Where the oil filter sits on a 2018 Honda Accord

The oil filter on a 2018 Honda Accord is mounted on the driver's side of the engine, near the bottom. On the 1.5L turbo engine, it sits on the lower front of the engine block. On the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, the filter is positioned similarly but slightly higher. Both are accessible from underneath the vehicle without removing the wheel, though you will need to get under the car to reach it.

The filter cartridge itself is a cylindrical metal canister about 3 inches tall. It threads directly into the engine block, so you turn it by hand rather than using a wrench. Honda does not use a separate filter housing or spin-on design on this model year — the cartridge screws in and out directly.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 Accord oil filter is located on the driver's side of the engine block, accessible from underneath without removing the wheel.
  • The filter is a threaded cartridge that you turn by hand, not a spin-on filter that requires a wrench.
  • The OEM Honda filter part number is 15400-PLM-A02 for both engine sizes, and the filter capacity is 0.6 quarts.
  • Replacement takes 5 to 10 minutes once you are under the vehicle, and you do not need to drain the oil first.
  • Aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, and Bosch fit the same thread pattern and are less expensive than the Honda part.

OEM filter part number and specifications

Honda's original equipment filter for the 2018 Accord is part number 15400-PLM-A02. This part number covers both the 1.5L turbo and 2.0L naturally aspirated engines — the filter itself is identical. The filter holds 0.6 quarts of oil and has a micron rating of 10 microns, which is standard for Honda engines.

The OEM filter costs between $8 and $12 at Honda dealerships, depending on your region. Some dealerships charge a core fee of $1 to $2 if you do not return the old filter. The filter threads onto the engine using a 64mm socket size, though most people turn it by hand without tools.

Aftermarket filters that fit the 2018 Accord

Several aftermarket brands manufacture filters with the same thread pattern and specifications as the Honda original. Fram PH8A, Mobil 1 M1-110, and Bosch 3323 all fit the 2018 Accord without modification. These filters cost $4 to $7 each and meet or exceed the OEM micron rating.

Fram and Mobil 1 filters are widely available at auto parts stores, big-box retailers, and online. Bosch filters are less common in retail locations but can be ordered. All three brands have the same thread pitch as the Honda filter, so installation is identical. If you choose an aftermarket filter, verify the part number on the box matches your engine size before purchase — some filters are engine-specific even though they fit the same thread.

How to access and remove the filter

Park on level ground and let the engine cool for at least 10 minutes. Raise the vehicle with a jack and find it on jack stands, or drive it onto ramps. You do not need to remove the wheel, but you will need to get under the front driver's side of the car.

Locate the cylindrical filter canister on the engine block. It will be warm but not hot if the engine has cooled. Place a drain pan underneath it to catch any oil that drips when you remove it. Turn the filter counterclockwise by hand — it will loosen after a quarter turn, then unscrew freely. Once it is loose enough to turn by hand, continue until it comes free. Some oil will spill, so keep the pan in place.

Wipe the threaded port on the engine block with a clean rag to remove any debris or old gasket material. Do not use a wire brush or anything that could scratch the threads.

Installing the new filter

Before installing the new filter, explore a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on the top of the new filter. This helps create a watertight seal and makes removal easier next time. Hand-thread the new filter onto the engine block, turning clockwise.

Tighten the filter until the gasket contacts the engine block, then turn it an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not over-tighten — the filter will seal properly with hand-tight pressure plus that final three-quarter turn. Over-tightening can damage the gasket and make the filter difficult to remove at the next service.

Lower the vehicle and start the engine. Let it run for 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait 2 minutes. Check the oil level on the dipstick — you may need to add 0.5 to 1 quart of oil because the new filter holds more than the old one. Top up if needed, then check underneath the filter for leaks. If oil is dripping, turn the filter an additional quarter turn and recheck.

Oil change interval and filter replacement schedule

Honda recommends changing the oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, for 2018 Accords driven under normal conditions. If you drive in severe conditions — frequent short trips, towing, or dusty environments — Honda suggests every 5,000 miles or 6 months.

The 2018 Accord does not have an oil change reminder light that you can reset manually. The vehicle displays a maintenance message based on its internal algorithm, which factors in driving patterns and mileage. This message is informational only; the 10,000-mile interval is Honda's official recommendation regardless of what the display shows.

Tools and supplies you will need

You need a jack and jack stands or ramps to get under the vehicle safely. A drain pan to catch spilled oil is essential — use a shallow metal or plastic pan at least 12 inches wide. A clean rag or shop towel to wipe the threaded port is necessary to prevent debris from entering the engine.

You do not need a filter wrench for the 2018 Accord because the filter unscrews by hand. If the filter is stuck, a 64mm filter socket and a breaker bar can help, but this is rare. Fresh oil for topping up the reservoir is helpful — have at least 1 quart on hand in case the new filter holds more than you expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the oil filter without draining the oil?

Yes. The filter and oil are separate systems on the 2018 Accord. You can replace the filter without touching the oil drain plug. Some oil will spill when you remove the old filter, but this is normal and does not require a full oil change. Keep a drain pan underneath to catch it.

What happens if I over-tighten the new filter?

Over-tightening can crush the rubber gasket, which will cause the filter to leak oil once the engine warms up. It also makes the filter extremely difficult to remove at the next service. Hand-tight plus three-quarters of a turn is the correct torque — you do not need tools to install it.

Is the Honda OEM filter worth the extra cost over aftermarket?

The OEM filter and quality aftermarket filters like Fram and Mobil 1 have the same micron rating and performance. The Honda part costs $4 to $5 more. If you are comfortable with aftermarket parts and want to save money, the Fram or Mobil 1 filters are reliable choices. If you prefer to stick with Honda parts, the OEM filter is worth the cost for peace of mind.

Do I need to reset anything after changing the filter?

No. The 2018 Accord does not have a resettable oil change reminder. The maintenance message will clear automatically once the vehicle's system registers normal operation. You do not need to visit a dealership or use a scanner to reset anything.

Can I use a different filter size if the OEM is out of stock?

No. The filter must have the same thread pitch and size as the 15400-PLM-A02. Using a different size will either not fit or will not seal properly. If the OEM is unavailable, order the Fram PH8A, Mobil 1 M1-110, or Bosch 3323 instead — all are confirmed fits for the 2018 Accord.