrew it by hand the rest of the way. The cap will come off with the old filter cartridge still inside it — the filter is not a separate piece you pull out. Set the cap and filter aside on a rag.
Look inside the housing. You'll see a rubber O-ring seal at the bottom. Wipe this clean with a dry rag — any old rubber or debris left here will cause a leak. The housing itself should be clean and dry before you put the new filter in.
Installing the new filter and refilling oil
Take your new filter cartridge and slide it into the housing. It will sit flat against the bottom. Now take the cap (which is reusable) and screw it back on by hand first to make sure it's threaded correctly, then use the wrench to tighten it. Tighten firmly but not with all your strength — you're aiming for snug, not crushed. Most filter wrenches have a torque marking that tells you when to stop.
Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to a minute. This circulates the new oil through the filter. Turn it off and wait two minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick. Add oil a little at a time until the level reaches the full mark. Do not overfill — too much oil can damage the engine.
Check under the filter housing for drips. If you see oil leaking from where the cap meets the housing, the cap may not be tight enough. Let the engine cool slightly, then tighten it a bit more with the wrench.
What to do with the old filter
The old filter cartridge contains used oil and should not go in the trash. Take it to an auto parts store — most will take it for free, especially if you bought your new filter there. Some recycling centers also accept oil filters. Call ahead to confirm they take cartridge-style filters, since some older recycling programs only handle spin-on filters.
If you drained oil into a pan, that oil also needs proper disposal. Do not pour it down the drain or into the ground. Auto parts stores, quick-lube shops, and many municipal hazardous waste facilities will take used oil for free or a small fee.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is forgetting to clean the rubber O-ring seal inside the housing before installing the new filter. If old rubber or dirt stays in there, it prevents the new seal from sitting flush, and you'll get a leak that shows up a few days later. Take 10 seconds to wipe it clean — it's the easiest step and the most important.
Another mistake is over-tightening the cap. The plastic housing is not as strong as a metal filter bowl, and over-tightening can crack it. Hand-tight plus a quarter turn with the wrench is usually right. If you're not sure, err on the side of loose — a slightly loose cap will drip a little, and you can tighten it. A cracked housing means replacing the whole assembly.
Finally, don't skip checking the oil level after the first run. New oil takes a minute to circulate through the filter, so the dipstick won't show the true level when ready after you fill it. Running the engine settles everything, and then you can top off if needed.
When to change your CR-V's oil filter
Honda recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a 2013 CR-V, that's typically every 10,000 miles if you use synthetic oil, or every 5,000 to 7,500 miles if you use conventional oil. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval — it may vary slightly depending on your driving conditions.
Some people change the filter more often than the oil as a precaution, but that's not necessary. The filter and oil work together, and replacing one without the other defeats the purpose. Stick to your manual's schedule and you'll keep your engine clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different filter than the HF204?
Yes, as long as it's designed for a 2013 CR-V and meets Honda's specifications. Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and other major brands all make compatible filters. Check the box to confirm it fits your year and model. Avoid very cheap no-name filters — they may not filter as well or seal properly.
What if oil leaks from the housing after I install the new filter?
Let the engine cool, then check that the cap is tight. If it is, the O-ring seal inside may be damaged or not seated correctly. Remove the cap again, inspect the rubber ring, and make sure it's sitting flat in the groove. If it's cracked or torn, you'll need a new O-ring (usually $2 to $5) before reinstalling.
Do I need to change the oil at the same time as the filter?
No, you can change the filter alone if the oil is still good. However, Honda recommends changing them together on the same schedule. If you're only doing the filter, make sure your oil level is correct before and after, since you won't be draining and refilling.
How long does a 2013 CR-V oil filter last?
A filter lasts as long as the oil change interval — typically 5,000 to 10,000 miles depending on whether you use synthetic or conventional oil. After that, the filter media becomes clogged and can't trap contaminants as well. Changing it on schedule keeps your engine protected.